HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-07-2008CITY OF B U R__ N_
WASHINGTON
1. CALL TO ORDER
CITY OF AUBURN
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
July 7, 2008
Chairman Rich Wagner called the meeting to order at 3:30 pm in Council Chambers, located on the
first floor of Auburn City Hall, 25 West Main Street, Auburn, Washington. Committee members
present were: Chairman Rich Wagner, Vice-Chair Gene Cerino, and Member Virginia Haugen.
Also present during the meeting were: Mayor Peter B. Lewis, Assistant Director/City Engineer
Dennis Selle, Assistant City Engineer Ingrid Gaub, Senior Project Engineer Bill Helbig, Utilities
Engineer Dan Repp, Financial Planning Manager Karen Jester, Information Services Director Lorrie
Rempher, Transportation Operations Engineer Scott Nutter, Transportation Planner Joe Welsh,
Project Engineer Leah Dunsdon, Project Engineer Fritz Timm, Project Engineer Ryan Vondrak,
Transportation Planner/Grants Manager Chris Hankins, Principal Planner Elizabeth Chamberlain,
Debra Scheibner, P.E., King County River and Floodplain Management Unit, Water and Land
Resources Division, Transportation Intern Cameron Bloomer, and Department Secretary Jennifer
Rigsby.
II. CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Member Haugen, that the Committee approve
the Public Works Committee minutes for date, June 16, 2008. Motion carried.
B. RIGHT-OF-WAY USE PERMIT NO. 08-13 FOR BN BUILDERS/AUBURN MEDICAL FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF AUBURN MEDICAL ONCOLOGY CENTER AND PARKING GARAGE
Chairman Wagner asked what the time frame was for the Right-of-Way Use Permit.
Transportation Planner Welsh answered from mid-August 2008 until mid-August 2009. Wagner
asked if there is usually more specific time requirements for Right-of-Way Use Permits. Welsh
responded that the time frame depends on the reason the applicant is applying for the permit.
In this case construction is involved and the City can include a more specific time frame. A
representative from BN Builders stated they anticipate construction being completed within a
year but there are several variables pertaining to the project, the main one being the staggered
start of the construction of the medical building and the parking garage. The Committee voiced
their concern about parking availablility in Downtown during construction. Mayor Lewis
responded that Auburn Regional Medical and the City that are both making alternative parking
arrangements, and the plan is to not create a parking shortage. Assistant Director/City Engineer
Selle stated the dates, August 2008 through August 2009 were included on the permit
document.
Transportation Planner Welsh reviewed the changes in the conditions to the permit with the
Committee. Welsh stated 2nd Street NW will not be accessed due to the narrowness of the
street. Using a map of the area, Welsh illustrated the phases of construction and the intended
street access.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Member Haugen, that the Committee approve
Right-of-Way Use Permit No. 08-13 for BN Builders/Auburn Medical for construction of Auburn
Medical Oncology Center and parking garage. Motion carried.
Public Works Committee Minutes July 7, 2008
C. RIGHT-OF-WAY USE PERMIT NO. 08-14 FOR AUBURN DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION
SIDEWALK SALE
Transportation Planner Welsh explained the East Main Street closure would be from Auburn
Way to Auburn Avenue instead of the closure being extending to North Division Street as
originally planned. Chairman Wagner asked if the Auburn Downtown Association could meet
the insurance requirements for the permit. Mayor Lewis answered that the Auburn Downtown
Association is a viable organization and by being so has the necessary insurance.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Member Haugen, that the Committee approve
Right-of-Way Use Permit No. 08-14 for the Auburn Downtown Association Sidewalk Sale.
Motion carried.
D. RIGHT-OF-WAY USE PERMIT NO. 08-15 FOR KING COUNTY HAUL ROUTE - STUCK
RIVER DRIVE REVETMENT REPAIR PROJECT
Transportation Planner Welsh distributed information regarding Right-of-Way Use Permit No.
08-15. Vice-Chair verified the location of Stuck River Drive. Welsh confirmed the Stuck River
Drive Revetment Repair Project location with Debra Scheibner, King County River and
Floodplain Management Unit, Water and Land Resources Division.
Transportation Planner Welsh stated King County's initial request was to use R Street SE as a
haul route however R Street SE will be closed in August for pavement patching and utility work
and will not be able to be used effectively. Scheibner stated the County is working on an
agreement with ICON Materials which would allow them to use 415` Street SE as part of the
County's haul route. Details of the agreement are still being worked out. Transportation
Planner Welsh confirmed that if the City required the haul route to include the use of 415' Street
SE, King County would be able to use the portion of the street owned by ICON Materials.
Scheibner concurred.
Scheibner stated the City of Pacific had been contacted regarding permits for use of Ellingson
Road and was informed that because the road is currently part of an existing haul route, no
permits were necessary.
The Committee reviewed the map of the proposed haul route. Chairman Wagner asked if the
wording on the permit required King County to use 41st Street SE as part of the haul route.
Transportation Planner Welsh reviewed the conditions of the permit and the map, verifying it
did. Mayor Lewis commented on the use of 15th Street SW as part of the route and the
roadway not being in the condition to accommodate trucks. Assistant Director/City Engineer
Selle responded, stating the use of C Street SW eliminates the need to use other City streets,
particularly 15th Street SW. Chairman Wagner requested the map be updated, removing 15th
Street SW as part of the route and extending C Street SW to the Highway 18 interchange.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Member Haugen that the Committee approve
Right-of-Way Use Permit No. 08-15 for King County Haul Route - Stuck River Drive Revetment
Repair Project, with the requested changes to the haul route map. Motion carried.
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Public Works Committee Minutes July 7, 2008
E. PERMISSION TO AWARD CONTRACT NO. 08-07 FOR PROJECT NO. CP0759, OLYMPIC
MIDDLE SCHOOL PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS TO RODARTE CONSTRUCTION INC.
ON THEIR LOW BID OF $131,481.00
Chairman Wagner asked if the flashing beacon signs were at both ends. Project Engineer
Dunsdon responded there are two beacons located on 17th Street SE and two on 21S Street
SE, one in each direction. Using both an overview and vicinity map, Dunsdon and Assistant
Director/City Engineer Selle demonstrated the exact location of the flashing beacons in
relationship to Olympic Middle School and the crosswalks.
Chairman Wagner asked about the crosswalk near the school bus entrance/exit. Dunsdon
answered the crosswalk would be of regular design, two foot wide striping and bracketed, and
the project was designed to discourage crossing near the bus entrance/exit by the construction
of trails into the school grounds prior to each of the Bus entrances..
Mayor Lewis responded to questions regarding funding.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Member Haugen that the Committee
recommend Council award Contract No. 08-07 to Rodarte Construction Inc. for Project No.
CP0759, Olympic Middle School Pedestrian Improvements. Motion Carried.
F. APPROVE FINAL PAY ESTIMATE NO. 5 TO SMALL WORKS CONTRACT 06-26 IN THE
AMOUNT OF $5,200 FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT PRICE OF $218,915.90 WITH TRANSTECH
ELECTRIC AND ACCEPT CONSTRUCTION OF PROJECT NO. CP0637, TRAFFIC SAFETY
IMPROVEMENTS AND LUMINARE REPAIR REPLACEMENTS
Transportation Operations Engineer Nutter responded to questions from the Committee
regarding change orders and the scope of work.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Member Haugen that the Committee
recommend Council approve Final Pay Estimate No. 5 to Small Works Contract No. 06-26 and
accept construction of Project No. CP0637, Traffic Safety Improvements and Luminare Repair
Replacements. Motion carried.
G. APPROVE FINAL PAY ESTIMATE NO. 4 TO CONTRACT NO. 07-13 IN THE AMOUNT OF
$20,445.90 FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT PRICE OF $602,833.87 WITH NORTHWEST
ASPHALT INC. AND ACCEPT CONSTRUCTION OF PROJECT NO. CP0742, AUBURN WAY
PAVEMENT OVERLAY 4T" STREET SE TO 4T" STREET NE
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Chairman Wagner that the Committee
recommend Council approve Final Pay Estimate No. 4 to Contract No. 07-13 and acce?t
construction of Project No. CP0742, Auburn Way Pavement Overlay 4th Street SE to 4t Street
NE. Member Haugen dissented. Motion carried.
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Public Works Committee Minutes July 7, 2008
III. ISSUES
A. RESOLUTION NO. 4371 CALL FOR HEARING ON RIGHT-OF-WAY VACATION V4-08
Chairman Wagner asked if more details would be provided for Committee review. Assistant
Director/City Engineer answered that there would be a presentation and staff report. Wagner
stated there is a need for conditions to be included with the vacation insuring development in
the vicinity. Mayor Lewis concurred. Chairman Wagner asked about the potential of a half-
block vacation. Mayor Lewis answered it would be Council's decision whether to vacate a half-
block or the full block, dependant on the development proposal.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Member Haugen that the Committee
recommend Council adopt Resolution No. 4371 calling for a Public Hearing on Right-of-Way
Vacation No. V4-08. Motion carried.
B. RESOLUTION NO. 4372 AUTHORIZES THE MAYOR AND THE CITY CLERK TO REVIEW
BIDS, AWARD, AND EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF AUBURN AND
THE LOWEST RESPONSIBLE BIDDER FOR PROJECT NO. CP0811, 2008 ARTERIAL
PAVEMENT PATCHING
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Member Haugen that the Committee
recommend Council adopt Resolution No. 4372 authorizing the Mayor and the City Clerk to
review bids, award, and execute an agreement between the City of Auburn and the lowest
responsible bidder for Project No. CP0811, 2008 Arterial Pavement Patching.
IV. DISCUSSION AND INFORMATION
A. PROJECT UPDATE - PROJECT NO. CP0701, 8Th AND R STREET TRAFFIC SIGNAL
Project Engineer Vondrak explained since the last time Project No. CP0701 was discussed by
the Committee, a public flyer had been distributed and only two responses were received.
Vondrak stated the project was at 60% in design. Using an overview map, Vondrak updated
the Committee on the project. Vondrak reviewed the location and configuration of the signal,
turn lanes, and pedestrian crossing. Vondrak discussed the traffic movements on 8th and R
Streets. Vondrak answered questions from Vice-Chair Cerino regarding left turn movements
and U-turn restrictions.
Chairman Wagner asked if any Right-of-Way was obtained. Project Engineer Vondrak
responded that small amounts of easements are needed for the signal pole and equipment
placement. Vondrak responded to Chairman Wagner's questions about the construction
budget and the available grant funds.
The Committee continued discussion about the project design. The consensus of the
Committee was in support of the project and current design.
B. TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 2009 - 2014
TIP #1 - C207AO - A Street NW. Phase 1 (3rd Street NW to 14th Street NW): Chairman
Wagner asked if this project would extend to 1 s` Street NW. Assistant Director/City Engineer
Selle answered that the extension to 1St Street NW is a separate project, TIP #8. The
Committee reviewed the project funding and timeline. Chairman Wagner liked that the
possibility of being refunded by the developer is documented in the description.
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Public Works Committee Minutes July 7, 2008
TIP #2 - C307BO - Citywide Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Phase 2: Assistant
Director/City Engineer Selle answered questions presented by the Committee regarding the
staffing and operational costs. Chairman Wagner asked if City employees were monitoring the
system. Selle responded employees monitor the system during the week and during special
events, mainly at the White River Amphitheater which reimburses the City for those costs.
Mayor Lewis emphasized that the City is reimbursed for ITS monitoring during events at the
White River Amphitheater. Chairman Wagner requested that "additional staff time, outside of
regular business hours, is reimbursed by the amphitheater" be included in the description.
Mayor Lewis concurred.
Vice-Chair Cerino commented that other than for special events, the system is being operated
only to keep traffic moving for the citizens.
TIP #3 - C409AO - Auburn Way Corridor Improvements (4th Street NE to 4th Street SE):
Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle explained that this project includes more permanent
pavement solutions and pedestrian elements in the corridor. Vice-Chair Cerino asked if
pedestrian facility improvements would require widening the corridor. Mayor Lewis said it would
include moving some trees but not widening the street. Selle said it might include pedestrian
crossings, and parking but the primary cost is for the long-term pavement preservation.
TIP #4 - C415AO - I Street NE Corridor (40th Street NE to 52nd Street NE): Chairman Wagner
asked why grants were not being applied for until 2010. Selle answered that the project was
primarily developer driven. When and if the need to apply for grants arises, the City will then do
what is necessary to obtain grants. The Committee reviewed the project location. Selle
explained that from 40th Street NE to 45th Street NE the project involves widening the road and
from 45th Street NE to 52nd Street NE it will be a brand new roadway.
TIP #5 - C201AO - M Street Grade Separation (E. Main to Auburn Way S): Chairman Wagner
questioned the Traffic Impact Fees. Selle responded that the City is working with a reserve.
Mayor Lewis asked what the balance is and Selle answered approximately $3.5M. The
Committee continued review of the project funding and future Traffic Impact Fees.
TIP #6 - C222AO - S 277th Street (Auburn Way N to Green River Bridge): Selle stated this
project is mainly a developer driven project and the TIP shows the project being funded via both
grants and developers so, if needed, the City can apply for grants.
TIP #7 - 15th Street SW Reconstruction: Chairman Wagner asked if the double-chip seal will
last until 2015. Selle responded the City may have to find other interim solutions for the
pavement and explained the project includes not only pavement preservation, but also
improvement to the railroad crossing grades. Vice-Chair Cerino commented on the stress put
on the corner of the 15th Street SW intersection due to turning movements.
TIP #8 - A Street NW, Phase 2 (W Main Street to 3rd Street NW): Chairman Wagner
commented on the length of road way being constructed versus the cost. Wagner concluded
that the cost also included purchase of Right-of-Way. Selle commented there may be some
developer participation in the project.
TIP #9 - D Street NW (37th Street NW to 44th Street NW): Assistant Director/City Engineer
reported that this portion of street is a missing segment and the C Street corridor would go all
the way from S 277th Street to Ellingson Road. There is an extensive amount of Right-of-Way.
Chairman Wagner asked if there is environmental work that needs to be done. Selle answered
this is a very preliminary estimate, there is Right-of-Way acquisition involved as well as
wetlands to contend with at the northerly end of the project area. The estimate is conservative.
Chairman Wagner asked if there would be any developer contribution. Selle answered that the
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Public Works Committee Minutes July 7, 2008
City will probably have to take on most of the cost. Selle pointed out the project would create
an additional North/South connection. Member Haugen commented on the significance of an
extra North/South connection and traffic flow. Selle stated that because this will be a grant
funded project it is important to collect the traffic congestion data necessary to demonstrate
need and to then apply for the grants. The Committee concurred.
TIP #10 - F Street SE (4th Street SE to Auburn Way S): Chairman Wagner asked if
neighborhood residents have been consulted about aesthetics of the project. Selle answered
the residents have not been consulted yet because the Mayor has asked that consideration be
given to having the streetscape match what is done on W. Main Street. Vice-Chair Cerino
commented that this is one of the only underpasses in the City still existing which goes under
the railroad. Selle stated we are not encouraging traffic through the residential neighborhood,
but want it to split off at 4th Street.
TIP #11 - M Street NE (E Main Street to 8th Street NE): Chairman Wagner suggested
minimizing the M Street portion of the 8 Street and Harvey Road project. Selle stated when
work is done on 8th Street and Harvey Road staff wants to make sure the work on the curbing is
only done one time and is not installed then torn up and reinstalled later. Selle said careful
consideration must be given when working on the scope of this project. Wagner recommended
beginning work within the neighborhood as the design develops to discuss the impact on the
residents. Wagner asked if three lanes would work in this project. Vice-Chair Cerino
commented that three lanes worked on I Street. Selle responded that more pre-design issues
need to be worked on. Wagner suggested rephrasing the project description to make it more
open ended.
TIP #12 - Grade-Separated Crossing of BNSF Railyard: The Committee recommended this
remain on the TIP in case an agreement can be made with the railroad in the future.
TIP #13 - Kersey Way from Oravetz to Southern City limit: The Committee reviewed the
timeline and schedule for the project. Selle stated the funds listed allow to get started on pre-
design work later in 2008. The goal is to do enough work to come up with a scope and cost
estimate, and work on some environmental issues which would put the City in a good position
to apply for grants. The Committee recommended some guidance from the City for developers
working on Kersey Way, for example, the City's desire to have a separated bike path on the
west side of Kersey Way and the need to allow right-of-way for that. The Committee
recommended increasing the funding in the 2009 budget for the consultant study to move
forward earlier.
TIP #14- West Vallev Hiahwav Improvements (SR 18 to West Main Street): No discussion.
TIP #15 - 8th Street NE Widenina (Pike Street to R Street NE): No discussion.
TIP #16 - 49th Street NE from Auburn Way N to M Street NE: The Committee reviewed the
cost per mile of road way. Selle stated this project was another example of a developer driven
project.
TIP #17 - CP0611 - Intersection Improvements Harvey Road & 8th Street NE: No discussion.
TIP #18 - CP0701 - 8th Street and R Street NE Traffic Signal: Previously discussed,
Discussion & Information Item A.
TIP #19 -Auburn Way North/ 1St Street NE Signal Improvements: No discussion.
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Public Works Committee Minutes July 7, 2008
TIP #20 - Auburn Way South and M Street SE Intersection Improvements: Chairman Wagner
asked why this project is not scheduled until 2012 and if it could be expedited. The Committee
recommends the project be scheduled to begin at a sooner date due to its level importance.
Vice-Chair Cerino commented on the current complexity of the intersection.
TIP #21 - C Street NW and West Main Street: Chairman Wagner asked if this project would
create more truck traffic. Assistant Director/ City Engineer Selle answered the impact on truck
traffic in unknown but the project does create a more efficient and safe intersection on the edge
of the Downtown area.
TIP #22 - C507BO - Skinner Road to 3rd Avenue (Auburn Pacific Trail Phase 2): No
discussion.
TIP #23 - C229AO - BNSF/ E Vallev Hiahwav Pedestrian Underpass: No discussion.
TIP #24 - Academy Drive Multi-Use Trail: Chairman Wagner asked if a grant application was
being processed for the project. Selle answered there is no known grant that has been applied
for. Grant options and the availability of matching City funds need to be considered as grants
are researched.
TIP #25 - R Street Corridor Study: Chairman Wagner asked if this project includes North or
South R Street. Selle answered it currently includes both. The Committee discussed the
existing Comprehensive Plan and future plans for the R Street Corridor. The Committee asked
to further define the limits of the study in the description.
TIP #26 - METRO Shuttle: Auburn Community and Lakeland Shuttles: Wagner asked for the
specific contribution costs to be reviewed.
TIP #27 - 41St Street SE and A Street SE Access Management Study: Assistant Director/City
Engineer Selle reported there is a lot of commercial development and access issues along the
A Street corridor.
TIP #28 - Lea Hill Road and 8th Street NE Bridge Widening Study: Selle stated the
Comprehensive Plan is reviewing level of service in the Lea Hill area. Wagner asked if the
annexation areas are being included in the Comprehensive Transportation Plan and Selle
verified that the update of the plan to include the annexation areas is currently in progress.
Mayor Lewis commented on-the public meetings that were held for Lea Hill and West Hill in
regard to the Comprehensive Transportation Plan update.
The Committee continued discussion about inclusion of the Lea Hill Annexation area in the
Comprehensive Transportation Plan.
TIP #29 - C41 0A0 - S 277th and Wetland Mitigation: No discussion.
TIP #30 - CP0627 - Citywide Pedestrian Crossing Program: Chairman Wagner asked why
there is no budget for 2009. Selle responded the original scope of the project was for the
project to occur every other year. Wagner commented that the project may be under funded.
Mayor Lewis concurred there is a great need for safety improvements.
The Committee discussed the existing Traffic Calming Program and efforts. Mayor Lewis
recommended Pedestrian Crossing projects and Traffic Calming projects to be scheduled every
other year, on opposite years. There was continued discussion about the Traffic Calming
Program and the funding sources. Mayor Lewis recommended a review of the projects funded
in the 328 Fund be presented to the Committee.
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Public Works Committee Minutes July 7, 2008
TIP #31 - Citvwide Roadwav Safety _Infrastructure Improvements: No discussion.
TIP #32 - Annual Arterial Street Preservation: The Committee reviewed the budget versus the
length of street being included in preservation projects. Assistant City Engineer Gaub
discussed the variation in cost of street preservation and how the cost relates to the fact these
streets are arterial streets and there are no environmental costs. Chairman Wagner asked for
more detail in cost per mile and asked staff to provide additional background in the project
description on what items are included in the total cost of the project.
TIP #33 - Annual Arterial Crack Seal Program: No discussion.
TIP #34 - Local Street Improvement Program: No discussion.
The Committee discussed the TIP matrix and whether the debt service costs or just the interest
should be shown on the TIP document.
C. ORDINANCE NO. 6190 AMENDING ZONE CODE CHAPTER 18.29
Principal Planner Chamberlain provided brief background to the Committee. City Council
established the Downtown Urban Center Zone and design guidelines for the zone. When the
guidelines were established the Council agreed to give authority to amend the guidelines to the
Planning and Community Development Committee. The Council also created a new
committee, the Downtown Redevelopment Committee. Ordinance No. 6190 keeps the
authority to amend the Auburn Downtown Design Standards with the Planning and Community
Development Committee except amendments related to the four block redevelopment between
West Main Street, 2nd Street SE, Auburn Avenue, and A Street SW, and properties within a one
block radius. The proposed ordinance gives authority to make amendments in that area to the
Downtown Redevelopment Committee. The Planning and Community Development Committee
has recommended Council adopt the proposed ordinance.
Chairman Wagner asked if the design standards are related to infrastructure. Chamberlain
responded the standards deal primarily with architecture, modulation, parking, landscaping, etc.
The Committee majority supported the adoption of Ordinance No. 6190. Member Haugen
declined support.
D. AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT CONTRACT NO. AG-C-320 WITH GRETTE ASSOCIATES
FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
The consensus of the Committee is in support with the amendment to Agreement Contract No.
AG-C-320.
E. RESOLUTION NO. 4365 A RESOLUTION SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER
WHETHER OR NOT TO DISESTABLISH THE AUBURN CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT
PARKING AND BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREA, FOLLOWING RECEIPT OF A PETITION
REQUESTING DISESTABLISHMENT
Chairman Wagner stated concerns that the petition presented represented a minority of the
individuals included in the Auburn Central Business District Parking and Business Improvement
Area (BIA). Mayor Lewis responded it is Council's decision whether a Public Hearing is held
and there is no required number of petition signatories.
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Public Works Committee Minutes July 7, 2008
The Committee recommends Council adopt Resolution No. 4365 setting a Public Hearing to
consider whether or not to disestablish the Auburn Central Business District Parking and
Business Improvement Area.
F. RESOLUTION NO. 4370 A RESOLUTION DECLARING CERTAIN ITEMS OF PROPERTY AS
SURPLUS AND AUTHORIZING THEIR DISPOSAL
The Committee recommends Council adopt Resolution No. 4370 declaring certain items of
property as surplus and authorizing their disposal.
G. CAPITAL PROJECT STATUS REPORT
Item 12 - CP0635 - 2007 Gateway Project, M Street SE: Chairman Wagner asked why there is
a discrepancy between the budget and the estimated cost. Senior Project Engineer Helbig
answered there is $200,000.00 budgeted for the project.
Item 18 - C504A - R Street SE Utility Improvements: Discussion was held that these
improvements are not likely to start prior to the re-opening of Kersey Way.
Item 26 - CP0762 - Les Gove Neighborhood Improvements: Helbig responded to questions
regarding the project budget versus the cost. As the project moves further into design a better
estimate of cost can be made.
Item 29 - C201A - M Street Grade Separation: Chairman Wagner recommended the project
be moved to a lower priority. Helbig responded there is currently Federal Funds to start design
this year and the Freight Mobility money committed has to be spent on construction by 2011 or
the funds will be lost. Thus, the project is on a fast track and should remain as a higher priority.
Wagner concurred.
Item 34 - C518A - Downtown Water Quality Facility: Senior Project Engineer Helbig
responded to questions asked by Chairman Wagner regarding the budget versus estimated
cost. Helbig stated that as the project scope is refined, the estimated costs will be adjusted and
an adjustment to the budget may be needed at that time.
Item 36 - C1013 -West Hill Springs Site Improvement: Chairman Wagner asked about the
timeline for the project. Helbig responded there are plans for survey this year and construction
in 2009.
Item 43 - SR 164 Corridor Study: Chairman Wagner updated the committee that the State is
reviewing the document and the City might see it some time later this year.
H. REVIEW AUBURN CITY CODE, CHAPTER 12.64A, REQUIRED PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS
Chairman Wagner announced discussion would not be regarding specific cases, but rather
whether or not the Council may want to change the policy for required public improvements on
small subdivisions. Chairman Wagner stated the Growth Management Act was encouraging
the City to develop infill properties and large lots, with additional homes and Chapter 12.64A
was not conducive to that, allowing the City to require substantial improvements.
Chairman Wagner asked if the requirements were determined by the City Engineer. Assistant
Director/City Engineer Selle confirmed it is his, as City Engineer, determination and the decision
to defer the requirements is not delegated.
The Committee reviewed Chapter 12.64A.020, Applicability of chapter, item A. Chairman
Wagner asked if item A might be changed to apply to two residential dwellings or less and have
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Public Works Committee Minutes July 7, 2008
fewer improvements required. Wagner commented item A requires the same number of public
improvements for mid-size developments as it does for very large developments. Selle
explained the chapter in question related to building/grading permits and the sub-division code
has requirements for short plats and for formal sub-divisions and when recommendations are
made on those improvements that recommendation becomes part of the application process.
The Planning Director has the final say on the recommendations for the short plats and whether
the recommendations from Public Works to Planning are incorporated. In the sub-division
process, there is a hearing process which moves through Council and the recommendations
made by staff, or deferrals, are then approved by Council.
Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle continued, pointing out that the chapter being discussed
only addresses one element of the required improvements for developments. Selle spoke
about the current standards for access tracts and recommended further discussion about the
access standards and frontage improvement standards. Selle answered questions from
Chairman Wagner concerning access tract standards as they relate to small developments.
Wagner asked if there were frequent instances of the development being only one or two new
houses on a large lot. Selle answered on existing lots it is more common for one single-family
structure per lot to be built or a multi-family unit such as a 4-plex or apartment building.
Chairman Wagner recommended based on the complexity of the decision making process for
improvement requirements, there should be further review. Vice-Chair Cerino commented the
Planning Department staff feels the current process in the subdivision code makes it difficult to
make adjustments for small developments. Selle recommended a review of the sub-division
code and access tract standards, particularly for short plat applications.
The Committee discussed the development of short plats and required street improvements. It
was decided further discussion of adjusting requirements to make it easier to in fill one or two
houses on a lot, while not relaxing the standards for larger developments.
Chairman Wagner commented on the deferral of required improvements expiring in 10 years,
as per State law. It is the Committee's aim to not to have the deferrals be null after 10 years.
Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle stated that working with the City Attorney, there is a
process in place that addresses this concern. Selle asked if the Committee was interested in
requiring a deferral or not requiring the improvements at all. Chairman Wagner said there are
three classes, one which will not require the improvements, another would require a deferral of
the improvements, and the third would require the improvements to be made prior to occupying
the new building.
Chairman Wagner requested the issue be discussed at the Planning and Community
Development Committee Meeting.
ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION
Vice-Chair Cerino commented on the sidewalks on R Street, between 35th Street and 37th
Street being uprooted by trees. The sidewalk will be evaluated to determine if it should be
included in the City's Sidewalk Program.
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Public Works Committee Minutes July 7, 2008
V. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Public Works Committee, the meeting was
adjourned at 6:09 p.m.
Approved this 21 st day of July, 2008.
C7??'
Ric Wagner nni er Rigs y
Chairman Public Works Dep m ecretary
File: 17.2
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