HomeMy WebLinkAboutITEM III-C
CITY OF AUBURN
* PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
CITY OF
January 18, 2011
BU
WASHINGTON DRAFT MINUTES
F,
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Rich Wagner called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. in Conference Room #2, located
on the second floor of Auburn City Hall, One East Main Street, Auburn, Washington. Committee
members present were: Chairman Rich Wagner, Vice-Chair Bill Peloza, and Member Virginia
Haugen. Also present during the meeting were: Councilmember John Partridge, Public Works
Director Dennis Dowdy, City Engineer/Assistant Director Dennis Selle, Assistant City Engineer
Ingrid Gaub, Utilities Engineer Dan Repp, City Attorney Dan Heid, Traffic Engineer Pablo Para,
Traffic Operations Engineer Scott Nutter, Transportation Planner Joe Welsh, Street Systems
Engineer Seth Wickstrom, Project Engineer Jacob Sweeting, Planning Manager Elizabeth
Chamberlain, Right-of-Way Use Permit Applicant Lisa Harmon, Citizen Wayne Osborne, and
Department Secretary Jennifer Rigsby.
II. CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Vice-Chair Peloza, seconded by Member Haugen, that the Committee approve
the Public Works Committee minutes for date, January 3, 2011.
Motion carried 3-0.
B. APPROVE RIGHT-OF-WAY USE PERMIT NO. 10-25 FOR GIRL DOG INC. HOT DOG CART
Transportation Planner Welsh introduced the permit applicant, Lisa Harmon of Girl Dogs Inc., to
the Committee. Welsh explained that Ms. Harmon applied for a one-year Right-of-Way Use
Permit to be able to place and operate a mobile hotdog cart in the Auburn Downtown area.
Using the color photograph of the cart provided in the Committee's agenda packet, Welsh
pointed out that the umbrella attached to the cart will have a logo on it and there will be no sign
on the cart.
Welsh reviewed the map identifying the locations that staff is proposing for the cart. Welsh
stated location 1, B Street NE and E Main Street and location 2, the B Street Plaza, are the two
locations preferred by staff. Vice-Chair Peloza asked why location 3, N Division Street and E
Main Street was not preferred. Welsh stated that location 3 may not be ideal due to the
construction of the Promenade.
Member Haugen stated that her preference is location 1 because there is ample parking
available and it may encourage further improvements to the area that could be enjoyed by
citizens.
Transportation Planner Welsh stated that the only one location of the four suggested is pending
approval by the Committee, in response to a question asked by Director Dowdy. Vice-Chair
Peloza stated that later on, the applicant could come back to the Committee and request that
the location be changed.
Chairman Wagner stated that his preference is also location 1. Chairman Wagner asked if
there will be additional trash receptacles available. Transportation Planner Welsh answered
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that there is a permit condition which states the applicant shall provide and maintain a private
waste receptacle near the cart and. keep the public Right-of-Way free of litter and drink or food
waste. Member Haugen asked if the trash receptacle will be attached or fastened to the cart.
Ms. Harmon answered that the receptacle could be attached to'the cart or the cart could be
built in' such a way that the receptacle is part of the cart. Ms. Harmon spoke about the waste
receptacle requirements that are part of the King County Health Department permitting process.
Chairman Wagner asked if the cart would be allowed to move to other locations on. a temporary
basis if Main Street is crowded during events such,as Auburn Good OI' Days. Transportation
Planner Welsh responded that would be at the discretion of the Committee. Welsh asked the
Committee if permission to change the location on the permit could be.made on an
administrative level and not need to comeback to the Committee fo.r.approval. Chairman
Wagner stated that he is in favor of the decision to move the cart temporarily being made
administratively. The Committee concurred that.the preferred location is number 1, at the
corner of B Street NE and E Main Street, and the need to relocate the cart temporarily should
be made administratively.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Peloza, seconded by Member Haugen, that the Committee approve
Right-of-Way Use Permit No. 10-25 for Girl Dog Inc. Hot Dog Cart.
Motion carried 3-0.
C. PERMISSION TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS FOR PROJECT NO. CP1004, SOUTH AUBURN
ITS EXPANSION
Project Engineer Sweeting explained that the ITS Expansion Project will provide battery backup
units and cameras along A Street SE, C Street SW, and 15th Street SW. Chairman Wagner
asked if the wireless communications system needs to be installed on A Street SE because
there is no, fiber optic cable available. Sweeting :answered that for most of the project the fiber
optic cable will be pulled through existing conduits but.on A Street SE from,6th Street SE to 29tH
Street SE, there are no conduits in the sidewalk, so a wireless broadcast system will be utilized
instead.
Member Haugen asked what the cameras are used for. Project Engineer Sweeting responded
that the cameras are the same cameras that are currently installed at the majority of major City
intersections and they allow staff to monitor the signals and adjust signal timing as needed.
j Chairman Wagner asked about the.'archiving policy for camera feed. Director Dowdy answered
that the City's current policy is to limit the. retention of our recorded data.. Assistant
Director/City Engineer Selle stated that staff is currently utilizing a 5 day retention period. The
Committee-and staff discussed the possible benefits of extending the amount of time
recordings are saved such as providing staff-the ability to review traffic situations that may
occur over a long weekend. Chairman Wagner stated his preference for the limited time frame
to remain the standardpractice. Chairman Wagner suggested that the Municipal Services
Committee should lead on such decisions. Director Dowdy stated'that a plan for Police
surveillance support will be brought to the. Municipal Services Committee, but it is not part of the
ITS project. Director Dowdy stated that the goal of the ITS Project is to get to the point where it
is functional for engineers to observe a signal and make time adjustments when needed to
keep traffic moving.
The Committee and staff discussed the standards and engineering formulas used to set the
timing on yellow lights on traffic. signals.
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Traffic Operations Engineer Nutter explained that one of the uses for ITS is coordinating light
timing at the signals and verifying all signal settings. Nutter explained how the traffic signals
can be monitored and timing adjusted from various locations through out the City, such as City
Hall and the Maintenance and Operations facility, in response to questions asked by Vice-Chair
Peloza.
Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle responded to questions asked by Chairman Wagner
regarding the negative impacts on the street network that could be caused if all of the yellow
light timing was the same at every intersection.
Member Haugen spoke about a tree on Auburn Way that is blocking one of the traffic signals at
the F Street SE intersection. Chairman Wagner requested that staff go out and look at the tree
and determine if it can be removed, especially if it is obstructing the view of a traffic signal.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Peloza, seconded by Member Haugen, that the Committee
recommend Council grant permission to advertise for bids for Project No. CP1004, South
Auburn ITS Expansion.
Motion carried 3-0.
D. APPROVE FINAL PAY ESTIMATE NO. 5 TO CONTRACT 10-18 FOR PROJECT NO. CP1012,
2010 ARTERIAL & COLLECTOR PAVEMENT PRESERVATION
Street Systems Engineer Wickstrom reviewed the scope of the project with the Committee.
Vice-Chair Peloza asked if it is to be expected that some of the cost items would be over 100%
of the estimated cost and other items less than 100%. Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle
answered that it is common. Selle explained that not all costs can be accurately estimated due
to factors that are unknown until construction begins especially underground conditions. Street
Systems Engineer Wickstrom explained that each item that was over the estimate was over due
to different reasons. The Committee and staff reviewed the cost items on the final pay
estimate.
Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle spoke about how engineers estimate the costs of
different types of projects.
Chairman Wagner pointed out that the final cost of the project is 20% below the budgeted
amount. Chairman Wagner suggested that the Committee also consider saving unused funds
for projects rather than expanding the projects' scopes in the future.
Member Haugen stated that she intended to vote against recommending that Council approve
the final pay estimate for the project at the Committee meeting because she feels the estimate
was not prepared carefully enough. Member Haugen said that she did intended to vote in favor
of approving the final pay estimate at the City Council meeting to insure the contractor gets
paid.
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It was moved by Vice-Chair Peloza, seconded by Chairman Wagner, that the Committee
recommend Council approve Final Pay Estimate No. 5 to Contract No. 10-18 with Northwest
Asphalt Inc. and accept construction of Project No. CP1012, 2010 Arterial & Collector
Pavement Preservation.
Motion carried 2-1. Member Haugen voted against.
III. ISSUES
A. RESOLUTION NO. 4665 SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A FRANCHISE
AGREEMENT WITH NEW CINGULAR WIRELESS PCS, LLC.
Transportation Planner Welsh explained that Resolution No. 4665 sets a Public Hearing date to
consider a franchise agreement with New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC. Welsh stated that the
agreement is new, replacing an existing agreement which has expired. Welsh said that the
facility is already in place on Auburn Way N, north of 26th Street NE and provides wireless
coverage for the downtown area of Auburn.
Member Haugen asked if the agreement will allow Cingular to add towers. Transportation
Planner Welsh answered that the agreement does not allow for new facilities.
Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle reminded the Committee that the resolution only sets a
Public Hearing date and changes can still be made to the agreement prior to an ordinance
coming before the Committee or Council to enter into the agreement.
Member Haugen asked that it be reflected in the minutes that clarification of the terms of the
agreement will be included in final agreement. Chairman Wagner requested a legal description
of the Right-of-Way be provided.
Vice-Chair Peloza asked about the agreement's termination clause and pointed out that the
clause only pertained to amendment or modification of the agreement and did not include
performance. Chairman Wagner stated that section 19A of the agreement allows the City to
revoke the franchise if the grantee does not perform. Chairman Wagner suggested that the
termination terms be included in one heading.
Member Haugen asked if the agreement could be amended without the approval of Council.
City Attorney Heid answered that it could not, agreements approve by the Council must be
amended by the Council.
Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle stated that there is no action being taken on the
agreement through Resolution No. 4665. The resolution only sets the date for the Public
Hearing but the Committee's input will be incorporated into the agreement prior to the ordinance
being considered by the Council for action.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Peloza, seconded by Member Haugen, that the Committee
recommend Council adopt and initiate Resolution No. 4665.
Motion carried 3-0.
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B. RESOLUTION NO. 4672 AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AN
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH KING COUNTY FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING
ROAD SERVICES
Traffic Engineer Para presented Resolution No. 4672 to the Committee. The resolution
authorizes the annual contract with King County for providing road services. The services
include striping improvements citywide, refreshing of thermo-plastic crosswalk and turn arrow
markings, bridge inspections, and bridge maintenance work. Para stated that the scope of the
maintenance work has not yet been determined and maintenance will be determined on a case
by case basis based on the inspection reports.
Chairman Wagner asked why the City chooses to use King County for the services rather than
a private company. Traffic Engineer Para answered that the City has been working with King
County for several years and they are lower in cost than a private company. Director Dowdy
stated that King County also provides better traffic control measures when performing striping
work. Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle said that King County has been more cost
effective and responsive than private companies the City has used in the past.
Chairman Wagner stated that the thermo-plastic markings appear to have worn away faster in
the past year and asked if staff has waited longer than usual to refresh them. Traffic Engineer
Para stated last year there was a shortage of material and not all of the markings were
refreshed and hopefully this year they will be close to caught up. Chairman Wagner asked
when the painting and refreshing of thermo-plastics will begin. Para stated following Council
and King County approval, work can begin as soon as weather allows.
Chairman Wagner asked if staff checks all of the markings to be refreshed and if when they do
is the signage inspected to make sure it is adequate. Traffic Engineer Para answered that staff
inspects markings and signage on a regular basis. Chairman Wagner recommended staff
make sure the signage is adequate when the markings are inspected.
Chairman Wagner asked if the cost of maintenance on bridges is included in the contract or if
that would need a separate budget and contract. Traffic Engineer Para stated this agreement
authorizes staff to assign bridge maintenance work to the County. Such assignments are
managed by staff to ensure all work is within budget.
Chairman Wagner spoke about the problems that could occur when maintenance is not done
on a regular basis and used the utilities as an example.
Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle answered questions asked by Member Haugen regarding
combining bridge inspections with the other work done by King County.
Traffic Engineer Para reviewed the bridge inspection schedule with the Committee and
explained how the inspections are tracked.
Chairman Wagner asked if the inspections were of only bridges that crossed water. Traffic
Engineer Para answered that all City-owned bridges are required to be inspected and not just
those that are water crossings. Chairman Wagner asked if the City is responsible for having
railroad bridges inspected. Para said that the City does not inspect the railroad bridges and
those companies are responsible for their own inspections.
Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle answered questions asked by Vice-Chair Peloza
regarding the contract budget.
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Vice-Chair Peloza asked if the thermo-plastic markings are slippery. Traffic Engineer Para
answered that materials are added to reduce slip.
Chairman Wagner asked if, after this year and spending $150,000.00, the refreshing of the
markings will be caught up. Traffic Engineer Para said there are a lot of markings that need to
be refreshed and even if the budget were increased, he is not sure if all of the work could be
completed this year. Chairman Wagner spoke about the safety impact of the worn away
markings and suggested the Committee consider increasing the budget, via change order if
needed, to get as many of the markings refreshed as possible.
Chairman Wagner requested an estimate of what percent of the markings will be able to be
refreshed for $150,000.00 be brought to the Committee, and an estimate of how much more
money it would take to refresh the remaining markings. The Committee concurred.
Member Haugen asked how often the markings would need to be refreshed in the future.
Traffic Engineer Para answered it depends on the roadway and traffic, but the thermo-plastic
markings can last between five and ten years.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Peloza, seconded by Member Haugen, that the Committee
recommend Council adopt and initiate Resolution No. 4672.
Motion carried 3-0.
IV. DISCUSSION AND INFORMATION
A. TRAFFIC CALMING PROGRAM: SPEED CUSHION STANDARD PRACTICE
Traffic Engineer Para presented the summary of the City's current speed cushion standard
practices to the Committee.
Traffic Engineer Para stated that there are no federal rules regarding the design of speed
cushions but there are guidelines provided by the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
manual. Para explained that several years ago, the City chose the current speed cushion
standard, which does not impede fire trucks, school buses, or ambulances. Para said that the
speed cushions have been very well received by the individuals who live in the areas where the
cushions are installed.
Traffic Engineer Para reviewed the drawing comparing samples of speed bumps, speed
cushions, and speed humps with the Committee. Para said that the City's current standard
design is the speed cushions which are 6' in length and 3" in height. Chairman Wagner asked
how much space is between each cushion. Traffic Engineer Para said the spacing is
approximately 1'- 2' and varies. Chairman Wagner suggested staff review the width of the gap
between cushions again since the Valley Fire Regional Authority (VFRA) now has some larger
trucks.
Traffic Engineer Para pointed out that the speed cushions are only allowed on local residential
streets and would not be installed on any primary VFRA response routes.
Chairman Wagner spoke about the commitment of the Committee and Council to the policy of
"safety over convenience" and the effectiveness of the speed cushions.
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Chairman Wagner asked if there was, any data on traffic accidents caused by traffic calming
devices, such as speed cushions. Traffic, Engineer Para answered there is no good data
available. Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle said that staff is not aware of any accidents
being caused by the speed cushions that are currently used in the City. Assistant Director/City
Engineer Selle.said that how well the.speed cushions are,maintained must also be taken into
considerations, poor signage or worn ,off markings could lead to accidents.
Director Dowdy commented that the traffic calming measures. taken within the last three or four
years have been a result of neighborhood meetings held by the Mayor to identify where speed
cushions should, be located and to gain neighborhood support and-acceptance. Director Dowdy
said that not one neighborhood has~requested that the speed cushions be removed.
Member Haugen voiced her support of the current City standard design for speed cushions.
Citizen Wayne Osborne presented his research on speed cushions to the Committee. Mr.
Osborn stated that the signage for the speed cushions in Auburn recommended a speed of 15
mph and when he drove his truck-over the cushions at the recommended speed, the bottom of
the truck hit the cushion. Mr. Osborne asked that the Committee consider the safety of the
occupants in the vehicles driving over the. cushions. Chairman,Wagner commented that if
driver safety were an issue there would, be more diver complaints about the cushions.
Director Dowdy stated that the only complaint he has received regarding the speed cushions
was when a cushion in the Lakeland.Hills.area was installed incorrectly and staff has since
corrected the problem.
Chairman Wagner asked if there are any. designs that would be categorized at between a
speed cushion and aspeed hump. Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle,answered that from
an engineering perspective, there is a tremendous amount of flexibility available for designing
speed cushions and humps to accommodate a policy direction from Council.
_ Vice-Chair Peloza spoke in favor of the current speed cushion design.
Mr. Osborne suggested.the 15 mph warning signs be changed to 10 mph. Mr. Osborne
provided the Committee with an example of a speed cushion in the City of Kirkland which has a
more gradual slope than the cushions in Auburn. Mr. Osborne discussed the.information
regarding ;speed humps that he read in the ITE manual with the Committee and staff. Mr.
Osborne.again suggested the 15 mph warning signs be changed to 10 mph or. the angle of the
cushions be decreased. Chairman Wagner pointed out that decreasing the angle:of the
cushions may decrease theireffectiveness; however the signs may be able to be replaced over
time.
Vice-Chair Peloza spoke against changing the signs, due to the fact that there have been no
complaints about or injuries caused by, the speed-cushions. Assistant Director/City Engineer
j Selle commented that the speed on the signs is just an advisory and is not a speed limit. Vice-
Chair Peloza pointed out the cost that the City would incur changing the advisory signs and that
it may not be a wise way to spend City monies.
Director Dowdy spoke about how the speed cushions reduce not only speed but also deter
pass-through traffic on residential streets.
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The Committee and staff continued discussion of changing future advisory signs on new
installations. Vice-Chair Peloza stated that he does not see the need to change the advisory
signs and pointed out that there are no complaints from the neighborhoods.
Mr. Osborne spoke about the markings on the speed cushions and how the cushions are only
marked on one side, making them difficult to see on narrow streets and when vehicles are
parked over them. Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle said staff will assess this concern and
enhance the markings if necessary.
Member Haugen voiced her support for the current speed cushion design and advisory
signage. Member Haugen spoke about the importance on the cushions being clearly marked.
Chairman Wagner stated that there is no support from the Committee at this time to change the
design of the speed cushions, however there should be continued discussion on whether or not
to lower the speed on the advisory signs for new installations, and to enhance the markings at
some locations.
Mr. Osborne pointed out the resolution directed staff to design the cushions at a length of 10'.
Chairman Wagner responded that staff will consult with the VFRA regarding emergency
vehicles and that the resolution may need to be amended.
B. CAPITAL PROJECT STATUS REPORT
Item 7 - CP0901 - 8th and R Street Traffic Signal: Chairman Wagner advised staff to keep
working on a safe u-turn option at 104 Street. Chairman Wagner asked about restricting left
turn movements into one of the driveways. Assistant City Engineer Gaub stated that once the
channelization is in place is will discourage people from turning left. Gaub diagramed the turn
restriction on the white board for the Committee. Gaub said there will also be c-curbing
installed to restrict turn movements on the east side of the intersection.
Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle stated that work in underway to design a u-turn at 104th
Street.
Vice-Chair Peloza asked when the signal will be operational. Assistant City Engineer Gaub
answered that it depends on the weather for the completion of the channelization and c-curbing
but that the signal is ready to go once these items are completed.
Item 14 C201A M Street Grade Separation Project - Demolition of 600 M Street: Vice-
Chair Peloza distributed an email from Jodie Vice of CleanScapes, regarding the recycling of
demolition materials. Vice-Chair Peloza stressed the importance of the City becoming
proactive in encouraging recycling of materials. Vice-Chair Peloza also pointed out that
construction companies can get paid to recycle some materials.
Assistant City Engineer Gaub stated that the contractor doing the demolition of 600 M Street
SE is doing significant recycling and staff is researching how to encourage recycling for other
projects without making the project more expensive.
Chairman Wagner spoke about previous conversations about recycling and the Committee
consensus to not build extra costs into projects by requiring it, but rather encourage the
practice.
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Item - 21 - CP1006 - Lakeland Hills Reservoir: Chairman Wagner asked if a mural had been
chosen for the reservoir. Assistant City Engineer Gaub confirmed that there will be a mural and
it is the one the Committee chose. Director Dowdy stated that there is a "not to exceed"
amount for the mural in the budget. Vice-Chair Peloza confirmed that the cost of the mural is
within the project budget. Gaub answered that to be correct.
Item 20 - C201A - M Street Grade Separation: Member Haugen verified that the project is not
yet fully funded. Assistant City Engineer Gaub confirmed that $6.8 million is still not funded.
Item 22 - CP0915 - Well 1 Improvements: Vice-Chair Peloza asked if the pump failures are
due to metal fatigue and are the pumps failing sooner than they should. Assistant Director/City
Engineer Selle answered that each well failure was due to separate issues and when there is a
failed pump an investigation is conducted because staff wants to make sure the pump did not
fail sooner than its expected life. Selle stated that if staff is unsure what caused a failure, an
expert and/or a consultant is called in to assist in diagnosing the problem, in response to
questions asked by Vice-Chair Peloza.
Vice-Chair Peloza asked for a report on the causes of pump failures. Utilities Engineer Repp
asked for more specific direction from the Committee regarding the pump data that they would
like to review. Utilities Engineer Repp discussed the spectrum of information that could be
provided to the Committee. Vice-Chair Peloza stated that he is interested in like-patterns where
failure occurs. Utilities Engineer Repp stated that staff with bring information regarding Wells 2
and 6, as they had similar failures.
Director Dowdy answered the Committee's questions about the corrosion treatment facilities,
which aerates the water and lowers its pH.
Page 4 of 5: Vice-Chair Peloza asked when the 2011 budget will be included in the report for
the Save Our Streets Program (SOS). Assistant City Engineer Gaub answered that it will be
included for the next meeting but that the 2010 project on the report will remain until it is
completed.
Item C CP0922 - City Hall Plaza Improvements: Chairman Wagner requested staff include
the same budget detail, when they have the information, as is included for the other projects on
the CPS Report.
ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION
Member Haugen spoke about the City's efforts to work on water conservation. Member
Haugen recommended exploring what other cities are doing in the way of conservation.
Chairman Wagner asked for an update on the Toilet Rebate Program.
Director Dowdy reported that staff is also working with Finance Director Coleman on water
conservation and leak adjustments and the findings will be presented to the Committee when
complete. Chairman Wagner suggested including leakage at trailer parks.
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V. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Public Works Committee, the meeting was
adjourned at 5:39 p.m.
Approved this day of , 2011.
Rich Wagner Jennifer Rigsby
Chairman Public Works Department Secretary
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