HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-17-2009
01 CITY OF AUBURN
CITY OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
August 17, 2009
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WASHTNGTON MINUTES
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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, Maintenance and Operations Manager Randy
Bailey, Project Engineer Jacob Sweeting, Project Engineer Robert Lee, Sanitary Sewer Engineer
Robert Elwell, Storm Drainage Engineer Tim Carlaw, Traffic Engineer Pablo Para, Transportation
Planner/Grants Manager Chris Hankins, Transportation Planner Tiffin Goodman, Transportation
Planner Joe Welsh, Utilities Civil Engineer Joel Chalmers, City Attorney Dan Heid, Associate City
Attorney Allison Stanhope, Planning Director Cindy Baker, Assistant Planning Director Kevin
Snyder, Principal Planner Jeff Dixon, Senior Planner Chris Andersen, Citizen Wayne Osborne,
Robert Whale from the Auburn Reporter, and Department Secretary Jennifer Rigsby.
II. CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Member Singer noted two errors to be corrected. On page 6, item A, "I Street corridor" will be
corrected to read "A/B Street corridor" and on page 11, item H, the title "Area of Circulation
Plan" will be corrected to read "Area Circulation Plan."
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Member Singer, that the Committee approve
the Public Works Committee minutes for date August 3, 2009, with the corrections referenced
above.
Motion carried 3-0.
B. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO CONSULTANT AGREEMENT NO. AG-C-350 WITH
PARAMETRIX INC. FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES ON PROJECT NO. CP0817, 2009
SEWER AND STORM PUMP STATION REPLACEMENT PROJECT
Project Engineer Sweeting stated the original contract for Project No. CP0817 included an
assessment of the White River Pump Station to determine what needed to be done for the
station to operate at full capacity. The consultant reported the substructure can be saved at a
significant cost savings; however the pumps and the walls and roof of the structure need to be
replaced. The amendment provides for the completion of the design of the retrofitting at the
White River Pump Station.
Sweeting answered questions asked by Chairman Wagner regarding the new design of the
pump station and overhead powerlines. Chairman Wagner asked the age of the current
pumps. Sweeting responded the pumps are approximately 30 years old and after conducting a
pump test, if was determined they have lost about 25% of their original capacity and that it is
difficult to determine how much longer the pumps will continue to function.
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Public Works Committee Minutes August 17, 2009
Sweeting reviewed the budget status sheet for all three pump station sites, the cost to rebuild
the station and the cost of the pumps with the Committee.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Member Singer, that the Committee
recommend Council approve Amendment No. 1 to Consultant Agreement No. AG-C-350 for
engineering services on Project No. CP0817, 2009 Sewer and Storm Pump Station
Replacement Project.
Motion carried 3-0.
AGENDA MODIFICATION
C. APPROVE CHANGE ORDER NO. 5 IN THE AMOUNT OF $608,545 TO CONTRACT 05-17
WITH INTERWEST DEVELOPMENT FOR WORK ON PROJECT C504A, R STREET SE
UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS
Project Engineer Lee stated Change Order No. 5 is being requested to address bid item
quantity increases. Due to field conditions some of the quantities have increased significantly.
Lee said the field conditions were unforeseen and included such issues as widening of the utility
trenches, caused by sloughing of the trench walls in the old landfill area, and a conflict with
Puget Sound Energy gas lines which required the storm line to be moved on 21 St Street creating
a wider trench and more pavement restoration and additional sidewalk replacement.
Lee discussed how the quantities of the bid items were calculated and reviewed the budget
status sheet. Lee answered questions asked by Chairman Wagner regarding the
replenishment of the authorized contingency for the project.
Member Singer asked if staff has identified those areas in town that may have the same
problems as 21St Street when trenched. Mayor Lewis answered as much as is possible.
Project Engineer Lee said night work will soon be starting on the new storm system crossing
Auburn Way south at 17th Street SE on the evening of Tuesday, August 18, 2009. The
intersection of M Street SE and 17th Street SE will be closed on the evening of the 18th and on
the evenings of Wednesday, August 19th and Thursday, August 20th there will be lane closures
on Auburn Way S and the Auburn Police Department will be assisting with traffic control.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Member Singer, that the Committee
recommend Council approve Change Order No. 5 to Contract No. 05-17 for work on Project
No. C504A, R Street SE Utility Improvements.
Motion carried 3-0.
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Public Works Committee Minutes Auqust 17, 2009
III. ISSUES
A. ORDINANCE NO. 6238 REPEALING CHAPTER 13.32 OF THE AUBURN CITY CODE;
ADOPTING A NEW CHAPTER 13.32A OF THE AUBURN CITY CODE; AND AMENDING
SECTIONS 13.36.090, 13.36.110, AND.13.36.130 OF THE AUBURN CITY CODE, ALL
RELATING TO UNDERGROUND WIRING
Assistant City Engineer Gaub reviewed the comments from the Committee which were
addressed in Ordinance No. 6238. Section 13.32A.120, A, 1 and 3, where additional language
was provided to clarify the meaning of a planned City project and adjacent properties.
Gaub answered questions asked by Chairman Wagner regarding how staff would view a
situation where technological solutions exist but may be expensive. Gaub responded that as
with all development, the benefit of the requirements must be consistent with the amount of
development occurring.
Chairman Wagner asked if in chapter 13.32A.50, the requirement for all new utilities to be
underground, will apply to residential and commercial developments. Gaub answered it would
apply to all developments, unless they met one of the exemptions in the code or ask for a
deferral of the requirement. Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle stated staff will monitor this
ordinance and if any adjustments are needed staff will bring the ordinance back to Committee.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Member Singer, that the Committee
recommend Council adopt Ordinance No. 6238.
Motion carried 3-0.
B. ORDINANCE NO. 6259 AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 6219 TO EXTEND THE EFFECTIVE
DATE OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHANGES
Principal Planner Dixon provided background on Ordinance No. 6259 and the original
Ordinance No. 6183 which provided zoning changes and special area plan adoption for an area
in the northern part of the City. These changes were subject to the proposed development
agreement by the Robertson Property Group (RPG) Project. The special zoning provision was
set to expire on December 13, 2008, but was extended to August 31, 2009 by adoption of
Ordinance No. 6219. The proposed Ordinance No. 6259 will extend the time of the zoning and
comprehensive plan changes provided by Ordinance No. 6183 to August 31, 2010.
Staff is requesting Public Works recommendation for adoption of the ordinance and believe the
extension is appropriate based on the City's flood plain moratorium pending the revision of the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Plain Maps. Staff is continuing to
negotiate with RPG on their development agreement. RGP is currently working on some
supplements to their previous environmental impact statement.
Mayor Lewis and City Attorney Heid responded to questions asked by Chairman Wagner
regarding the WCIA concerns about entering into development agreements and how that might
relate to the agreement with RPG. Heid stated the RPG agreement is vested under the earlier
development agreement regulations. The Committee, Mayor Lewis, and City Attorney Heid
continued discussion regarding the Council, quasi-judicial roles, and interaction with the City's
insurance carrier.
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Public Works Committee Minutes Auqust 17 2009
Vice-Chair Cerino asked if the new flood plain map would change the RPG property. Dixon
answered if FEMA does adopt the new flood plain map, a greater portion of the property would
show up in a flood plain and the City does not have the ability to vest the developer to current
flood plain requirements because the maps and requirements come from the Federal
authorities.
Chairman Wagner asked if the ordinance was reviewed by the Planning and Community
Development Committee. Dixon answered due to the Council meeting schedule and the
August 31, 2009 expiration date; the ordinance will be reviewed by the Public Works and
Finance Committees.
Member Singer stated since the City moratorium is part of what has prevented the developer
from moving forward, she is in support of Ordinance No. 6259 and the extension. Vice-Chair
Cerino agreed. Vice-Chair Cerino spoke about the importance of developing the area.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Member Singer, that the Committee
recommend Council adopt Ordinance No. 6259.
Motion carried 3-0.
IV. DISCUSSION AND INFORMATION
A. ORDINANCE NO. 6253 AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 18.04 DEFINITION AND CHAPTER
18.26 C-1 LIGHT COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
The Committee reviewed the changes to the ordinance made on page 8, items 5 and 6, with
Assistant Planning Director Snyder.
Using a graphic, Snyder and Senior Planner Andersen, spoke about "horizontal mixed use
development." This will allow developers to distribute the minimum required 50% commercial
use square footage amongst one or more buildings on the development site in a C-1 zone.
Chairman Wagner commented all developers will not be satisfied with the changes made.
Mayor Lewis stated there will be property owners from the Lea Hill area at the Council meeting
for further discussion about the ordinance. The Committee reviewed the map showing the
remaining C-1 properties in the City.
Mayor Lewis and Assistant Planning Director Snyder verified that 50% of the cumulative
developed site must be commercial, in C-1 zones.
Senior Planner Andersen spoke about project phasing which would allow developers to build
commercial first and later build the residential. The commercial development must be phased
in prior to the development of the residential.
Chairman Wagner did not ask for Committee consensus at this time. Discussion is to be
continued at the Council meeting.
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Public Works Committee Minutes Auqust 17, 2009
B. RESOLUTION NO. 4513 DECLARING CERTAIN ITEMS OF PROPERTY AS SURPLUS AND
AUTHORIZING THEIR DISPOSAL
There were no questions from the Committee and the Committee is in support of approval of
the resolution.
C. GRANT UPDATE
Director powdy recommended this discussion be deferred to the next Public Works Committee
meeting. The Committee agreed.
D. ORDINANCE NO. 6256 WHICH AMENDS SECTIONS 10.36.020 AND 10.36.270 OF THE
AUBURN CITY CODE RELATING TO PARKING ON PLANTING STRIPS IN RESIDENTIAL
ZONES
Transportation Planner/Grants Manager Hankins reported the updated version of Ordinance
No. 6256 has revisions suggested by the Legal Department and Parking Enforcement.
Chairman Wagner asked for additional time to review the revised ordinance. City Attorney Heid
stated there is no deadline for the ordinance.
Chairman Wagner asked that more definition of roadway shoulder versus landscape strip be
included. Member Singer asked for clarification on the different curb types to be included as
well.
Hankins answered questions asked by Vice-Chair Cerino regarding parking enforcement,
reporting parking on landscape strips is currently allowed.
The revised ordinance will be discussed at the next Public Works Committee Meeting.
E. SAFE WALKING ROUTES REPORT FROM AUBURN SCHOOL DISTRICT
Transportation Planner/Grants Manager Hankins provided the Committee with the information
staff received from the Auburn School District about their safe walking routes to school
program. The requests from schools are reviewed by a Committee that then submits requests
to the school board for review. Chairman Wagner commented the various schools did not use
a uniform map format.
Mayor Lewis discussed the process the school district is using to gather data on safe walking
routes and sharing information with the City.
Member Singer asked how staff responds to school district requests. Transportation
Planner/Grants Manager Hankins answered staff ineets with the school district's committee and
reviews all requests and addresses requests that involve City issues, such as broken curbs.
Chairman Wagner asked the school district develop a more uniform method for mapping their
requests so staff can better understand and respond. Member Singer asked for copies of the
City's responses to the school district.
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Public Works Committee Minutes Auqust 17, 2009
F. PROJECT NO. C524A SCADA SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS- UPDATE
Chairman Wagner suggested this discussion topic be postponed until the next Public Works
Committee Meeting. Project Engineer Lee distributed materials for the Committee to review.
G. COMPREHENSIVE SANITARY SEWER PLAN UPDATE
Sanitary Sewer Engineer Elwell reviewed the changes that were made to the new plan as
compared to previous plans. Chapters on Policies and Implementation were added to the
updated plan. Following staff review, it was decided a Financial Chapter will also be included.
Elwell answered questions asked by Chairman Wagner regarding the map which shows the
engineering details of the sewer pipes, such as size. Elwell stated more detailed information
could be included on the draft plan map. Utilities Engineer Repp explained how staff used the
GIS system to provide detail of the sanitary sewer system. Chairman Wagner commented on
the proposed sanitary sewer lines that are shown on the map. Elwell responded the lines are
not ones that the City is proposing to build but rather a guideline for how the system should be
extended in the future. Chairman Wagner recommended a notation be included on the map
legend using the term "conceptual." Mayor Lewis agreed.
Sanitary Sewer Engineer Elwell answered questions asked by Chairman Wagner regarding the
identification of manholes that may be problematic. Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle
stated critical manholes will be identified in the plan and the GIS system will be used as a more
detailed tool for the decision making process. Utilities Engineer Repp discussed the use of the
results of the hydraulic model. Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle and Elwell responded to
questions asked by Chairman Wagner about bypassing pump stations in the event of pump
station failure.
The Committee began the review of the Draft Comprehensive Sewer Plan with the Executive
Summary.
Paqe ES-2: Chairman Wagner asked where the guide line for level of service of "once per 5-
year flow with one pump out of service and... once per 20-year flow with all pumps in service"
for System Capacity originates. Elwell answered the Department of Ecology and King County
use the standard as a suggested standard.
Chairman Wagner asked if the if the age and material information has been validated by the
result of Maintenance and Operation inspection as stated in Level of Service for policy 2.2.
Elwell responded the inventory and validation is an ongoing process and explained how the
CarteGraph software will be used to facilitate the creation of the database.
Chairman Wagner suggested comments regarding water usage and sustainability and
functionality of the system be included in policy 3.2 Level of Service.
The Committee and staff discussed including the utilization of future gray water technologies in
the policy and Level of Service sections. Utilities Engineer Repp discussed the difference
between treatments of reclaimed water versus those of gray water. Repp recommended that
staff use the term reclaimed water instead of gray water in the plan.
The Committee and staff discussed the inclusion of guidelines regarding extending service
outside the existing service boundaries. Elwell recommended including language stating
extensions of service will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Chairman Wagner and Mayor
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Public Works Committee Minutes Auqust 17, 2009
Lewis agreed and suggested wording such as "will be considered but not encouraged".
Director powdy explained how staff has worked with adjacent service providers on extending
service in the past.
Paqe ES-7: Chairman Wagner suggested more detail regarding Hazard Planning be included
in the plan or a reference to the Emergency Management Manual.
Paqe 2-4: Chairman Wagner express concern that the statement all new development shall
be served by Public sewers..." in section 2.6.1 may be too inflexible. Assistant Director/City
Engineer said parameters and qualifiers could be added to increase flexibility and allow for
larger lot developments to use individual septic systems.
Paqe 3-3: Sanitary Sewer Engineer Elwell explained how modeling was used to calculate I/I
flows following questions asked be Chairman Wagner. Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle
said for pump stations the I/I can be calculated and in areas where there are gravity systems,
staff uses the industry standards.
Paqe 4-14: Elwell clarified the difference between the force mains that come from the large
pump stations and low pressure systems to which individual pumps are connected. Chairman
Wagner requested more definition of force mains be added to distinguish them from privately
owned grinder pump installations.
Paqe 4-16: The Committee reviewed section 4.5 regarding Wastewater Reuse. Mayor Lewis
said a reference to the City looking at new water technology in its jurisdiction needs to be
included.
Paqe 5-3: Sanitary Sewer Engineer Elwell stated the population figures used will be updated in
the model following questions about the estimation of projected population expansion.
Elwell answered questions asked by Chairman Wagner regarding the impacts of the King
County conveyance improvement program on the City's system. Chairman Wagner asked that
paragraph four be reworded to reflect Elwell's explanation.
Paqe 6-4: Utilities Engineer Repp described the six-year project planning for installation of
emergency power generators at all sanitary sewer pump stations, as described in project
number 8.
Paqe 6-6: Chairman Wagner asked that the name "Casino Pump Station" be changed to better
reflect the actual total service area.
Paqe 7-3: Sanitary Sewer Engineer Elwell explained why sewer meters are not used on
individual residences and commercial buildings. Utilities Engineer Repp discussed the difficulty
in accurately measuring open channel flow.
Paqe 7-4: The Committee and staff discussed the Emergency Response Manual. Chairman
Wagner requested more discussion at Committee meetings regarding the Public Works
Emergency Response for sewage spills. Member Singer requested the topic be discussed at
the Committee of the Whole Meeting.
Paqe 7-6: The Committee discussed the need for responding to law enforcement agency
requests to search for crime evidence in the sewer system.
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Public Works Committee Minutes Auqust 17, 2009
Paqe 8-1: Chairman Wagner asked about the Finance Chapter. Utilities Engineer Repp
answered staff is working with the consultant, FCS Group, on the financials and the chapter will
be in a similar format as that in the Draft Comprehensive Water Plan.
Paqe 9-2: Sanitary Sewer Engineer stated most of the projects listed on the Annual Project
Cost Summary were previously identified and generally there are not a lot of capacity issues in
planning. The majority of projects listed are repair and replacement projects and divided into
priorities to benefit the rate study. Utilities Engineer Repp commented on the current pump
station projects.
Paqe 9-6: Elwell provided clarification regarding the conceptual nature of the Sanitary Sewer
Pump Station Criticality graph.
Paqe 10-1: Chairman Wagner asked that a Report Limitations statement be included in the
Comprehensive Water and Storm Drainage Plans.
The Committee continued their review with Appendix B.
Paqe 2: Chairman Wagner verified with Sanitary Sewer Engineer Elwell that the Force Mains
listed under Pipe Material in table ES-1 were not related to grinder pumps.
Paqe 8: Elwell described circumstances when ductile iron pipe might be used.
Paqe 13: Chairman Wagner commented that the difference between the total costs of
Residential and Commercial as listed in table 6 did not appear great enough. Elwell responded
the table is based on a lot of assumptions, especially since there is not as much consolidated
data as staff would like for analysis. Mayor Lewis asked who developed the table and if the
data is empirical. Elwell answered the table was developed by the consultants working with
other jurisdictions and the figures are a generalization. Chairman Wagner suggested the data
be reviewed and spoke about the benefit to the Capital Improvement Plan if the Commercial
zoning was reflected as being more critical than Residential and Industrial.
Sanitary Sewer Engineer Elwell responded to questions asked by Member Singer regarding the
cost of locating lines near railroad tracks.
Paqe 29: Chairman Wagner suggested the cost to customers listed in the Disruption of Service
section be reviewed for accuracy, with focus on the Commercial figures.
Sanitary Sewer Engineer Elwell concluded, the Draft Comprehensive Sanitary Sewer Plan will
be reviewed at the Planning and Community Development Committee Meeting on August 24,
2009. Staff comments and changes, as well as those from the Department of Ecology, will be
incorporated into the plan and the plan will be brought back for Committee review in October
2009.
Member Singer asked if language about not commingling the funds for system development in
capital projects in the Financial Chapter. Utilities Engineer Repp answered Finance Director
Coleman is working on the details and it is expected to be a recommendation.
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Public Works Committee Minutes Auqust 17, 2009
H. COMPREHENSIVE STORMWATER DRAINAGE PLAN UPDATE (Carlaw)
Storm Drainage Engineer Carlaw and the Committee began review of the Executive Summary.
Paqe ES-2: Chairman Wagner asked for clarification on the 100 year scale used as the Level
of Service Goal in item 1 of table ES-1. Storm Drainage Engineer Carlaw responded, following
previous discussion with the Committee, staff determined 100 years was an appropriate storm
that could be reviewed and modeled. The 100 year scale is limited to critical City facilities.
Chairman Wagner asked for a clearer definition of 100 year storm be included.
Chairman Wagner suggested the wording in the Level of Service for item 4 be changed from
"No stormwater discharge..." to "No direct stormwater discharge..."
Paqe ES-3: Carlaw answered questions asked by Chairman Wagner regarding the loss of
native vegetation in ditches along railroads. Carlaw stated the ditches are created and
therefore need to be maintained, unless they are designated sensitive areas, such as wetlands,
then mitigation would be required.
The Committee and staff discussed statements of sustainability that are included in the plan.
Utilities Engineer Repp said the statements are included in the plan to provide not only
statements on sustainability for particular utilities but also resource use as important things to
consider during future planning. Chairman Wagner recommended adding a statement, such
as, "Over the next planning period, reasonable resources will be applied to improve
sustainability."
Item 19, Chairman Wagner asked that the word "practices" in Level of Service be changed to
be more specific.
Fiqure ES-1: Storm Water Utility Engineer Carlaw explained the prioritizing of the basins,
following questions asked by Member Singer. Carlaw stated the map alludes to the level of
information staff has about the basins. Member Singer recommended not using the term "basin
priorities." Utilities Engineer Repp commented that basin priorities relate to the timing of basin
inventory work. The Committee and staff discussed the map and the layout for the basins.
Paqe 3-1: Chairman Wagner asked for more clarification from the authors regarding the term
"employee relations."
Paqe 4-8: The Committee and staff reviewed table 4-3, and which drainage problems are of a
higher priority than others.
Member Singer mentioned the flooding on sections of the Interurban Trail. The Committee
discussed being more proactive addressing problems in non-motorized areas. Assistant
Director/City Engineer stated most of the problems are related to roadways.
Page 5-5: Chairman Wagner spoke about whether or not the risk cost is appropriately
balanced between different uses, commercial, industrial, and residential.
Fiqure 6-1: Storm Drainage Utility Engineer Carlaw responded to questions asked by Member
Singer regarding the inclusion of the Environmental Park District/Downtown Area catch basin
project on the Project Locations Map.
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Public Works Committee Minutes Auqust 17, 2009
Utilities Engineer Repp stated an update on the Downtown Water Quality Project is going to be
brought to the Committee for review following a feasibility of design review. Carlaw verified the
project is currently included in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
Chairman Wagner asked for additional information on project location 14, Relieve West Main
Street Flooding. Carlaw stated this plan is to identify the need to rebuild the existing pump to
meet a more robust City standard of pump station and meet Levels of Service standards.
Carlaw said the current pump station, although functioning well, does not have redundant
pumping or generation capacity.
Carlaw spoke about the Bry's Cove Pond Expansion.
Page 6-6: Chairman Wagner asked if the funds for the Port of Seattle Mitigation Agreement
Project are City funds or Port of Seattle funds. Carlaw answered the funds are Port funds and
they sunset in 2011.
Paqe 6-13: The Committee and staff reviewed the cost estimates for Project No. 11 B- Phase
2.
Paqe 6-27 and 31: Carlaw reported there is ongoing ravine erosion and drainage is
unpredictable, making planning difficult. Carlaw said staff is proposing Phase 1 for Project No.
15A, B and Project No. 16A, B start in 2010. Carlaw pointed out the Bry's Cove Expansion
Phase 2 is predicated on the future development of the Bry's Cove project, a vested plat in King
County. Utilities Engineer Repp spoke about the efforts being made to control stormwater in
the area. The Committee and staff discussed how staff is coordinating with King County to plan
the projects in this area.
Paqe 7-13: Chairman Wagner commented on the establishment of computer decision making
processes and asked the process be made simple.
Chairman Wagner asked when the Committee will review the Finance Chapter. Utilities
Engineer Repp answered the consultant should be submitting the chapter within the next week.
Chairman Wagner asked for further clarification on the graph used in the Appendix, page D-7
the next time the plan is reviewed.
1. COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE
Transportation Planner Goodman presented the table on Capital Roadway Projects and the
Corridor Level of Service Alternatives Comparison table. Goodman explained the Level of
Service alternatives listed. Alternative 1 included projects currently programmed into the
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), alternative 2 are projects in the City that are not
currently in the TIP but are in the Comprehensive Transportation Plan, and alternative 3 are
regional projects.
Goodman noted there is more emphasis on spot improvements in the updated plan than there
has been in previous plans. The focus was on intersection delays and/or small section delays
and trying to program cost-effective projects that would have a wider benefit.
Goodman requested Committee direction on a Lea Hill access project. Staff presented two
proposed alternatives for addressing access to the Lea Hill area; improving the existing gtn
Street NE/Lea Hill Road corridor and the development of a new corridor along 22nd Street NE
and 304t" Way SE with a connecting bridge across the Green River. Chairman Wagner and
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Public Works Committee Minutes Auaust 17, 2009
Member Singer agreed, with the difficulties related to bridge building, expanding 8t" Street NE
appears to be the better option. In addition, the bridge option did not significantly improve Level
of Service. The Committee agreed that the 8th Street NE/Lea Hill Road corridor is the preferred
alternative to include in the Comprehensive Plan.
Chairman Wagner asked if all of the Green River Community College Improvement projects
need to be completed to be beneficial. Traffic Engineer Para answered some of the projects
would be more beneficial than others and some of the projects would be of no benefit without
completion of the others. Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle stated staff can include the
order the projects should be completed, sequencing and interconnectedness in the
Comprehensive Plan. Para said staff will be meeting with the Green River Community College
staff to discuss the projects and issues they address. Selle said the Planning Department will
also be at the meeting with the college as well. Chairman Wagner spoke about joint funding of
the projects between the City and college. The Committee discussed traffic backups that occur
due to the design of the college entrance.
Transportation Planner Goodman answered questions asked by Member Singer regarding
Project No. 8 and the inclusion of sidewalks. Traffic Engineer Para verified the project will
include the complete street concept and there will be sidewalks.
Chairman Wagner asked why Kersey Way was not on the project list. Goodman answered
there does not appear to be a Level of Service problem at that location. The Level of Service
table does assume the Stewart Road (8th Street in Pacific) project will be completed.
Transportation Planner Goodman plans on returning to the Committee with a completed draft
for review on September 8, 2009. There is a Public Hearing set before the Planning
Commission on October 6, 2009 and recommendations will be made. Following the Public
Hearing, staff will bring the revised plan back to the Committees for review. The plan should be
adopted in late November 2009.
J. CODE UPDATE PROJECT - DESIGN STANDARDS
Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle and Traffic Engineer Para answered questions asked by
Chairman Wagner regarding if there was any requirement to paint the curbs of inedians.
Chairman Wagner asked that Para check with other jurisdictions to see if they have problems
with medians not being visible to drivers.
Traffic Engineer Para responded to questions asked by Member Singer about the 8 feet
minimum requirement for landscape strips in the median. Member Singer suggested irrigation
be required for landscape strips in medians and that the City stamped asphalt design be
included in the Design Standards.
Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle provided clarification on the statement "shall not restrict
the flow of surface drainage, "following a question asked by Chairman Wagner.
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Public Works Committee Minutes Auqust 17, 2009
Chairman Wagner suggested a statement be added that would allow for shorter left turn
channelization if there was traffic analysis that supported it and with approval from the City
Engineer. Selle spoke about the ability for deviations from the standards. .
Traffic Engineer Para discussed the legality of driving over a painted island.
K. CAPITAL PROJECT STATUS REPORT
There were no questions from the Committee.
V. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Public Works Committee, the meeting was
adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
Approved this 8th day of September, 2009.
Rich Wagner nifer RigsbWarot Chairman Public Works Zecretary
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