HomeMy WebLinkAboutITEM III-C
CITY OF AUBURN
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
November 16, 2009
DRAFT MINUTES
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Rich Wagner called the meeting to order at 3:06 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, Utilities
Engineer Dan Repp, Maintenance and Operations Manager Randy Bailey, Engineering Aide
Amber Mund, Project Engineer Ryan Vondrak, Traffic Engineer Pablo Para, Transportation
Planner/Grants Manager Chris Hankins, Principal Planner Elizabeth Chamberlain, Transportation
Planner Tiffin Goodman, Water Utility Engineer Cynthia Lamothe, Sanitary Sewer Engineer Bob
Elwell, Storm Drainage Engineer Tim Carlaw, Utilities Civil Engineer Joel Chalmers, Finance
Director Shelley Coleman, City Attorney Dan Heid, Chief of Police Jim Kelly, Assistant Planning
Director Kevin Snyder, Finance Planning Manager Karen Jester, Senior Planner Chris Andersen,
Associate City Attorney Allison Stanhope, Martin Chaw, FCS Group Consultant, Citizen Wayne
Osborne, and Department Secretary Jennifer Rigsby.
Chairman Wagner announced that Member Singer would be approximately an hour late to the
meeting.
II. CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chairman Wagner stated Member Singer made a request, via email, that the minutes be
modified to reflect her recommendation that the TIP Project #31 be updated to include bicycle
safety. Director Dowdy stated the minutes reflect the request. The Committee reviewed the
minutes and discussed the recommendation to change the title of the Project. Traffic Engineer
Para verified the title of the project had been changed and the description updated to reflect
the emphasis on bicycle safety.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Chairman Wagner, that the Committee
approve the Public Works Committee minutes for date, November 2, 2009.
Motion carried 2-0.
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DRAFT MINUTES
B. APPROVE RIGHT-OF-WAY USE PERMIT NO. 09-40 FOR THE AUBURN PROFESSIONAL
PLAZA AWNINGS
Engineering Aide Mund was present. There were no questions from the Committee.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Chairman Wagner, that the Committee
approve Right-of-Way Use Permit No. 09-40 for the Auburn Professional Plaza Awnings.
Motion carried 2-0.
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C. PERMISSION TO AWARD CONTRACT NO. 09-15 FOR PROJECT NO. CP0815, S 277
RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT PHASE III – MARY OLSON FARM MATERIALS
PROCUREMENT TO BERNARD COMMERCIAL, INC. ON THEIR LOW BID OF $57,101.70
PLUS WASHINGTON STATE SALES TAX OF $5,424.66 FOR A TOTAL CONTRACT PRICE
OF $62,526.36
Assistant City Engineer Gaub was present. There were no questions from the Committee.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Chairman Wagner, that the Committee
recommend Council grant permission to award Contract No. 09-15 for Project No. CP0815, S
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277 Reconstruction Project Phase III – Mary Olson Farm Materials Procurement to Bernard
Commercial Inc.
Motion carried 2-0.
E. APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO CONSULTANT AGREEMENT NO. AG-C-292 WITH INCA
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ENGINEERS, INC. FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR PROJECT NO. CP0701, 8
STREET NE AND R STREET NE SIGNAL
Project Engineer Vondrak explained that the amendment includes the completion of the project
plans and specifications, thus readying the project to go out to bid. Vondrak answered
questions asked by the Committee regarding the cost estimate for the project design.
Chairman Wagner asked if the federal grant funds would need to be returned if work on the
project was ended. Vondrak confirmed the funds would have to be returned. Vondrak stated
that if the project was ended at this time and resumed at a later date, the City would need to
seek the services of a consultant to incorporate the changes made to the project’s design,
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such as the rechannelization of 8 Street NE, expansion of the fiber optic undergrounding for
the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS), and relocation of the signal to the City’s existing
Right-of-Way. Vice-Chair Cerino noted that if the project is postponed there is no
guaranteeing that federal grant funds would still be available or that this project would be
successful in obtaining grant funds. Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle commented it may
also affect the City’s ability to obtain future grants on other projects.
Chairman Wagner requested that discussion continue when Member Singer was present.
Vice-Chair Cerino agreed.
The Committee resumed discussion on Project No. CP0701. Director Dowdy suggested
discussion begin with a briefing on the new channelization plan. Using a vicinity map, Project
Engineer Vondrak explained the location of the signal pole on the southeast corner has to be
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DRAFT MINUTES
moved into existing City Right-of-Way due to the inability to obtain the Right-of-Way where the
signal pole was originally intended to be located. Member Singer asked how channelization
would be affected by relocating the signal pole. Traffic Engineer Para stated the
rechannelization is separate from the signal design and can move forward regardless of any
decision on the signal being installed. Para said the rechannelization creates separate
benefits to the corridor, such as efficiency and Level of Service between M Street NE and
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104 Street. The road currently has two west bound lanes and one east bound lane. The
proposed plan is to create two east bound lanes, thus eliminating one west bound lane
because there is a much heavier traffic flow east bound in both the A.M. and the P.M. hours
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into the Lea Hill area. The proposal will make the dual left turn lanes at the intersection of 8
Street NE and Harvey Road more efficient as well. Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle said
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there will be a significant benefit at the intersection of 8 Street NE and Harvey Road for little
cost.
Chairman Wagner discussed the limited access to the apartment complexes on the north side
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of 8 Street NE. Project Engineer Vondrak answered questions asked by Member Singer
regarding the project budget. Member Singer asked if Right-of-Way would need to be
acquired for the rechannelization. Para answered no additional Right-of-Way would need to
be secured at this time.
The Committee discussed the benefits of the signal at R Street NE versus the inconvenience it
may create for drivers and residents of the apartment complexes. Assistant Director/City
Engineer Selle answered questions asked by Member Singer regarding the possible
reallocation of the federal funds as done on other projects. Selle pointed out that in those
situations the project design efforts had not started for the original project. Selle also spoke
about the City funds that have already been invested in the project and the costs that would be
incurred by starting design on a different project. Selle commented that the reason the grant
funds were assigned to the R Street project was to create a safe crossing for pedestrians and
address turn movement concerns off of R Street.
The Committee and staff discussed some of the alternatives that were considered to create
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safe crossings for pedestrians on 8 Street NE.
Citizen Wayne Osborne addressed the Committee, commenting on the need for a signal at R
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Street NE and 8 Street NE to enable safe left turns from R Street NE on to 8 Street NE.
The Committee and staff discussed future increases in traffic flow on R Street NE. The
Committee discussed the safety of pedestrians crossing at the intersection. Member Singer
stated she was more in favor of the project now due to future increases in traffic on R Street
NE and for pedestrian safety. Chairman Wagner requested additional accident data be
provided to the Committee for review.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Member Singer, that the Committee
recommend Council approve Amendment No. 2 to Contract No. AG-C-292 for Project No.
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CP0701, 8 Street NE and R Street NE Signal.
Motion carried 3-0.
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DRAFT MINUTES
III. ISSUES
A. RESOLUTION NO. 4543SETTING THE TIME AND DATE FOR A PUBLIC HEARING
BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL ON THE 2010-2015 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT
PROGRAM *
Transportation Planner/Grants Manager Hankins and Traffic Engineer Para were present.
Chairman Wagner asked if an open house regarding the Transportation Improvement Program
(TIP) had been held. Transportation Planner/Grants Manager Hankins answered open houses
are not normally held for the TIP. Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle stated there are open
houses conducted for the Comprehensive Plans but for the TIP only a Public Hearing is held.
Chairman Wagner asked if staff felt an open house would generate useful public input.
Hankins reported there has been little interest or comment on the TIP in past years. Traffic
Engineer Para stated that because the update to the TIP has been concurrent with the
Comprehensive Transportation Plan update there has been public participation and the TIP
was also presented to the Transportation, Transit, and Trails Committee for comment.
Chairman Wagner spoke about the public input regarding transportation that has been
gathered through the recent Neighborhood Meetings.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Cerino, seconded by Chairman Wagner, that the Committee
recommend Council approve Resolution No. 4543.
Motion carried 2-0.
IV. DISCUSSION AND INFORMATION
A. 2009 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENTS, PLANNING COMMISSION
RECOMMENDATIONS AND UPDATES TO THE TRANSPORTATION COMPREHENSIVE
PLAN
Principal Planner Chamberlain asked if there were any questions from the Committee.
Chairman Wagner asked for a summary of the Planning and Community Development
Committee discussion on CPM #5, the privately initiated request to change property located at
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800 C Street NW, at the intersection of A Street NW and 10 Street NW, from light commercial
to light industrial. Assistant Planning Director Snyder stated that the Planning and Community
Development Committee took a position opposite from the Planning Commission
recommendation and did not support the change in zoning requested by the applicant. Snyder
said the Committee felt the change would not be consistent with the intent of the Northern
Auburn Business District Plan and a reevaluation of the plan should be conducted prior to any
individual site specific changes being made.
The Public Works Committee reviewed the map amendments from their 2009 Comprehensive
Plan Working Binders. The Committee and staff discussed the impact that the future A
Street/B Street NW Corridor project will have on the property in question. Principal Planner
Chamberlain stated that in the Economic Development Strategies Document, the area is an
extension of Downtown and with the corridor coming through staff felt this is not the most
opportune time to change the zoning to light industrial. Chairman Wagner agreed. Assistant
City Engineer Gaub answered questions asked by Vice-Chair Cerino regarding the half-street
construction included in the A Street/B Street NW Corridor Project. The Committee and staff
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DRAFT MINUTES
discussed access to the property at 800 C Street NW, which is isolated by wetlands. Vice-
Chair Cerino voiced support for the Planning Commission decision. The Public Works
Committee gave a mixed reaction to CPM #5.
Principal Planner Chamberlain stated there were updates to the Comprehensive
Transportation Plan to be presented by Transportation Planner Goodman. Transportation
Planner Goodman answered questions asked by Chairman Wagner regarding Riverview High
School and Ilalko Elementary School not being within the Safe Walking Route areas.
Chairman Wagner asked that the last two sentences of the section regarding the two schools
on page 3-4 be stricken from the plan.
The Committee asked that the discussion regarding the bicycle routes be postponed until
Member Singer’s arrival.
The Committee resumed review of the Draft Comprehensive Transportation Plan. Member
Singer had no additional comments.
B. WATER DISTRICT #111/COVINGTON WATER DISTRICT INTERIM SALES AGREEMENT
EXTENSION
Water Utility Engineer Lamothe stated the City currently has an agreement with the water
districts which is up for renewal and the districts need to be given notification of whether or not
the City will extend the existing agreement or enter into a new agreement. Lamothe said
during discussions with the districts, it became apparent that the districts were looking for
certainty of future rates, for at least 1-2 years, to be included in the agreement for budgetary
purposes.
Chairman Wagner asked how much the districts account for in total production. Water Utility
Engineer Lamothe answered approximately 20%. Chairman Wagner asked how much it is
costing the City to provide the water to the districts and what is the net revenue for the sale of
the water. Lamothe responded that the utilities staff could gather the net revenue data for the
Committee to review.
Director Dowdy stated that the districts are trying to determine where they would purchase
water from, if not from the City, and that is why they are requesting certainty of rates. The
Committee and staff discussed increases in quantity rates based on the Consumer Price Index
(CPI). Chairman Wagner voiced his opposition to using the CPI.
Chairman Wagner suggested extending the agreement for one year with a 10% rate increase
for this year. The Committee and staff discussed rate increases based on cost of service.
Chairman Wagner referenced the Cost of Service Study from 1998. Director Dowdy
suggested telling the districts the rate would not be locked in until the City completes review of
the Utility Rate Study and the cost of service figures but that the cost would not exceed a
determined amount. Lamothe replied the districts would probably be interested in a firmer
amount for their budgetary planning. Director Dowdy then suggested extending the agreement
at a flat 10% above this year’s rate until such time the Cost of Service Study and Rate Study is
complete and then the agreement can be renegotiated for 2011. The Committee agreed.
C. UTILITY RATES – REVENUE REQUIREMENT ANALYSIS
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Utilities Engineer Repp introduced the consultant from FCS Group, Martin Chaw, to the
Committee. Mr. Chaw distributed copies of the Water, Sewer, and Stormwater Utility Revenue
Needs Assessment drafted by FCS Group.
Mr. Chaw stated there are three topics to be discussed; revenue needs assessment, the
results of the analysis, and comments and direction from the Committee based on the analysis
results. Chaw reviewed the five key fiscal policies that were addressed when conducting the
financial analysis; operating reserve, capital reserve, system reinvestment funding, debt
service coverage, and debt management. Chaw explained that the reason the ranges for the
recommended practices for operating reserve differ between the three utilities is due to the
volatility of each utility, and the recommended practices are recommended industry standards.
Mr. Chaw explained the recommended practice for capital reserve is to maintain a minimum
balance equal to 1% of the system fixed assets. That amount can be used as a contingency
for unanticipated repairs, as needed. Utilities Engineer Repp answered questions asked by
Chairman Wagner regarding the balance of $1M that is currently maintained as capital
reserve.
Chairman Wagner asked what the 1% of system fixed assets would amount to. Mr. Chaw
answered that for the Water Utility, the 1% would amount to approximately $600,000.00, for
the Sewer Utility the amount would be approximately $600,000.00, and for Stormwater it would
be an estimated $400,000.00.
Chaw described the concept of system reinvestment (depreciation) funding, stating as the City
is constructing new capital facilities one thing to consider is setting aside monies for future
replacement of those assets. Chaw said the practice of many industries is to fund it at 100%
of the depreciation. The City has not funded depreciation as a general practice in the past.
Chaw reported the policy of funding depreciation is fairly expensive and although cities are
moving toward the policy, not many are currently funding depreciation. The consultant’s
recommendation for the City of Auburn is to phase in funding over a 10 year period starting in
2010. Member Singer asked if the policy would improve rate stability. Mr. Chaw answered
that it would. Chairman Wagner stated it may not be the right time to start funding
depreciation because of the current recession and also the need to fund a large number of
capital projects. Chaw responded to questions asked by Director Dowdy regarding the net of
debt expression. Chaw explained the purpose of depreciation funding is to lessen the
dependence on debt to fund capital improvements. Chaw discussed the three options in
depreciation funding. Member Singer voiced her support of depreciation funding and
Chairman Wagner voiced his opposition.
The Committee discussed the funding options. The current method the City practices is not to
fund capital facility depreciation. Vice-Chair Cerino spoke about the effect that raising rates to
fund depreciation may have on the City’s senior population and their ability to pay higher rates,
as they would if increased as recommended by Staff. Member Singer asked what the senior
discount for utilities is. Finance Director Coleman answered 50%. Vice-Chair Cerino spoke of
his concern for citizens living on limited income. Chairman Wagner commented his primary
concern is to avoid too large of a utility rate increase and his goal is to review operating and
capital costs to find ways to keep rate increases as low as possible.
Mr. Chaw continued, explaining the fourth key fiscal policy, debt service coverage. Debt
service coverage is the amount of money set aside as reserve to show bond holders that the
City has the financial resources to cover debt service payments. Mr. Chaw responded to
questions asked by Chairman Wagner regarding the amount of revenue needed for coverage
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of bond debt service and the benefits of increasing the rate of coverage. Mr. Chaw described
the holistic view underwriters take when making the decision to issue bonds. Finance Director
Coleman responded to questions asked by Chairman Wagner regarding figuring debt
coverage and the inclusion of system development charges and calculating net income. Mr.
Chaw stated that in financial modeling, FCS Group models coverage including systems
development charges and excluding system development charges. Chairman Wagner
supported including system development charges as part of the City’s policy. The Committee
agreed.
Mr. Chaw spoke about debt management and how the Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) is
funded between debt and cash reserves over a six-year period. The recommended practice is
to maintain a ratio of 50% debt and 50% cash. Chairman Wagner said that a 50/50 ratio is
considerably more aggressive than the City has been in the past and is something for the
Committee to consider. Chairman Wagner asked if the debt was extended from 20 year debt
to 30 year would that affect the debt management calculations. Mr. Chaw answered it would
lower the debt service cost and explained how the policy was modeled. Chairman Wagner
asked if it would be beneficial to include a reference to the length of the debt preferred by the
City. Mr. Chaw discussed the calculated risks involved in extending the debt. Finance Director
Coleman spoke about the interest rate risks that generally apply to 30 year debt. Chairman
Wagner suggested including a statement of the City’s preference for shorter term, lower
interest rate debt. Coleman agreed. Coleman suggested strengthening the capital reserve to
above $1M. Utilities Engineer Repp stated the amount of capital reserve will be reviewed.
Mr. Chaw reviewed the Water CIP Annual Spending Plan graph with the Committee. The CIP
for 2009-2014 is $36.8M and 72% of the CIP spending will occur during the first 3 years. The
major projects planned for those 3 years include, water supply intertie, Well #1 Rehabilitation,
the Lakeland Hills Booster Pump Station and the Les Gove Waterline Replacement.
Chairman Wagner stated that the water demand may have changed since the decrease in
home construction and suggested some of the water supply driven projects currently in the CIP
may be postponed.
Mr. Chaw discussed the total funding sources for the CIP. Chaw answered questions asked
by Chairman Wagner regarding the percentage of system development charges. Chairman
Wagner asked that staff verify the accuracy of the system development charges. Mr. Chaw
pointed out the revenue generated from system development charge is volatile and difficult to
predict. Member Singer recommended using the Planning Department’s growth estimates.
Principal Planner Chamberlain responded to questions asked by Chairman Wagner regarding
business growth estimates.
Mr. Chaw spoke about the water operating expense forecast. The purpose of the forecast is to
identify annual shortfall and determine the annual rate adjustments required to meet cash flow
and debt coverage and avoid too much inconvenience to rate payers due to frequent rate
changes. Mr. Chaw described the process used to develop the forecast.
The Committee and staff reviewed the annual water operating forecast versus existing
revenues graph. Mr. Chaw explained that the total revenues are sufficient to fund current
operating expenses and debt services but if the City is considering a CIP that would cause the
acquisition of new debt, there is a need for a rate adjustment. Mr. Chaw discussed the next
graph, which demonstrated the total revenue generated with an annual 9.8% rate adjustment
starting in 2010. The 9.8% rate increase is calibrated to make sure the City has enough funds
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DRAFT MINUTES
to cover its base operating costs plus the anticipated cost of new debt service as well as
system investment funding and reserve operating funds. Mr. Chaw answered questions asked
by Chairman Wagner about the forecasted 4% increase of labor costs. Vice-Chair Cerino
commented that an annual 5% increase would likely fund everything with the exception of
system reinvestment. Mr. Chaw reported each 1% rate adjustment generates approximately
$75,000.00 in revenue.
Mr. Chaw reviewed the graph measuring the impact of the recommended 9.8% annual rate
adjustment to the water monthly billing form 2009 through 2014 for single family residential.
Chaw said the next step, which has not yet been complete, is a cost of service analysis which
may shift some of the rate increase away from single family residential customers to other
customer classes. This means the 9.8% rate increase may not have the same weight across
all customer classes. The Committee examined the graph showing the comparison between
the City’s single family residential monthly water billing and those of surrounding jurisdictions.
Chairman Wagner and Vice Chair Cerino expressed a strong desire to reduce the
recommended 9.8% rate adjustments to nearer 5% by postponing some capital projects.
Mr. Chaw summarized the Sewer CIP annual spending plan. The Sanitary Sewer CIP is
valued at about $17.6M over the next 7 years. Approximately 67% of the CIP spending is to
occur in the first 3 years and the major projects include two pump station replacements and
annual repair and replacements through out the system. Chairman Wagner stated the sewer
CIP is not as big of a concern as water and spoke about the effect the Metro charges for
wastewater treatment have on City rate increases.
Mr. Chaw reported on the sewer CIP funding sources. The Committee reviewed the bar graph
demonstrating the annual sewer operating forecast and existing revenues. Mr. Chaw
answered questions asked by Chairman Wagner regarding the annual rate increases
programmed by Metro.
Mr. Chaw compared the City’s current forecasted operating expenses versus revenues for the
sewer utility. The total current revenues are sufficient to cover the City’s cash operating
expenses plus most of the existing Metro wastewater treatments but are not sufficient to
finance the current debt service. Mr. Chaw responded to questions asked by Chairman
Wagner regarding the one time Metro rate adjustment that occurred in 2009. To meet
forecasted financial obligations, a 9.5% rate adjustment is needed in 2010, with an annual rate
increase of 11.6% starting in 2011. Mr. Chaw discussed how the combined utility revenue
meets debt service payments but when the utilities are separated, the debt service obligations
are not met in the sewer utility. Chairman Wagner commented that the City’s portion of rates is
relatively small compared to Metro so that these City percentage increases will not be too
burdensome for ratepayers and that urgent sewer capital projects would be more difficult to
postpone than water or stormwater projects.
The Committee and consultant reviewed the impact of rate increases to single family
residential monthly sewer billing and the comparison of single family residential sewer billing to
other jurisdictions.
Mr. Chaw summarized the Stormwater CIP annual spending plan. The Stormwater CIP is
valued at about $20.9 M over the next 7 years. Approximately 83% of the CIP spending is to
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occur in the first 4 years and the major projects include 30 Street NE flood relief, Auburn Way
flood relief, White River Storm Pump Station replacement, W Main Street flood relied, W.
Valley Highway Improvements, and the Peasley Canyon Culvert replacement.
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Mr. Chaw reported on the stormwater CIP funding sources. The Committee reviewed the bar
graph demonstrating the annual stormwater operating forecast and existing revenues. The
forecasted revenue is sufficient to fund the operating expenses through 2011. The NPDES
compliance expenses are coming online in 2010. To meet forecasted financial obligations, a
7.0% rate adjustment is needed in 2010, with annual rate adjustments of 8.0% starting in
2011.
Director Dowdy and Utilities Engineer Repp responded to questions asked by Chairman
Wagner regarding facilities that may need to be upgraded to comply with NPDES. Chairman
Wagner recommended the key for the stormwater operating forecast versus adjusted
revenues be changed to read, “NPDES Operating Compliance Expenses.” Chairman Wagner
expressed a strong desire to reduce the recommended 8% rate adjustments to nearer 5% by
postponing some capital projects.
Mr. Chaw said that that in terms of ratio for stormwater each 1% rate adjustment would raise
approximately $50,000.00 and each 1% for the sewer utility would generate approximately
$30,000.00.
The Committee and consultant reviewed the impact of rate increases to single family
residential monthly stormwater billing and the comparison of single family residential
stormwater billing to other jurisdictions. Chairman Wagner asked if there were rate increase
already programmed into the stormwater utility. Mr. Chaw answered, only through the year
2010. Chairman Wagner asked why the Cities of Kent and Renton’s stormwater utilities are
lower that the City of Auburn’s, considering they are also Valley Cities. Utilities Engineer Repp
answered that Kent and Renton are probably not as far along in the NPDES process as
Auburn and Auburn’s operating costs include the costs of road sweeping and vegetation
management programs.
Mr. Chaw and the Committee discussed the assumptions that were used for the calculations in
the assessment. Director Dowdy asked Mr. Chaw for additional information on what percent of
the water utility is funded through system development charges in other high growth cities.
Chairman Wagner suggested the system development charges be reviewed in the next year.
Chairman Wagner said the next step in determining the utility rate increase is review of the CIP
for project timing. Chairman Wagner asked how soon the Council needs to act on rate
increases and how soon will the City need to obtain bonds. Finance Director Coleman
answered the longer it takes to act the greater the impact financially and on the utility facilities
in need of maintenance and repair. Chairman Wagner asked Utilities Engineer Repp for
additional copies of the water and stormwater plans capital project timing for Committee
review.
Utilities Engineer Repp spoke about separating utility operating capital investment into different
funds. The Committee supported doing so. Repp told Committee that staff would bring back
revised financial policies at the next meeting.
D. COMPREHENSIVE STORM DRAINAGE PLAN REVIEW
Storm Drainage Engineer Carlaw was present. There were no specific questions from the
Committee. Chairman Wagner requested a disclaimer similar to the one he requested for the
Comprehensive Water Plan be included in the Comprehensive Storm Drainage Plan. Carlaw
stated staff is currently working on the disclaimer that would warn readers of the Plans that the
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City may not act to implement the Utilities Capital Improvement Plans depending upon
economic circumstances, among other considerations.
E. COMPREHENSIVE SANITARY SEWER PLAN REVIEW
Sanitary Sewer Engineer Elwell was present. There were no questions from the Committee.
Elwell reported there are reviews that are outstanding from the Department of Ecology and
King County, but major revisions to the plan are not anticipated.
F. COMPREHENSIVE WATER PLAN REVIEW
Water Utility Engineer Lamothe summarized the progress made on the Comprehensive Water
Plan. The draft has been reviewed by both the Public Works Committee and the Planning and
Community Development Committee and the Committees’ comments have been incorporated
in the draft plan. The draft plan received a determination of non-significance review from the
Planning Department and was put out for public and regulatory agency review. Comments
have been received from Lakehaven Water District, Pierce County, Highline Water District,
and most recently, King County. Lamothe discussed standards that apply to areas outside the
City limits, in unincorporated King County. Chairman Wagner asked that the Committee
review the responses to the comments made by the other agencies prior to plan approval.
The Committee and staff discussed clarifying, for developers and other readers of the Plans
that the timing in the capital plans is not guaranteed by the City depending upon economic
circumstances, among other considerations.
Chairman Wagner requested such a disclaimer appear in several locations in the
comprehensive plans. Member Singer and Chairman Wagner discussed including a timeline
stating when the comprehensive plans can be relied on to make development plans. Director
Dowdy stated he would try to develop the statement requested by Chairman Wagner.
G. CAPITAL PROJECT STATUS REPORT
Item 8 – CP0907 – 2009 Arterial Patching Program: Assistant City Engineer Gaub reported
quantities are coming in under what staff was expecting so areas that can be patched on West
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Valley Highway, from 15 Street NW and 29 Street NW, will be included in the existing
contract as weather allows.
H. FLOOD PREPAREDNESS STATUS UPDATE
Using a PowerPoint presentation, Director Dowdy updated the Committee on the status of the
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City’s flood preparedness measures. Dowdy reported that the work along the river from the 8
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Street/Porter Bridge to 37 Street has been completed with the assistance of Emergency
Management, the contractor and volunteers. The owner of the Auburn 40 plat is extending the
levee from King County Levee Extension 5 to the I Street extension, using a private contractor.
The work is almost complete. There is a contract executed for the work to be completed along
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S 277 Street and Mill Creek.
Dowdy stated materials have been ordered for the King County work on the east side of the
Green River, with the exception of those needed for the south side of the Golf Course. There
has been no change in the materials being used since the last update to Council. Director
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Dowdy spoke about the work being done by King County. The Committee discussed the
barricading of Green River Road in the event of flooding.
Director Dowdy said currently the City is close to the working cost estimate for flood
preparedness work. The Committee and staff discussed funding for the levee projects and the
potential to reallocate storm funds.
Dowdy said City staff has met with residents and property owners in the unprotected
neighborhoods, keeping them as up to date as possible.
The Committee reviewed the conceptual flood wall design and photographs of the work that
has been completed.
I. TRANSPORTATION BENEFIT DISTRICT LEGISLATION
Director Dowdy briefed the Committee on the King County Department of Transportation
Meeting regarding the establishment of a Transportation Benefits District (TBD). The County
held the meeting to discuss the TBD option with the cities within the county. Currently, King
County has fully bonded their existing transportation revenues and has deferred much needed
maintenance on failing roads; there are short-span bridges that are in need of repair and this
lead the County to consider forming a TBD. The County wants to move ahead with forming a
TBD in unincorporated areas and asked if the cities wanted to join the County, thus forming a
complete countywide TBD. Dowdy reported the response from city representatives was not
favorable.
Director Dowdy said the Street Utility, if passed by the legislature, will most likely not be
applicable to counties and King County is in urgent need of transportation funding. Dowdy
discussed the revenue picture for the King County general fund and bus revenues. The
Committee reviewed statistical data, provided by the County, regarding revenue that could be
generated by the City by participating in the TBD. Dowdy stated most city representatives
believed their councils would not be in favor of participating at this time, given current the
economic climate.
Chairman Wagner asked if, in the future, the City decided to form a TBD, could the City do so
independently. Director Dowdy confirmed the TBD could be formed independent of the
County. The Committee and staff discussed participating in a TBD and incorporating a $20
vehicle licensing fee, with the County.
The Committee agreed they were not in favor of participation in a countywide TBD at this time.
The Committee and staff discussed the potential Street Utility currently in the State Legislature.
Chairman Wagner commented that the Valley Fire Regional Authority would be a good model
for a portion of the design of a Street Utility.
J. ORDINANCE NO. 6273 AMENDING SECTIONS 10.36.190 AND 10.36.192 OF THE AUBURN
CITY CODE RELATING TO COMMERCIAL VEHICLE PARKING AND RESIDENTIAL
PARKING
Chief Kelly reported that amendments to the City code were propelled by enforcement
challenges and officers in the field finding it difficult to cite infractions due to various
interpretations of the code. Kelly stated Parking Enforcement Officers, administrative staff and
Legal Department staff met and fashioned the recommended amendments. The Municipal
Services Committee has moved in favor of the ordinance.
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Public Works Committee Minutes November 16, 2009
DRAFT MINUTES
Associate City Attorney Stanhope answered questions asked by Chairman Wagner regarding
the parking of unattached trailers and the intent of the ordinance.
The Committee was in agreement with the motion made by the Municipal Services Committee.
K. ORDINANCE NO. 6278 – BUDGET AMENDMENT NO. 3
Finance Director Coleman distributed Ordinance No. 6278. Coleman answered questions
about the changes to the Arterial Streets Fund. Coleman discussed the projects that are being
moved out to 2010 and the revenue that will be going back into the capital fund. The
th
ordinance is scheduled to go before Council on December 7.
L. RESOLUTION NO. 4545 AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO PROVIDE NOTICE OF COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING CONDEMNATION OF PROPERTY
TO WIDEN A PORTION OF SOUTH DIVISION STREET
City Attorney Heid stated the City is pursuing the construction of the promenade and is in the
process of making the agreements that will be necessary to move forward with the project. In
the event agreements can not be made, Resolution No. 4545 will allow the City to seek
eminent domain condemnation of part of the Right-of-Way. Heid pointed out the resolution
authorizes notice and is only the first step in the condemnation process which will be used only
if necessary and on Council approval.
City Attorney Heid answered questions asked by Vice-Chair Cerino regarding the location of
the property. Heid said the resolution allows the City to give notice to property owners that
might be affected and is a result of a court order to notify property owners of potential
condemnations in advance of the decision to move forward with a condemnation. Heid
commented the notice may not even be necessary. Heid discussed the limitations to the
condemnation process.
The Committee supported Resolution No. 4545.
ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION
Chairman Wagner requested the Committee review the Emergency Preparedness Plan with
Emergency Preparedness Manager Miller.
V. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Public Works Committee, the meeting was
adjourned at 6:18 p.m.
Approved this _______ day of _________________________, 2009.
Rich Wagner Jennifer Rigsby
Chairman Public Works Department Secretary
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