HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-17-2009
CITY OF AUBURN
CITY OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
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I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Rich Wagner called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. 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 Sue Singer. Also
present during the meeting were: Mayor Peter B. Lewis, Public Works Director Dennis Dowdy, City
Engineer/Assistant Director Dennis Selle, Assistant City Engineer Ingrid Gaub, Senior Project
Engineer Bill Helbig, Utilities Engineer Dan Repp, Maintenance and Operations Manager Randy
Bailey, City Attorney Heid, Assistant City Attorney Steven Gross, Information Services Director
Lorrie Rempher, Network Communications Engineer Colin Schmalz, Project Engineer Robert Lee,
Project Engineer Ryan Vondrak, Project Engineer Jacob Sweeting, Transportation Planner Joe
Welsh, Traffic Engineer Pablo Para, Transportation Planner/Grants Manager Tiffin Goodman,
Transportation Planner/Grants Manager Chris Hankins, Sanitary Sewer Engineer Robert Elwell,
Storm Drainage Engineer Tim Carlaw, Engineering Aide Amber Mund, Financial Planning Manager
Karen Jester, Utility and Account Services Manager Teresa Mattson, Robert Whale from the
Auburn Reporter, Citizen Wayne Osborne, and Department Secretary Jennifer Rigsby.
II. CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Member Singer, that the Committee approve
the Public Works Committee minutes for date, February 2, 2009. Motion carried.
B. APPROVE INITIATION OF PROJECT NO. CP0906, 2009 GATEWAY SIGN AT LAKE TAPPS
PARKWAY
Project Engineer Lee provided the Committee with background information on the project. This
will be the third gateway sign installed and the sign will be located at the intersection of East
Valley Highway and Lake Tapps Parkway, at the southeast corner. The project has been
reviewed by the Planning and Community Development Committee.
Member Singer commented that she approves of the project and the proposed location for the
third sign; however, due to the current state of the economy, she questions the timing of the
project. The Committee concurred.
Project Engineer Lee answered questions asked by Chairman Wagner about Right-of-Way
acquisition. Chairman Wagner recommended staff move forward with the acquisition of the
property for the project but that the Committee review the project prior to any work being done
to complete design or construction.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino the Committee approve the initiation of the acquisition of
property for the project and for further Committee review prior to design or construction. The
motion was seconded by Member Singer.
Motion carried 3-0.
C. PERMISSION TO ENTER INTO CONSULTANT AGREEMENT NO. AG-C-365 WITH DAY
WIRELESS FOR SERVICES ON PROJECT NO. C524A, SCADA FEASIBILITY STUDY
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Public Works Committee Minutes Februarv 17, 2009
Project Engineer Lee presented a background summary of the project to the Committee. The
consultant, selected by the Information Services Department Staff, will conduct a feasibility
study and complete pre-design for the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)
System upgrade for the nine identified high-security water facilities. Lee reviewed the project's
scope.
Chairman Wagner stated the completed Utility Rate Study will assist during review of budgets
and aide the Committee in making decisions on this and other utility related projects. The
Committee agreed the study will help define the total budget of such projects. Utilities Engineer
Repp updated the Committee on the status of the Utility Rate Study.
Utilities Engineer Repp answered questions asked by the Committee regarding the City's
current software and hardware. Repp reported the current system in antiquated, system
reliability has declined, and the new system will allow operators more control of utility systems.
With improved equipment staff will be able to troubleshoot problems and change system
operation parameters more quickly and with fewer site visits therefore improving efficiencies in
each utility.
The Committee reviewed the budget status sheet. Lee answered questions asked by Vice-
Chair Cerino and Member Singer regarding the funds budgeted for 2008. Project Engineer Lee
answered questions asked by the Chairman Wagner about the schedule for replacing the
system. Lee said the consultant reported every piece of new equipment purchased can be
used with the old system as the new system is brought online.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Member Singer, that the Committee grant
permission to enter into consultant agreement no. AG-C-365 with Day Wireless for services on
project no. C524A, SCADA Feasibility Study.
Motion carried 3-0.
D. PERMISSION TO ENTER INTO SERVICE AGREEMENT NO. AG-S-028 WITH S& B INC.
FOR SERVICES ON PROJECT NO. CP0763, THE BRAUNWOOD WELL IMPROVEMENT
Project Engineer Vondrak explained the existing monitoring and control situation at the
Braunwood Well site. Currently, staff relies on customers to report problems with the well.
Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle stated the well is a satellite system, is not connected to
the rest of the City's water system, and has no backup.
The Committee discussed the history of the acquisition of the satellite system. The Committee
discussed the possibility of creating a Local Improvement District (LID) to fund the well
improvements. Selle discussed the probability of getting a favorable response to the idea of
forming a LID and the City's obligation to provide a certain level of service to the well
customers.
Utilities Engineer Repp reported staff visits the site daily, seven days a week, to check the
water levels and condition of the well because no communication system exists. Repp stated
the well improvement will increase staff efficiency. Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle said if
staff did not need to visit the site daily, they can be available to work on other tasks.
Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle stated the improvements will allow staff to gather
information about the well remotely, and during off-hours, so staff does not have to visit the site
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Public Works Committee Minutes Februarv 17, 2009
daily. The Committee discussed the possibility of the City relinquishing ownership of the well.
Mayor Lewis commented on the net gain of relinquishing ownership versus investing in the site
improvements. Chairman Wagner answered questions asked by Member Singer regarding the
effect of the level of Lake Tapps on the well.
The Committee discussed improving the City's water resources and the purchase of water
rights.
Member Singer suggested policy regarding the purchase of satellite systems be included in the
Water Utility Comprehensive Plan.
Project Engineer Vondrak reported the cost of the project was due to increase after October
2008 but S&B Inc. agreed to honor the costs reported on the budget status sheet, from October
2008.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Member Singer, that the Committee grant
permission to enter into service agreement no. AG-S-028 with S&B Inc. for services on project
no. CP0763, the Braunwood Well Improvement.
Motion carried 3-0.
E. APPROVE FINAL PAY ESTIMATE NO. 19 TO CONTRACT NO. 06-01 TO RODARTE
CONSTRUCTION INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $13,162.24 FOR THE TOTAL CONTRACT
PRICE OF $4,186,164.34 AND ACCEPT CONSTRUCTION OF PROJECT NO. C516A,
AUBURN WAY SOUTH SEWER - PHASE 2
Sanitary Sewer Engineer Elwell was present. The Committee had no questions or comments.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Member Singer, that the Committee
recommend Council approve final pay estimate no. 19 to contract no. 06-01 to Rodarte
Construction Inc., and accept construction of project no. C516A. Auburn Way South Sewer -
Phase 2.
Motion carried 3-0.
F. APPEAL FOR ADDITIONAL WATER LEAK ADJUSTMENT, SADHU MOTOR INN
Utility and Account Services Manager Mattson distributed a letter from Water Distribution
Manager Jordison to the Committee. Matteson reported the customer, Sadhu Motor Inn, was
granted a$500 credit water leak adjustment and is now seeking additional credit for water
consumption and sewer charges. Water Distribution Manager Jordison and staff, as well as the
plumber hired by the property owner, were unable to locate a water leak in the service line. City
staff also reported there was no leak at the water meter. The owner stated their plumber did
locate three leaking toilets on the property. The owner is contending the water meter was faulty
and following replacement, the water usage decreased. Mattson reviewed the timeline of the
replacement of the meter and the charges to the customer with the Committee. According to
City records, water usage decreased prior to the water meter being replaced. The reading for
the period of August 15, 2008 through October 14, 2008 shows a significant reduction in water
use, to approximately the historic level of use; however the water meter was not replaced until
after that reading. Meter replacement took place on October 20, 2008.
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Public Works Committee Minutes Februarv 17, 2009
Mayor Lewis asked if the City received any supporting documents from the property owner that
supported their claim. Mattson responded the City received only a plumbing invoice and a letter
from the owner but no other documentation.
Vice-Chair Cerino stated the Committee could not support a rate credit because it could not be
proven the leakage from the property did not go into the City system.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Member Singer, that the Committee deny the
appeal of the Sadhu Motor Inn for additional water leak adjustment based on the August 15,
2008 through October 14, 2008 statement.
Motion carried 3-0
III. ISSUES
A. RESOLUTION NO. 4450 AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO ENTER INTO A
LOCAL AGENCY AGREEMENT TO OBLIGATE FEDERAL FUNDS FOR PROJECT NO.
C201A, M STREET SE GRADE SEPARATION PROJECT
Project Engineer Sweeting talked about the project's background. Sweeting stated the grant
was awarded last year and the funds now need to be obligated this year for design to continue.
Member Singer asked when the project costs were estimated. Sweeting answered the estimate
was prepared approximately a month ago and does not include the Bypass Road portion of the
project as that is now a later phase.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Member Singer, that the Committee
recommend Council introduce and adopt Resolution No. 4450, obligating funds for project no.
C201A, M Street SE Grade Separation Project.
B. RESOLUTION NO. 4454 AUTHORIZING THE GRANTING OF AN EASEMENT FOR
CONSTRUCTION AND PERMANENT OCCUPATION OF VARIOUS PARTS OF THE CITY
RIGHT OF WAY IN CONNECTION WITH THE AUBURN PROFESSIONAL PLAZA PROJECT
(Agenda Modification)
Engineering Aide Mund distributed a revised map showing the proposed easement. Mund
stated the proposed resolution will allow Auburn Professional Plaza to have building footings in
the City Right-of-Way. The footings will be under the sidewalk and will not interfere with
anything above ground. Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle discussed the concrete footing
and locations of the footing. Selle stated staff has been able to meet the City's Downtown
Sidewalk guidelines and still allow for the footings to be in place. Selle said placing the footings
partially in the City's Right-of-Way makes the project more cost effective. Director powdy
stated the same stability process is being used at the professional plaza as was used for the
nearby parking garage.
Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle responded to questions asked by the Committee
regarding the settling of the sidewalk above the footings and the effects the footings may have
on the tree root systems, if any.
The Committee discussed page 2 of 4 of the easement. Mayor Lewis recommended item 3 be
changed to read, "...will not construct anything on the subsurface of the easement area without
written consent..." The Committee and staff concurred.
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Public Works Committee Minutes Februarv 17, 2009
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Member Singer, the Committee recommend
Council introduce and adopt Resolution No. 4454, authorizing the granting of an easement for
construction of various parts of the City right of way in connection with the Auburn Professional
Plaza Project.
Motion carried 3-0.
IV. DISCUSSION AND INFORMATION
A. RESOLUTION NO. 4449 - VHF RADIO UPGRADE* (Rempher/Schmalz)
Information Service Director Rempher and Network Communications Engineer Schmalz
presented Resolution No. 4449 to the Committee. Rempher explained the resolution is a
budgeted request to upgrade the VHF system that the Maintenance and Operations
Department and public safety use to communicate during emergency situations as well as
during daily operations.
Chairman Wagner asked how the City currently communicates with Lea Hill and West Hill.
Schmalz answered communication with those areas is very limited at this time.
The Committee is in agreement with the proposed resolution.
B. KING COUNTY METRO - BUS STOP REQUEST ON AUBURN WAY SOUTH (Welsh)
Transportation Planner Welsh distributed aerial photographs and a map highlighting the
proposed bus stop. Welsh stated the City already has a Right-of-Way Use Permit with King
County Metro Transit to place bus stops in the City. King County Metro wants to install a bus
shelter at an existing stop on Auburn Way South. Welsh asked for the Committee's consensus
in allowing the bus shelter and the installation of signage that would state the stop is maintained
by King County Metro Transit and the agency's contact information. Mayor Lewis asked if the
signage would be installed at all future King County Metro Transit stops. Welsh said they will.
Welsh answered questions asked by Member Singer regarding bus pull outs.
The Committee is in agreement with the installation of the bus shelter and sign.
C. C524A, SCADA FEASIBILITY STUDY - UPDATE
Project Engineer Lee updated the Committee on the status of the SCADA Feasibility Study.
The study is 95% complete. Staff has received a draft of the study and has provided the
consultant with comments, which will be included in the final report.
Lee gave a brief description of the history of the project.
The study includes an evaluation inventory of the City's facilities and evaluation of security
needs. Plans for security were divided into two separate areas: 1) Physical security of the
location and 2) Video security. The City's hardware and software were also reviewed. Project
Engineer Lee described the SCADA System. The consultant will provide a set of criteria in the
feasibility study for staff to use when hiring the contractor to construct the system. The last part
of the study is an implementation plan. Lee suggested a phasing in of the system will work
best. Lee answered questions asked by Chairman Wagner regarding the cost of phase one.
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Public Works Committee Minutes February 17, 2009
Utilities Engineer Repp used the Braunwood Well Improvement Project as an example of how
the upgrades to each station might be completed. Repp answered questions asked by
Chairman Wagner regarding the costs involved in updating the hardware and software at sites
as well as at Maintenance and Operations.
The Committee discussed the project budget and the funds that will be used. Mayor Lewis
requested staff consult with Finance Director Coleman.
The Committee discussed communication between staff and the consultant about the site
security issues. Mayor Lewis invited the Committee to see staff for individual briefings on
security issues.
Chairman Wagner asked if the software can be updated without updating the hardware.
Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle answered the current hardware can not support the
improved software and can not be upgraded and in some cases the City does not have the
rights to make the necessary upgrades as the existing system is a proprietary system.
Chairman Wagner asked for a detail showing the break down of costs for hardware, software,
and the other elements of the upgrade process when the project is brought to the committee for
bid authorization.
Staff answered questions asked by the Committee regarding how security for equipment
outside and vulnerable on the site.
D. EASEMENT RELINQUISHMENT FOR RAINIER PALLET ON B STREET NW
Assistant City Engineer Gaub explained there is a development on B Street NW, approximately
half way between 37th Street NW and South 277th Street, where there is an existing waterline
that is not located within the exiting easement previously provided for it. Gaub demonstrated
the location using a map of the area. Gaub stated staff worked with the applicant to get a
replacement easement and staff needs concurrence from the Committee to release the existing
easement. The Committee was in agreement.
E. SANITARY SEWER COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE - DRAFT CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
PLAN
This topic was deferred until the next Public Works Committee Meeting.
F. STORM DRAINAGE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE - DRAFT CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
PLAN
This topic was deferred until the next Public Works Committee Meeting.
G. TRANSPORTATION COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE (Goodman)
Transportation Planner/Grants Manager Goodman reported to the Committee that the
Transportation Comprehensive Plan Update is far enough along in the modeling analysis that
staff anticipates bringing recommended policy changes to the Committee in March 2009.
Goodman gave the Committee a project overview.
Chairman Wagner asked if there were any advisory committees in the annexation areas
created as part of public outreach. Goodman answered staff has been using the
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Public Works Committee Minutes Februarv 17, 2009
Transportation, Transit, and Trails Committee as an advisory group and that committee does
include representatives from the Lea Hill and West Hill areas.
Goodman reported on the status of the project. Currently, level-of-service deficiencies are
being identified and potential intersection and corridor projects are currently being analyzed.
Goodman stated staff will bring the draft list of recommendations to the Public Works
Committee for review and feedback. Chairman Wagner asked if corridor level-of-service has
been well defined. Traffic Engineer Para explained the formula used to define corridor level-of
-service. Para stated this methodology is from the Highway Capacity Manual. Chairman
Wagner asked for copies of the information to be provided to the Committee Members for
review.
The Committee discussed the different methods used to define level-of-service at intersections
and in corridors.
Member Singer asked for a copy of the comments from the public outreach effort.
Transportation Planner/Grants Manager Goodman stated another important part of the plan
update will be transit and non-motorized transportation recommendations. The Committee
discussed possible opportunities for regional funding for transit. Mayor Lewis discussed the
possibility of connecting area trails, such as the Tri-Trail, Green River Trail, and BPA Trail.
Member Singer commented on revisiting the possibility of a regional effort to acquire funding for
trails.
Chairman Wagner asked if there will be a larger section in the Transportation Comprehensive
Plan dedicated to the airport. Goodman answered the airport develops their own plan which is
then adopted as part of the Comprehensive Plan. The Public Works Department does not
administer the plan for the airport. Member Singer suggested staff review ways to support the
routes that go to the airport.
Goodman continued discussion about the need for sidewalks, bicycle facilities, and better
transit services within the annexation areas. Staff suggestions and recommendations will be
brought to the Committee for review and comment.
Chairman Wagner spoke about the past Committee discussion regarding steepness of grades
and how they relate to ADA standards and recommended policy regarding street grades be
included in the plan.
The Committee discussed how the recommended updates to the plan be formatted. The
Committee agreed a matrix including the existing policy, the recommended policy changes, and
the reason for the changes be included.
H. CODE UPDATE PROJECT - DESIGN STANDARDS
This topic was deferred until the next Public Works Committee Meeting.
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Public Works Committee Minutes Februarv 17, 2009
1. CAPITAL PROJECT STATUS REPORT* (Helbig)
Item No. 8- CP0762 - Les Gove Neiqhborhood Imqrovements - Phase I: The Committee
discussed the project budget and how the Utility Rate Study may affect the scheduled bid date,
March 2009. Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle asked that the Committee consider the
length of the construction season when reviewing budgets. The Committee discussed the
bidding schedule with staff.
Item No. 13 - CP0701 - 8th & R Street Traffic Siqnal: Senior Project Engineer Helbig answered
questions from Chairman Wagner regarding the budget and the estimated cost. Vice-Chair
Cerino asked if there is a time limit on the grant funds for the signal. Helbig answered the
project needs to be under construction in 2010.
Item No. 17 - Les Gove Neiqhborhood Improvements - Phase II: Chairman Wagner asked for
a better explanation of the urgency of this phase of the project. Chairman Wagner asked why
the project was broken into two phases. Helbig answered the project requires two construction
seasons. Also, traffic was a factor in the phasing of the project.
Item No. 18 - 2009 Arterial Patchinq Proqram: Staff to correct a typographical error in the
description of the project.
Item No. 22 - CP0819 Mill Creek/Peaslev Canvon Culvert Replacement: Chairman Wagner
asked the status of the project. Senior Project Engineer Helbig answered the consultant is
working on design and permitting.
Item No. 26 - C229A - BNSF/EVH Pedestrian Undercrossinq: The Committee discussed
removing the project from the list. Mayor Lewis recommended leaving the project on the list at
this time.
Item No. 27 - C518A - Downtown Water Qualitv Facility: Mayor Lewis asked staff to note this
project could be tied into the potential federal stimulus $6 million Auburn Environmental Park
Grant.
Item No. 33 - SR 164 Corridor Studv: Mayor Lewis answered questions asked by Chairman
Wagner regarding meeting with the Muckleshoot Indian Tribal Council to discuss the corridor
study.
V. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Public Works Committee, the meeting was
adjourned at 4:59 p.m.
Approved this 2nd day of March, 2009.
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Rich Wagner nifer RigsbYCa?t Chairman Public Works Secretary
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