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WASHINGTON
1. CALL TO ORDER
CITY OF AUBURN
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
August 4, 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, Director Dowdy, City
Engineer/Assistant Director Dennis Selle, Senior Project Engineer Bill Helbig, Utilities Engineer Dan
Repp, Finance Director Shelley Coleman, Director of Human Resources/Risk and Property
Management Brenda Heineman, Project Engineer Jacob Sweeting, Transportation Planner/Grants
Manager Chris Hankins, Transportation Planner/Grants Manager Tiffin Goodman, Traffic
Operations Engineer Scott Nutter, Sanitary Sewer Engineer Robert Elwell, Risk Manager Rob
Roscoe, Network Communication Engineer Colin Schmalz, Principal Planner Elizabeth
Chamberlain, 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 July 21, 2008.
Motion carried 3-0.
B. PERMISSION TO ADVERTISE FOR PROJECT NO. CP0760 - AUBURN WAY NORTH
PEDESTRIAN CROSSING
The Committee reviewed an aerial map of the project location. Chairman Wagner inquired
about the installation of "c" curb to prevent left turns out of the Auburn Way North Business
Park driveway. Project Engineer Sweeting responded turn motions were examined during the
design process and the project was designed to meet the minimum turn design requirements so
that a standard vehicle could make the turn. The plan moving forward is to install the crossing
as designed, observe the turn movements, and follow up if any problems occur.
Chairman Wagner asked about the signage being used to alert pedestrians that the crossing
consists of two signals and a second button will need to be pushed in order to cross the second
length of Auburn Way North. Sweeting answered there will be signs instructing users on how to
proceed on the poles in the island. Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle commented the
crossing was not a straight crossing and was designed to prompt users to push the second
signal button. Mayor Lewis commented that large signs cannot be used as they may cause
sight restrictions. Project Engineer Sweeting said because of the amount of pedestrian traffic
they generate, informational flyers will be distributed at the Sound Mental Health facility
describing how to operate the crossing.
Member Haugen voiced her concern that adolescents may not use the crossing properly and
neglect to push the second signal button to initiate the second length of the crossing. Vice-
Chair Cerino responded that the crossing was not in a residential area and the crossing is not
as likely to be used by adolescent pedestrian traffic as if it were in a residential area. Chairman
Wagner commented that the fence should help prevent pedestrians from crossing without using
the second signal.
Public Works Committee Minutes August 4, 2008
Member Haugen asked if there would be media coverage regarding the project. Transportation
Planner/Grants Manager Goodman answered it is part of the federal grant the City received for
the project that there be public outreach and instruction and that will be done in conjunction with
project completion.
The Committee discussed traffic flow on Auburn Way North and how it may be affected by the
crossing. Project Engineer Sweeting stated the primary reason the crossing was designed in
two sections was to prevent traffic from being stopped in the north and south directions
simultaneously.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Member Haugen, that the Committee
recommend Council grant permission to advertise for Project No. CP0760, Auburn Way North
Pedestrian Crossing.
Motion carried 3-0.
III. ISSUES
A. RESOLUTION NO. 4387 CALL FOR A PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE 2009-2014 SIX-YEAR
TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PLAN (TIP)
Finance Director Coleman answered questions presented by the Committee regarding
additions to the Transportation Improvement Plan spreadsheet. The line item titled "Debt
Service Bonds" was added to the spreadsheet to better demonstrate cash flow and actual
payout. Finance Director Coleman explained the amounts shown in the line item and their
association to the Property Tax Levy and 1 % Utility Tax. Mayor Lewis commented on the
funding sources being shown on the spreadsheet. Coleman suggested a line item titled "Other"
be added to the spreadsheet. Coleman pointed out another change on the sheet, spreading
out the spending of the bond issues over the course of several years to better reflect actual
spend out.
The Committee continued discussion regarding the design of the spreadsheet and agreed that
the line item titled "Other" should be included. Transportation Planner/Grants Manager Hankins
stated a finalized spreadsheet and project descriptions will be presented at the Public Hearing.
Chairman Wagner asked if there was feedback from the Transportation, Transit, and Trails
Committee about the Transportation Improvement Plan. Hankins answered that there was no
feedback provided.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Member Haugen, that the Committee
recommend Council adopt Resolution No. 4387 Call for Public Hearing for the 2009-2014 Six-
Year Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP).
Motion carried 3-0.
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Public Works Committee Minutes August 4, 2008
IV. DISCUSSION AND INFORMATION
A. PROJECT NO. C307B - CITYWIDE ITS IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT- PHASE 1B UPDATE
Traffic Operations Engineer Nutter reviewed both phase 1A and 1B of Citywide ITS
Improvements Project, using a vicinity map of the entire City of Auburn, with the Committee.
The map showed all of the traffic signals in the City. Nutter explained that phase 1A was
funded by one source of Federal funds. Nutter stated phase 1 B will take fiber from City Hall, up
Auburn Way North to 277th Street, across to West Valley Highway thus bringing all of the
signals back to City Hall. Nutter pointed out the existing cameras and proposed new cameras.
Fourteen new signals are proposed using the new fiber, technology is being used to utilize the
existing copper lines and staff is proposing an additional 20 signals be taken back to City Hall.
Mayor Lewis discussed the benefit of having the cameras and the impact they can have on
directing, as an example, North/South traffic flow. Traffic Operations Engineer Nutter stated
another benefit is the ability to utilize any City computer or laptop in the field to view the camera
footage and make adjustments to the signals as needed. Nutter reports the new system is a
better operating system than the previous copper system and is much more reliable.
The Committee discussed the ability to create alternate routes for traffic using the improved ITS
system.
Chairman Wagner asked where the control center for the camera is located. Nutter answered
the current control center is at City Hall, but the City network allows the camera footage to be
viewed from any location, such as Maintenance and Operations, however it is easier to view
using the multiple screens at City Hall. Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle stated screens
were being installed at Maintenance and Operations. Nutter explained that another benefit of
the system is that signal errors can be checked and identified from a staff member's desk.
Chairman Wagner verified the project completion timeline. Nutter stated this phase of the
project provides battery backup for signals. Mayor Lewis pointed out that in the past, signal
outages were not identified until a citizen contacted City Hall.
B. ORDINANCE NO. 6045 PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTIONS 13.20.010,
13.20.040, 13.20.080, 12.20.090, 13.20.095, 13.20.182, 13.20.190, AND 13.20.230 OF THE
AUBURN CITY CODE AND CREATING A NEW SECTION 13.20.041 ALL RELATING TO THE
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR OF SIDE SEWERS; CLARIFYING THE DEFINITION OF
PRIVATE SEWAGE SYSTEMS
Sanitary Sewer Engineer Elwell clarified the proposed ordinance amendments. The wording of
the current code is ambiguous as to the liability of the sanitary sewer pipe in the Right-of-Way.
There was some previous language relating to the responsibly of the property owner with is left
open to interpretation. The intention of the ordinance is to define the side sewer as being a
privately owned sewer which runs to the main line. Also included in the revision are
amendments related to the definition of septic system. The current code refers to septic
systems as well as sewers that are connected to the City system as "private sewers."
Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle and Sanitary Sewer Engineer Elwell answered questions
asked by Chairman Wagner regarding how blockages in the side sewers are located. Selle
stated part of the issue is locating blockages within the lateral sewer, which is why it is being
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Public Works Committee Minutes August 4, 2008
proposed the side sewer from the property to the main line be the responsibility of the property
owner.
Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle fielded questions posed by the Committee regarding
private contractors repairing side sewers located in the Right-of-Way and the requirements for
doing work in the Right-of-Way. Mayor Lewis asked if the City could offer the option to the
property owners of the City coming to repair side sewer in the Right-of-Way. Director Dowdy
answered that could be a viable option.
Risk Manager Roscoe reported the City is seeing claims for backups where the blockage,
originally located in the private side sewer had been pushed into the portion of the side sewer in
the Right-of-Way, thus shifting the responsibility to the City. Member Haugen asked if there is
a way to determine where the blockage originated. Roscoe answered there is not. Risk
Manager Roscoe continued answering questions regarding locating sewer blockages and
liability based on the location of the blockages presented by Member Haugen.
Finance Director Coleman answered Chairman Wagner's questions regarding payment options,
if the City were to offer citizens assistance in clearing blockages in the Right-of-Way, as
suggested by Mayor Lewis.
Mayor Lewis asked who installed the side sewer lines in the Right-of-Way. Assistant
Director/City Engineer Selle responded in some cases the City built the line and in other cases
a developer built the line. Risk Manager Roscoe stated the property owner still has
responsibility of the maintenance and the upkeep of the line. Mayor Lewis stated regardless of
whom built the line; the line was installed for the convenience and conveyance of one particular
property, to hook a structure to the City sewer system, and no other purpose. Director Dowdy
posed the question to the Committee if it is fair for the City's customer base to be held
responsible for how individual property owners maintain or fail to maintain their private sewer.
Risk Manager Roscoe and Member Haugen discussed the difference between blockage in the
line and breakage of the line and with whom the responsibility of upkeep and maintenance
should be, using various scenarios. Sanitary Sewer Engineer Elwell state there is language in
the Ordinance that states if the City causes damage to the line, the City is responsible for
repair.
Finance Director Coleman brought to the Committee's attention that if the City makes repairs to
the side sewer in the Right-of-Way, the utility rates would have to bear the cost.
Utility Engineer Repp commented one of the scenarios City maintenance crews see is when
property owners have a plumbing professional use a mechanical device to go down the pipeline
to perform cleaning, the mechanical device cuts into or causes damage to the line. This usually
occurs in the portion of the line that is in the Right-of-Way. Risk Manager Roscoe added the
way the code is currently worded any damage to the line is the City's responsibility, regardless
of if the property owner or plumbing professional hired by the property owner causes the
damage. The Committee asked staff to continue to research the subject in order to continue
the discussion and options to address this issue at a future meeting.
C. ORDINANCE NO. 6197 AMENDING SECTIONS 19.04.020 AND 19.04.070 OF THE AUBURN
CITY CODE, RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION IMPACT FEES
Chairman Wagner asked if there is a fifty percent exemption for everyone in Downtown.
Finance Director Coleman answered the exemption only applies to the defined "downtown
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Public Works Committee Minutes August 4, 2008
catalyst accessory area" and not all of Downtown. Chairman Wagner asked what the budget
impact will be. Coleman answered $177,000.00. The Committee and Mayor discussed the
negotiations to acquire low cost parking in the future parking garage. Member Haugen asked
who would be using the City's parking spaces in the new garage. Mayor Lewis answered there
are 302 spaces with 149 spaces going to the City of Auburn. Mayor Lewis said City employees
would be using the spaces at no fee and there is no intention of having fleet vehicles parked in
the garage overnight. Member Haugen asked who would be using the remaining spaces in the
garage. Mayor Lewis answered the hospital and hospital customers. Chairman Wagner asked
if there will be time limits to parking to restrict use by Sound commuters. Mayor Lewis said
there would.
The Committee discussed business expansion and traffic impact fees.
D. RESOLUTION NO. 4374 APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH PIERCE COUNTY, AMENDING THE PIERCE COUNTY
COUNTYWIDE PLANNING POLICES
Principal Planner Chamberlain presented the Committee with a brief description of Resolution
No. 4374, an interlocal agreement with Pierce County pertaining to the proposed amendments
to the Pierce County Countywide Planning Policies and the recently adopted VISION 2040 by
the Puget Sound Regional Council. The amendments specifically deal with designating
regional growth centers and designation criteria. The Planning and Community Development
Committee recommend approval by the Council of Resolution No. 4374.
The Committee discussed designated regional growth centers, the Growth Management Act,
eligibility for state funding, criteria for being classified as an urban center, and local control of
City growth.
E. CAPITAL PROJECT STATUS REPORT
Item No. 1 - C1006 - 3rd Street SE/Cross Street Improvement Project: Chairman Wagner
asked about the delay in the acquisition of Right-of-Way. Senior Project Engineer Helbig
confirmed the finalization of the acquisition is in progress and the delay was due to work being
completed in the parking lot by the property owner. Helbig stated that the ROW acquisition
could be finalized after the property owner identifies his final costs for the parking lot work.
Item No. 14 - CP0812 - 2008 Citywide Arterial Crack Seal: Senior Project Engineer Helbig
outlined the locations included in the project, approximately 9'/2 miles of arterial roadway.
Helbig said that an area in the newly annexed West Hill area is also included.
Item No. 17 - C504A - R Street SE Utility Improvements: Chairman Wagner asked why the
time between the advertising date and finish date for the project is over a year long. Helbig
explained the finish date includes clean up, project finalization, and project close out process.
Wagner requested the finish date reflect the end of construction and not include the final
acceptance of the project. Chairman asked for input from the Committee. Member Haugen
responded she did not have a preference. Vice-Chair Cerino recommended an additional
column to add the construction completion date. Helbig responded to questions regarding the
location of the sewer laterals included in the project.
Item No. 24 - CP0762 - Les Gove Neighborhood Improvements: Chairman Wagner inquired
about the discrepancy between the budget amount and cost amount. Senior Project Engineer
Helbig answered the project is in its preliminary stages a firm cost estimate has not been
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Public Works Committee Minutes August 4, 2008
developed at this time. The cost estimate will be adjusted accordingly as the project moves
forward. Also, the project will span 2009 and 2010. Wagner questioned the consistency in
determining the cost estimate and requested that the gap between Project Budget and Project
Cost be closed during the budgeting process.
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS
F. RESOLUTION NO. 4389 AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE CAR
SHARING PROGRAM AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF AUBURN AND THE
STRATFORD COMPANY LLC
Mayor Lewis presented Resolution No. 4389 to the Committee giving background information
regarding transit related communities and development. The concept is to not to require more
parking in downtown areas, but rather require less parking and fewer cars. The Resolution
would allow an agreement with Stratford Company for a pilot car sharing program. In this case
the apartment or property owner would make cars available for use by their tenants. The cars
must be in good working condition and available for use 24 hours per day/365 days per year.
This is a one time pilot project which would provide one vehicle for every four tenants. Director
Dowdy stated Seattle was staring a similar program.
Chairman Wagner voiced concern that such a program may negatively impact citizens'
interaction within their community by limiting their access to vehicles to be used for short
distance excursions. Mayor Lewis stated he feels the opposite is true and the program would
encourage individuals to interact with their neighbors and inspire car pooling ventures.
Member Haugen voiced her concern regarding the City of Auburn having an agreement with a
private developer.
Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle stated the 4:1 ratio of cars to tenants is minimal and the
pool of vehicles could be larger, providing more flexibility.
Chairman Wagner stated he would give his support to the program because it is a pilot program
and the right thing to do but still has concerns.
Vice-Chair Cerino reported the Downtown Redevelopment Committee has studied these
programs which are operating in other cities and will give his support to the pilot program in
Auburn.
G. ORDINANCE NO. 6199 AMENDING SECTIONS 19.04.020 AND 19.04.070 OF THE AUBURN
CITY CODE RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION IMPACT FEES
Mayor Lewis presented Ordinance No. 6199, regarding a situation brought to his attention by
Deputy Mayor Singer. King County Health is in the process of moving their facilities in order to
reduce their maintenance costs. King County Health will now be responsible for paying a
transportation impact fee. King County is now requesting a waiver of the transportation impact
fee stating the health facility will be moved to Renton if required to pay the fee. Mayor Lewis
said Council can decided to do one of two things. Either Council requires King County to pay
the impact fee, as stated in Auburn City Code, and the health facility is moved out of Auburn, or
Council waives the fee, setting a president for other organizations to use similar tactics to
request the same waiver.
Chairman Wagner asked if there was a designation the City could give to the area in which
King County Health is moving in order to prevent other organizations from making similar
requests for fee waivers. Mayor Lewis said such a possibility could be considered if it exists.
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Public Works Committee Minutes August 4, 2008
Vice-Chair Cerino talked about the consequences of losing the health services provided by King
County Health and forcing low-income citizens to find transportation to Renton for services.
Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle stated there is a possibility the ordinance wording could
be adjusted so as to not allow for other businesses to request the same fee waiver. Mayor
Lewis suggested "emergency public purpose."
The Committee discussed the pros and cons of the situation. The ordinance is to be further
reviewed by Council.
V. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Public Works Committee, the meeting was
adjourned at 5:39 p.m.
Approved this 18th day of August, 2008.
Rich Wagner
Chairman
DRD/jr
File: 17.2
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