HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-20-2009
CITY OF AUBURN
pUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
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April 20, 2009
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WASHINGTON
1. 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, Project Engineer Fritz Timm, Project Engineer
Leah Dunsdon, Water Utility Engineer Lamothe, Transportation Planner Welsh, Environmental
Protection Manager Kelly McLain Aardal, Principal Planner Jeff Dixon, Planning Director Cindy
Baker, Finance Director Shelley Coleman, Street System Engineer Seth Wickstrom, Traffic
Engineer Pablo Para, Risk Manager Rob Roscoe, Principal Planner Elizabeth Chamberlain,
Assistant City Attorney Steven Gross, Assistant Planning Director Kevin Snyder, Vice Chair
Government Affairs for the Auburn Chamber of Commerce Terry Davis, President and COO for the
Auburn Chamber of Commerce Nancy Wyatt, Robert Whale from the Auburn Reporter, Brian
Winslow and Elizabeth Warman from Boeing, Dave Lewis from Miles Sand and Gravel, Wayland
Scarff from Scarff Ford, Citizen Wayne Osborne, and Department Secretary Jennifer Rigsby.
Chairman Wagner announced an Agenda Modification. Issue Item B, Ordinance No. 6237.
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, April 6, 2009.
Motion carried 3-0.
B. PERMISSION TO AWARD CONTRACT 08-03 FOR PROJECT NO. CP0741, A STREET SE
PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENT TO EVERGREEN LANDSCAPE AND CONSTRUCTION INC.
ON THEIR LOW BID OF $158,903.50
Project Engineer Timm was present. The Committee asked no questions.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Member Singer, that the Committee
recommend Council award Contract No. 08-03 for Project No. CP0741, A Street SE Pedestrian
Improvement to Evergreen Landscape and Construction Inc.
Motion carried 3-0.
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Public Works Committee Minutes April 20, 2009
C. PERMISSION TO AWARD CONTRACT 09-01 FOR PROJECT NO. CP0762, LES GOVE
NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENTS - PHASE 1 TO R. L. ALIA COMPANY ON THEIR LOW
BID OF $2,001,277.50 PLUS WASHINGTON STATE SALES TAX $51,558.16 FOR A TOTAL
CONTRACT PRICE OF $2,052,835.66
Project Engineer Dunsdon answered questions asked by Chairman Wagner regarding the
Budget Status Sheet and the Water Utility Funds that are being spent on the project. Dunsdon
reported the bid items for the utility work were well below the engineer's estimate. The
Committee discussed the amount of the low bid.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Member Singer, that the Committee
recommend Council award Contract No. 09-01 for Project No. CP0762, Les Gove
Neighborhood Improvements - Phase 1 to R.L. Alia Company.
Motion carried 3-0.
III. ISSUES
A. RESOLUTION NO. 4473 AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES AG-C-310 BETWEEN THE CITY OF AUBURN AND CAROLLO ENGINEERS, PC
RELATED TO PROJECT NO. CP0704 COMPREHEN,SIVE WATER PLAN *(Lamothe)
Water Utility Engineer Lamothe answered questions asked by Chairman Wagner regarding the
consultant's scope of work. Lamothe discussed the review of the population and demand
forecasts and how that affected the scope of work. Chairman Wagner asked if the Committee
had already reviewed the final analysis. Lamothe answered the current Capital Improvement
Plan (CIP) is based on what staff feels are the current population projections, which has been
discussed with the Committee.
Chairman Wagner asked if staff will meet the State deadline for completion of the
Comprehensive Water Plan. Water Utility Engineer Lamothe responded if staff is making
progress on the plan, they are in compliance with the State's expectations.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Member Singer, that the Committee
recommend Council adopt Resolution No. 4473, amendment no. 2 to agreement for
professional services contract no. AG-C-310 between the City of Auburn and Carollo
Engineers, PC related to Project No. CP0704, Comprehensive Water Plan.
Motion carried 3-0.
B. ORDINANCE NO. 6237 AMENDING SECTION 6 OF ORDINANCE NO. 6211 ADOPTED ON
NOVEMBER 17, 2008, RELATING TO PARKING IN RESIDENTIAL ZONES
Transportation Planner Welsh answered questions asked by Chairman Wagner regarding the
number of public comments received over the winter months. Welsh stated staff would like to
continue gathering comments to create good balance. Director powdy stated the comments he
received were regarding aesthetics.
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Public Works Committee Minutes Aprii 20, 2009
Chairman Wagner asked staff to provide the cost estimates associated with potential
improvements to the parking surfaces at the conclusion of the comment period.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Member Singer, that the Committee
recommend Council adopt Ordinance No. 6237 amending section 6 of Ordinance No. 6211
adopted on November 17, 2008, relating to parking in residential zones.
IV. DISCUSSION AND INFORMATION
A. ORDINANCE NO. 6235 AMENDING THE CITY OF AUBURN SHORELINE DEVELOPMENT
REGULATIONS AUBURN CITY CODE CHAPTER 16.08 AND ADOPTING THE AMENDED
AUBURN SHORELINE MASTER PROGRAM
Environmental Protection Manager McLain Aardal distributed a corrected page, 4-24, which
revises a Scribner's error. McLain Aardal answered Chairman Wagner's question regarding the
reconciliation of the previous and current drafts of the plan.
The Committee was in consensus with approval of the ordinance.
B. RESOLUTION NO. 4474 LANDAU CONTRACT AMENDMENT FOR MOHAWK PLASTICS
WETLAND MITIGATION PROJECT
Principal Planner Dixon provided brief background information about the existing contract and
the proposed amendment. Dixon answered questions asked by Chairman Wagner regarding
the location of the mitigation.
Principle Planner Dixon answered questions asked by Member Singer regarding the
consultant's knowledge of the Department of Ecology requirements and the use of the
Environmental Park.
The Committee was in consensus with approval of the contract amendment.
C. RESOLUTION NO. 4472 AMENDING AND EXTENDING THE MORATORIUM ON THE FILING
OF APPLICATIONS FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS (CUPs) AND SETTING A PUBLIC
HEARING
Planning Director Baker reviewed the new map showing C1 vacant and re-developable
properties affected by the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) moratorium. Baker stated the
Planning and Community Development Committee recommended Resolution No. 4472 move
forward to the Council Meeting following discussion at the Public Works Committee Meeting.
Chairman Wagner briefed the Committee on the discussion that took place at the Planning and
Community Development Committee Meeting.
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Public Works Committee Minutes April 20, 2009
The Committee discussed variances that may be caused by driveway access.
The Committee decided to vote on the resolution.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Member Singer, that the Committee
recommend Council adopt Resolution No. 4472 amending and extending the moratorium on the
filing of applications for Conditional Use Permits (CUPs) and setting a Public Hearing.
Motion carried 3-0.
D. UTILITY BILLING WEB PAYMENTS
Finance Director Coleman introduced the new online utility billing payment software. The new
software has features that include graphical displays of customer account history and the ability
to link an unlimited number of utility accounts to a single user login. The new software will
come online May 1, 2009. Chairman Wagner asked if users will be able to view 13 months of
usage in order to compare year-to-year usage. Coleman said she would have to check with the
system provider. Director Coleman stated when the program becomes live she will schedule a
demonstration for both the Finance and Public Works Committees.
The Committee discussed the possibility of switching back from monthly billing to billing bi
monthly.
E. PAVEMENT CONDITIONS OF DESIGNATED TRUCK ROUTES
Chairman Wagner invited attendees to join the Committee for the discussion.
The Committee reviewed the Pavement Conditions of Designated Truck Routes map. Director
Dowdy reported to the Committee that the City has revenue needs that are well beyond the
$1.9 million per year that has been identified. Director powdy stated there are only three
existing truck routes that are still in fairly good condition and will be able to be maintained, given
the shortfall in revenue, Lakeland Hills Parkway, 15t" Street SW south of Peasley Canyon
Road, and 15th Street NW. All of the other truck routes lead to areas of the City that would
require restrictions on vehicle load weight.
Director powdy requested that the Committee consider three things, routes that should be kept
open, routes that should be removed from the Comprehensive Transportation Plan as future
truck routes due to the cost of bring them to truck standards in the future, and routes that the
City should begin to load regulate. The Committee discussed the enforcement measures that
the Police Department will use to regulate loads. The Committee discussed how to determine
the amount of local truck traffic traveling on West Valley Highway and the impact of load
regulation on the local industrial centers. Mayor Lewis commented other Cities have already
started to load regulate and there may be no other option for the City than to restrict truck traffic
in order to keep roads open for other traffic needs. Director powdy discussed the possibility of
issuing Route Permits or businesses forming Local tmprovement Districts.
The Committee and Mayor Lewis discussed the designations for truck routes. Mayor Lewis
stated there should be two designations, existing truck routes and local truck routes. Assistant
Director/City Engineer Selle suggested keeping the future truck route designation for grant
application and funding purposes. Mayor Lewis answered questions asked by Member Singer
regarding efforts to obtain regional funding for truck routes.
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Public Works Committee Minutes April 20, 2009
Director powdy announced that Mayor Lewis is reconvening the Citizens' Arterial Task Force in
order to assist in identifying the stake holders for the truck route system and ideas for additional
revenue to help maintain the system.
The Committee discussed what effects changes in the tax code and the economy have had on
the City's ability to maintain the truck routes. Vice-Chair Cerino commented the Port of Tacoma
may be a viable partner. Mayor Lewis said the City would like to remain an industrial center in
the region but an ongoing source of funding is needed to maintain the arterials.
Chairman Wagner asked on which streets will enforcement of load regulations begin. Director
Dowdy answered possibly West Valley Highway and B Street NE but that staff would be
working with the Arterial Task Force to help determine which routes needed to be kept open.
Chairman Wagner recommended including both. Mayor Lewis state this is not our preference
but if these roads are closed to some traffic, they can remain open to other traffic for a longer
period of time. Member Singer recommended contacting the businesses on B Street to inquire
about their willingness to form a LID.
Street System Engineer Wickstrom reviewed the truck route funding needs with the Committee.
Terry Davis from the Auburn Chamber of Commerce commented on the separation of
maintenance costs versus capital cost and the real cost to bring the routes to truck standards.
Mayor Lewis recommended separating the ongoing maintenance cost from the cost to bring the
routes in poor condition up to truck standards. Mr. Davis recommended prioritizing the routes.
Mayor Lewis said that will be one of the tasks for the Arterial Task Force. The Committee and
Mr. Davis discussed the definition of local truck traffic.
The Committee and staff discussed collecting data on the amount of local truck traffic and
calculating the percentage of local traffic and the percentage of through traffic.
F. AUBURN WAY NORTH LOCAL ACCESS STUDY
Chairman Wagner invited Wayland Scarff from Scarff Ford to join the Committee for
discussion.
Traffic Engineer Para reported staff has been reviewing possible ways to increase the sight
distance at the access point for the Vig property near the intersection of Auburn Way North and
277tn Street. At this time, due to the configuration of the roadway and the traffic volumes and
speeds the only potential option is to lower the speed limit of the corridor. This will require staff
to coordinate with King County to lower the speed limit north of the intersection, as that area is
in the County's jurisdiction. Staff has spoken with King County staff and they are in favor of
beginning a joint speed study of the AWN corridor at this location.
Using a map, Traffic Engineer Para explained to the Committee the effect that the speed on a
roadway has on the required sight distance for turning movements. Assistant Director/City
Engineer Selle stated staff tried to provide as much sight distance as possible by creating a
separate channelized lane with curbing for the driveway access, while trying to not affect the
capacity of the turn lanes for the intersection at 277th. Selle stated that a speed study will need
to be conducted to determine if it is possible to lower the speed limit and staff will be
coordinating with the County.
Mayor Lewis asked how long it will take to complete the speed study. Director powdy stated
King County has agreed to begin immediately but there is no estimate for the completion date.
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Public Works Committee Minutes April 20, 2009
The Committee discussed the improvements that may be the responsibility of the property
owner if the proposal does move forward, but a final determination has not been made.
Wayland Scarff stated the proposal appears to be more cost effective than the u-turn option
previously discussed. Mr. Scarff asked about an estimate of cost that would be the
responsibility of the property owner. Selle responded, if the sight distance issue can be
reconciled, there are two elements that will incur cost, installation of some c-curb in the
roadway and the relocation of a driveway and other site improvements on the private property.
Mayor Lewis stated responsibility of cost will need to be discussed once the needed
improvements are identified.
The Committee is in support of moving forward with the speed study and the implementation of
a left turn access into the Vig property, if feasible, without further Committee review.
G. PROPOSED CODE CHANGES TO AUBURN CITY CODE 13.32, UNDERGROUND WIRING
Assistant City Engineer Gaub presented the first draft of changes to the code that will outline
which development would be exempt and which nonexempt from the underground wiring
requirements.
Gaub reported staff is requesting feedback on determining where the exemption level should be
for commercial sites. Gaub reviewed the memo regarding the proposed changes and
specifically, item 2.c., which lists specific zones where the exemptions will apply for commercial
development.
The Committee discussed what size commercial development will be considered for
exemptions. Staff suggested a cut off at an 11,000 square feet lot size. The Committee
reviewed aerial maps that showed different size commercial developments existing in the City.
Assistant City Engineer Gaub answered questions asked by Member Singer regarding the
properties used as examples on the aerial maps and which developments were required to
underground their utilities.
Chairman Wagner stated the exemption size of 11,000 square feet or smaller in lot size may be
able to be increased. Member Singer responded if the City's goal is to make progress on
undergrounding commercial zones, with the exception of residential conversions, they should
be required to underground, unless the cost was too great. Chairman Wagner asked what
conditions cause the cost of undergrounding to increase. Gaub answered the developments
that staff has the most problems with property owners affording the undergrounding are are
single-family in-fill and residential conversions. Gaub pointed out the changes in the code will
also affect re-development of properties but provides exemptions similar to the storm drainage
code requirements.
Director powdy asked if the property owners who are allowed above ground utilities are going
to be required to sign delay agreements in the case the corridor is being undergrounded.
Assistant City Engineer Gaub answered the existing Code is specific in requiring property
owner's to underground their service at their expense if the distribution system is
undergrounded by the City at a future time.
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Public Works Committee Minutes April 20, 2009
Gaub answered questions asked by Chairman Wagner regarding the transmission facilities in
the City that exceed 15,000 volts.
The proposed changes to the City Code will be presented to the Planning and Community
Development Committee for discussion at their next meeting and then to the Public Works
Committee for recommendation and Council for adoption. The Committee was in agreement.
H. CODE UPDATE PROJECT - DESIGN STANDARDS
10.04.1.4 Curb and Riqht-of-Wav Radius
Traffic Engineer Para provided a definition of "design vehicle" to Chairman Wagner. Different
road classifications have different radius requirements based on the design vehicle. Assistant
Director Selle stated the design vehicle is determined by the controlling type of vehicle expected
on the road. Chairman Wagner suggested including the largest type of vehicle each
classification needs to accommodate, thus determining the Right-of-Way radius, in a table.
10.04.1.45 Landinq Approach
Chairman Wagner asked why the data for Maximum Landing Approach Grade in Table
10.02.7 is not referenced in the section. Selle stated the reference will be included and staff is
in the process of researching the appropriate grade percentage to use.
10.04.4.1 Driveway Locations
Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle answered questions asked by Chairman Wagner
regarding the frequency of properties sharing driveways. Chairman Wagner recommended the
section clarify sharing driveways does not automatically apply to residential developments.
Chairman Wagner asked for a definition of "re-developed properties." Selle answered there is
not currently a qualifier but the 50% of the assessed value can be applied. Chairman Wagner
asked if 50% of the appraised value can be used if the property owner wishes but with the
property owner paying for the appraisal. Selle answered the Code will need to be updated.
The Committee discussed the restriction of access that can be caused by new development
and how this should be addressed in the standards so that changes to existing properties
access are not at the whim of new development.
10.04.4.1.2 Table 10-4
Traffic Engineer Para and Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle answered questions asked by
Chairman Wagner regarding the Storage Length figures in the table. Para stated the table is
base on an Institute for Traffic Engineers table. Staff will look at appropriate storage Lengths
for each roadway classification.
10.04.4.2 Drivewav Lavout
Chairman Wagner asked how staff is going to research the fifty foot separation requirement for
commercial/industrial driveways. Selle answered staff will research the measurement with
other agencies. Member Singer pointed out the standards include that a single driveway
centered on the property may be required in cases where separation is not obtainable.
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Public Works Committee Minutes April 20, 2009
10.04.4.3 Drivewav Aliqnment (Horizontal & Vertical)
Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle answered questions asked by Member Singer regarding
the twelve percent vertical grade requirement. Selle said staff is researching the figure and will
include more detail in the section. The intent is to insure that the grade of the driveway
immediately behind the sidewalk is at an appropriate grade to address site distance and not
bottom out the vehicle.
10.04.4.5 Restricted Access Drivewavs
Chairman Wagner asked if there is enough detail in the section. Selle responded there are
tools used to restrict access in the proposed standards and the driveways should be reviewed
on a case by case basis. Chairman Wagner suggested some of the criteria, such as speed and
sight distance, that are used to determine restrictions be included in the section. Para
commented future sections are referenced that are intended to provide such detail.
10.02.7 Summarv Matrix of Street Desiqn Requirements
The Committee discussed the requirements for bikeway class/width.
1. CAPITAL PROJECT STATUS REPORT* (Helbig)
Item 3- C504A - R Street Utilitv Improvements: Chairman Wagner asked if there have been
any complaints about the detours. Senior Project Engineer Helbig answered he has not
received any complaints.
Item 19 - CP0819 - Mill Creek/Peaslev Canvon Culvert Replacement: Chairman Wagner
asked when the project will be complete considering the emergency status. Helbig answered
the design phase is moving along and staff is applying for the emergency permits. Selle stated
the goal is to complete the project by November 2009.
V. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Public Works Committee, the meeting was
adjourned at 5:18 p.m.
Approved this 4th day of May, 2009.
~ .
Rich Wagner i er Ri sby
Chairman u lic Works D artmen ecretary
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