HomeMy WebLinkAboutITEM III-C
~ CITY OF AUBURW _
CITY OF PUBUC WORKS COMMITTEE
March 7, 2011
WAS H I N GTON DRAFT AAINUTES
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 Cify Hal(, One East Main Street, Aubum, Washington. Committee
, members present were: Chairman Rich Wagner, Vice-Chair Bill Peloza, and Member vrginia
Haugen. Also present during the meeting were: Mayor Peter B. Lewis, Public Works Director
Dennis Dowdy, Cify Engineer/Assistant Direcfor Dennis Selle, Assistant City Engineer Ingrid Gaub,
Utilities Engineer Dan Repp, Traffic Engineer Pablo Para, Engineering Aide Amber Mund, Project
Engineer Leah Dunsdon, Project Engineer Jacob Sweeting, Finance Director Shelley Coleman
Utility and Accounting Services. Manager Mark Gregg, Planning Director Kevin Snyder, Sto[m
Drainage Engineer Tim Carlaw, Water Quality Program Coordinator Chris Thom, Street Systems
Engineer Seth Wickstrom, Transportation Planner/Grants Manager Chris Hankins, City Attomey
Dan Heid, Water Engineer Cynthia Lamothe, Planning Manager Elizabeth Chamberlain, Project .
Engineer. Ryan Vondrak, Garrett Huffman ftom the Master Builders' Association, Sam Pace,
Housing Specialist from :Seattle King County Realtors, Bob Kenworthy from the Aubum School
District, and Department Secretary Jennifer Rigsby.
Chairman Wagner added a discussion item regarding the City of Aubum's utility bill adjustment
process and policies and distributed a memo on the subject.
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, February 22, 2011.
Motion carried 3-0.
B. APPROVE AMENDMENT TO,RIGHT-OF-WAY USE PERMIT NO. 10-09 FOR THE
MUCKLESHOOT INDIAN TRIBE
Engineering Aide Mund reporfed that the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe has applied for an
amendment to their Right-of-Way Use Permit in order to place a second bus stop on Dogwood
Street SE to serve tribe members who use the Health and Wellness Center Shuttle.
Chairman Wagner asked if any problems with placing a second stop have been recognized by
staff. Engineering Aide Mund stated that staff does not anticipate any problems. Mayor Lewis
said that the administration fully supports the amendment to the permit and the second stop.
Member Haugen stated that her primary concern is the amount of traffic on Dogwood Street SE
and asked if the road was wide enough to allow traffic to pass the shuttle and avoid a backup of
Vehicles. Mund answer that there is plenty of space for traffic to pass.
Engineering Aide Mund reviewed the shuttle route in response to a question asked by Member
Haugen.
Page 1
Public Works Committee Minutes March 7, 2011
DRAFT MINUTES
Chairman Wagner asked if there was a, reason why the stop is not further from the corner of
Dogwood Street SE and 19t' Place SE. Mund answered that the stop is 30' back from the
comer, which is standard. Mund stated that the stop could be moved further back, if needed.
Chairman Wagner said if the stop were an additional 30' from the intersection there may be
less traffic backed up waiting for passengers to board and disembark the shuttle. Mayor Lewis
answered that the Tribe usually requests the stops to be closer to intersections for the benefit of
ihdividuals who may need to cross the street. Assistant DirectorlCity Engineer Selle stated that
ifithere are complaints regarding fhe location of the stop, sfaff has the ability to make ,
adjustments to adtlress the issues.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Peloza, seconded by Member Haugen, that the Committee approve
the amendment to Right-of-Way Use Permit No. 10-09 for the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe.
Motion carried 3-0.
C. APPROVE RIGHT-OF-WAY USE PERMIT NO. 11-03 FOR THE AUBURN INTERNATIONAL
FARMERS MARKET Engineering Aide Mund stated that the Parks, Arts, and Recreation Department has applied for
a permit to.close B Street SE between W Main Street and A Sfreet SW on Sundays from 7:00
a.m. to 4:00 p.m. beginning June 12, 2011 through September 25, 2011 for the Farmers
Market. Chairman Wagner asked if the vendors will be able to drive through on B Street SW.
Mund answered that the vendors will have access to the street to set up for the market.
Chairman Wagner asked if there is a problem with vendors putting their booths too close to the
area where ,people park their bicycles. Vice-Chair Peloza answered that there have been
problems with the location, however there have been meetings with King County Metro and the
possible relocation of the bicycle parking area is one of the topics begin discussed. Chairman
Wagner asked'if the location of the vendor booths could be changed if needed. Mund stated
that the exact location of the booths does not affect the Righf-of-Way Use Permit.
If was moved by Vice-Chair Peloza, seconded by Member Haugen, thaf the Committee approve
Right-of-Way Use Permit No. 11-03 for the Aubum Intemational Framers Market.
Motion carried 3-0.
D. PERMISSION TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS FOR PROJECT NO. C50713, AUBURN/PACIFIC
TRAIL -$KINNER ROAD/3RD AVENUE SE NON-MOTORIZED IMPROVEMENTS .
Chairman Wagner asked why the portion of SkinnerRoad, south of 2nd Avenue NE, is inGuded in the project's scope. Project Engineer Dunsdon answered that the southerly portion of the
road will be striped for a bicycle lane and is not necessarily part of the acfual sidewalk path.
It was moved by Vice-Cfiair Peloza, seconded by Member Haugen, that the Committee
recommend Council grant permission to advertise for bids for Project Na 5076, Auburn/Pacific
Trail - Skinner Road/3'd Avenue SE Non-Motorized Improvements.
Motion carried 3-0.
Page 2
Public Works Committee Minutes March 7, 2011
DRAFT MINUTES
E. AGREE TO NOT APPLY A STREET PAYBACK TO KING COUNTY PARCEL # 112104-9020 -
OWNED BY GEORGE H AND GHARLES M LYDEN FOR CITY IMPROVEMENTS TO BE
- CONSTRUCTED BYTHE A STREET NW EXTENSION PROJECT (C207A)
Chaicman Wagner asked if the Lyden property Street Payback Agreement had been discussed ,
by the Public Works Committee in the past. Assistant City Engineer Gaub answered thiat the
specific agreement had not been discussed; however the Committee did pass a Street Payback
' Agreement ordinance in 2010, approximately 9 months ago. Mayor Lewis said that there have
been separate past discussions regarding the property and Developer Agreements.
Assistant City Engineer Gaub sfated that the agreement would mean that the City would not
assess the property in the future for a street payback for half-street improvements along the
frontage, which is part of the negotiations with the property owner. Gaub pointed out that in this
case the City's project is moving forvvard prior to the development of the properties and
therefore a Developer Agreement is not feasible. Chairman Wagner stated that is why the
Payback Agreement ordinance was put into place, so the City could move forward with projects
, and the property owners would be responsible for payment for half-street improvements upon
development of the property.
Mayor Lewis asked sfaff fo gather additional information regarding the property, grant details,
and the past discussion regarding developer agreements for the Committee to consider prior to
taking action.
Member Haugen _asked if the project is fully funded. Assistant City Engineer Gaub stated that
staff anticipates the cuRent project costs to be reduced depending on final Right-of-Way negotiations and the actual bid for the project, so the project may not require any additional
funding. The Committee and staff discussed how the 4ids for the project may affect the funding
9aP•
In response to questions from Chairman Wagner, Assistant City Engineer Gaub stated that the
Engineer's Estimate is based on the current design which is approximately 99% eomplete.
Gaub.stated that there is also a contingency included in the construction estimate.
Assistant City Engineer Gaub stated that if the Committee would like to discuss information
related to the.property negotiation fhaf it may need to be discussed in an Executive Session:
Cify.Attomey, Heid stated that he will review the subject and advise the Committee on how to
continue with the discussion.
The Committee and staff discussed a past development agreement that was considered for the
Lyden property which was never entered into.
Chairman Wagner asked wHat the likelihood is that the p-roperty will be developed. Assistant
City Engineer Gaub answered that the property owner has already filled the property that can
be built on and has completed wetland mitigation on the property in preparation forfature
development, Chairman Wagner requested that information be included in the payback
agreement discussion.
Member Haugen asked if the item will be reviewed by the Finance Committee. Mayor tewis
answered that the Public Works Committee will decide how to move forward with the subject
following more discussion. Staff reported that the topic has not been discussed with the
Finance Committee.
Page 3
Public Works Committee Minutes March 7. 2011
DRAFT MBNIDTES
Staff wilF compile the information requested by the Committee for discussion and possible
action at the next meeting.
III. ISSUES
A. RESOLUTION NO. 4685 SETTING A PUBUC HEARING FOR RIGHT-OF-WAY VACATION
NO. V1-10 FOR 3RD STREET NE AND E STREET NE FOR AUBURN SCHOOL DISTRICT NO.• 408 .
Engineering Aide Mund stated that Resolution No. 4685 sets the Public Hearing on April 4,
2011 for #he Right-of-Way Vacation applied for by the Aubum School District.
Member Haugen stated that she will be voting against the resolution because of an article in the
Aubum Reporter regarding school district budget cuts. Member Haugen stated that she is
concemed that the ezpansion planned by the school district will not move forward and
req:uested that her concems be reflected in the minutes:
Mayor Lewis stated that the expansion of the Aubum Senior High School will be funded by a
: levy and not Stafe funds and would not be affected by State budget cuts. Director powdy
explained that the school district wants to determine whether or not the City is willing to approve
the vacation prior to moving forward with their project.
Member Haugen stated that she is concemed that the levy will not pass due to the current -
economic climate and asked that lier concems be reflected in the minutes.
Chairman Wagner pointed out that the surrounding properties are already owned by the school
district and it seems like a good plan to vacate the Right-of-Way and eliminate the City's
obligation to maintain it. Vice-Chair Peloza commented that vacating the Right-of-Way will be a
savings to the public. Chairman Wagner stated that the vacation would benefit the school
district as well as the City.
Member Haugen said that she feels vacating 3rd Street NE would make traveling through the
vicinity of the school more difficult and requested her statement be reflected in the minutes.
Mayor Lewis. pointed out 3ro'Streeti NE, at E Street NE, is a dead-end street and not a cut-
fhrough streef for traffic. Mayor Lewis stated that approving the Right-of-Way Vacation will not
affect pass-through traffic in any way. Mayor Lewis sfafed that the portion of the street is
surrounded by property already owned by the school district.
Member Haugen said that vacating 3ro Street` NE would make parking near the school d'ifficult
and that she was still concemed that the expansion planned by the district will not move
forward. ,
If was moved by Vice-Chair Peloza; seconded by Chairman Wagner, that the Committee
recommend Council approve and adopt Resolution No. 4685.
Motion carried 2-1. Member Haugen voted against.
Page 4
Public Works Committee Minutes March 7, 2011
DRAFT NIINUTE$
B. ORDINANCE NO. 6355 DECLARING PUBUC USE AND NECESSITY REGARDING THE M
STREET UNDERPASS PROJECT AND AUTHORIZING CONDEMNATION
Using an aerial map, Project Engineer Sweeting identified the location of the portion of the
property needed for construction of roadway, sidewalks, and walls. The property is at the
comer of M Sfreet SE and 6"' Street SE. Chairman Wagner asked for the zoning designation
~ for the property. Sweeting answered that the property is zoned as R-10.
Project Engineer Sweeting answered that an appraisal and a review appraisal were completed
based on the property's current zoning, in response to a question asked by Chairman Wagner.
Sweeting stated that staff is proposing a partial acquisition of the property which is needed for.
the widening of the roadway and the wall tie-backs. No buildings on the property will be
demolished. Sweeting pointed out to the Committee where the easement on the property will
be and the location of the Right-of=Way acquisition in. relation;to the proposed street
improvements, including sidewalk. The Committee and staff discussed the location of the
property owner's house and the house's setback area. Project Engineer Sweeting explained to
the Committee that the property has street access via 6tt' Street SE.
Chairman Wagner asked how many, appraisals were done on the property. Project Engineer
Sweeting said the City followed the Federal process. There was one appraisal done and then a
second appraiser reviews the original appraisal for accuracy then the value is determined.
Project Engineer Sweeting stated that there is a Public Works Trust Fund Loan being
processed and when the State budget is determined, and if the funds remain, the City will be
able to move fonNard with the projecf, in response to a comment made by Member Haugen..
Member Haugen reiterated that the project is not currently fully funded, but the project could be
fully funded by the time the City is ready to started construction. Project Engineer Sweeting
confirmed that statement to be correct. Mayor Lewis stated that the acquisition of property for
construction of the project-provides the City more opportunities to request additional grant
funds.
Chairman Wagner asked CityAttomey Heid how much about the property negotiations could be
discussed. City Attomey Heid advised that the negotiations could be discussed only in
Executive Session. Heid explained that the action taken'with Ordinance No. 6355 only,
complies with the requirement for Public Notice and the condemnation of the property will be ,
coming back to the City Council for action.
City Attomey Heid reviewed the requirements of Executive Session at the request of Mayor
Lewis. Heid stated that the law allows for City Council or Committees to go into Executive `
Session for a number of stated reasons including, as in this case, property acquisition and
where there is pending or potential litigation. By State law and by local rules, Executive
Session discussions are. to remain confidential. The sessions are not recorded, there are no
minutes taken, and no action can be taken.
Chairman Wagner called for an Executive Session at 4:07 p.m., to discuss potential real estate
acquisition. The session will be approximately 5 minutes in length.
The Committee reconvened at 4:14 p.m.
Page 5
Public Works Committee Minutes March 7. 2011
DRAFT MINUTES
~
Member Haugen stated that because the project is not currently fully funded, she will vote
' againsfi the action.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Peloza, seconded by Chairman Wagner, that the Committee
recommend Council approve and adopt Ordinance No. 6355.
Motion camed 2-1. Member Haugen voted against.
IV. DISCUSSION AND 1NFORMATION
A. . GARCIA LEAK ADJUSTMENT APPEAL
Utility & Account Services Manager Gregg distributed a chronology of the leak detection and
repairs in regard to the leak adjusfinenf appeal. Chairman Wagner requested similar timelines
- be included with future appeals.
Mayor Lewis stated fhat the administration supports the adjustment to Account No. 006230.
Chairman Wagner stated that is appeared that the customer was diligent in making the needed
repairs to the water line.
Utility & Account Secvices Manager Gregg distributed a spreadsheet showing the percentage of
total water consumption related to the leak credited to the customer's account if the maximum
credit is granted by the Committee, at the request of Vice-Chair Peloza.
Vice-Chair Peloza pointed out that any credit granted that is over 50% has a negative impact on
public funds and suggested that there should be a threshold of 50% of#he aggregate.
Chairman Wagner suggested discussing leak adjustment appeal policy later in the meeting.
. Mayor Lewis and the Committee discussed the current adjustmenf policy. Chairman Wagner
reviewed why, in tfie past, the Committee and Council, agreed to fhe: current policy of allowing a
$500.00 adjustment credit to water accounfs and then a potential further adjustment of the
balance up to 50%. Chairman Wagner stated that he supported the $782.77 credit because he
considers the initial $500.00 as a type of "leak insurance.°
It was moyed by Vice-Chair Peloza, seconded by Member Haugen, that the Committee approve
the leak adjustment appeal for account no. 00623.
Motion carried 3-0.
B. ORDINANCE NO. 6341 - POTENTIAL DEFERRAL OF PAYMENT TO LATER IN THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS OF IMPACT FEE$ AND SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT CHARGES
FOR RESIDENTIAL AND NON-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT TO PROVIDE AN ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENTINCENTIVE
Planning Director $nyder informed the Committee that Ordinance No. 6341 would allow the .
voluntary deferral of the payment of system development charges and impact fees to lafer in
various sfages of the development process as an economic stimulus measure. Snyder stated
that other jurisdictions in the region have also been considering fee deferrals.
The City of Auburn'started examining the idea in December 2010 with the Planning and
Community Development Committee. Several meeting have been held, at which the Chair of
Page 6
Public Works Committee Minutes March 7, 2011
DRAFT MINUTES the Committee allowed input from various parties who might be impacted, they included
representatives from the various school districts that serve the community, the VRFA, as well
as from the Master Builders Association and Washington Association of Realtors.
Planning Director Snyder said that the overall goal of the ordinance is to provide a limited time
period of 2 years during which the fees would be deferred. There will be appropriate
administrative processes and procedures in place to insure that fee would ultimately be paid.
The ordinance is representative of input of various parties and it also covers both residential
and non-residential development.
Snyder highlighted some changes that had been made to the ordinance following its initial
introduction. Snyder also informed the Committee that the ordinance had been reviewed by the
Municipal Service Committee and Downtown Redevelopment Committee. Planning Director _
Snyder pointed out the addition of a time limitation of 18 months from initial issuance of a
- building permit. Snyder also noted additional changes made to the ordinance and distributed
an updated draft.
The Committee and staff discussed the likelihood of collecting fees if a property happens to go
into foreclosure.
The Committee and staff discussed the triggers that would initiate the requirement to pay the
fees that are being included in the ordinance. Planning Director Snyder explained that the
deferral is a voluntary action and upon entering into the agreement there will be a covenant on
the property. In order to release that covenant, the City would need payment of the fees. The
City would receive payment on the closing of the sale of the property. Snyder said that there
are also additional built in safeguards against non-payment included in the ordinance.
Planning Director Snyder, responded to questions asked by Chairman Wagner regarding Exhibit
2 of the ordinance and the decision made by the City of Federal Way to not include school
• impact fees in there deferral of development fees.
Chairman Wagner spoke about the Washington State University Report, Analysis of Impacts of
Modified Timing of School Impact Fee Payments, and his concern that the school district would
lose eamed interest on,impact fees if the payment by developers were delayed. Mayor Lewis
pointed out thatthe school districts were not currently collecting fees due to lack of
development and that the deferral of.fees would be used as a tool to assist in residential and
non-residential development so that the school district may generate some revenue.
Garrett Huffman, the South King County and Seattle Manager for the Master Builders
Association, provided background information to the Committee on the Washington State
University Report, Analysis of Impacts of Modified Timing of School Impact Fee Payments. Mr.
Huffman stated that the report was conducted a year ago to examine the status of impact fees
when it goes from the builder to the City to the school districts to see if it makes a difference if
the school district receives payment now or later. Mr. Huffman reviewed the findings of the
reportwith the Committee. Chairman Wagner stated that he would like to determine how much
money the Aubum School District would go without ifi it lost the interest eamed on the impact
fees collected at the time of development.
Sam Pace with #he Association of-Realtors spoke about the affect of the current development
and construction market and the.related reduction of the Real Estate Excise Tax (REE'T)
collections for the City. Mr. Pace pointed out that there is currently not a lot of construction and
the school districts are receiving no impact fee revenue as a result. Mr. Pace discussed the
Page 7
Public Works Commiftee Minutes March 7. 2011
-
DRAFT NEINUTES
revenue for the City and school district generated through the sale of new construction and the
REET. '
Planning Director Snyder stated that staff consulted extensively with the Aubum School District
and although they were not pleased with the ordinance and deferred impact fees, they are
satisfied and appreciate the issue of shared sacrifice.
Planning DirecEor Snyder spoke about the City's decline in the amount of building permit
aPPlications.
The Committee and staff continued review of the Washington State University Report, Analysis
of Impacts of'Modified Timing of School Impact Fee Payments.
Vice-Chair Peloza stated that the report demonstrates that the fee deferral will assist in
simulating development.
Mr: Pace spoke about the protections built into the ordinance that protect a potential buyer from
having to pay the development fees which will also insure that the fees are collected for the
City's benefit.
Planning Director Snyder stated that the ordinance will be taken to the Planning and
Community Development Committee for action and then to Council for adoption.
C. NPDES 112010 ANNUAL REPORT
Water Quality Coordinator Thom stated that staff is seeking to start the Public Comment phase
of the NPDES II Stormwater Management Program document beginning March 8, 2011. Thom
stated that the document will also be reviewed by the Planning and Community Development
Committee and then to Council for a Public Hearing. Thom stated #he permit that is issued by
the Washington State Department of Ecology requires the City fo develop a stormwater
management program that explains how the City will implement the NPDES II permit.
Water Quality Coordinator Thom provided a summary of the updates to the Stormwater
Management Program for 2011 which inGude some additional mapping and field assessments
of priority water body in the City. The City is also continuing to work with the regional
monitoring consortium. .
The Committee was provided with the 2011 Stormwater Management Program document, the
2010 Annual Report, the stormwater monitoring program, and a Low Impact Development (LID)
barriers analysis.
Water Quality Coordinator Thom answered a question asked by Vice-Chair Peloza regarding
the requirement due date for`conducting field assessments for three high priority water bodies.
Water Quality Coordinator Thom answered questions asked by Vice-Chair Peloza regarding the
language used in the City of Auburri Low-Impact Development Bamers document. Thom
stated that the intent of the document is to assist the Department of Ecology in determining
what cities see as barriers in their jurisdictions forthe Departmentof Ecology could them format
the next permit in the process.. Assistant Director/Cify Engineer Selle stated that the cuRent
wording of the document provides the City with more flexibility.
Page 8 '
Public Works Committee Minutes March 7, 2011
DRAFT MINUTES
Chairman Wagner asked if the LID Barriers document is included in the Storm Water
Management Manual or the Surface Water Management Program ManuaL Water Quality
Coordinator Thom stated that it is not included. Chairman Wagner commented that he believed
LID credits againsf sformwater system development fees and monthly rates were a good thing,
if applied sensibly.
Chairman Wagner asked if staff is currently tracking cost estimates of the development and
implementation of the Storm Water Management Program or if the estimates are included in
fhe Capital Facilities Plan. Wafer Quality Coordinator Thom answered that a report on the cost estimates has not yet been submitted however the City estimates how much will be spent on
NPDES costs for the year. Chairman Wagner said that his primary concem is monitoring costs:
Chairman Wagner asked how the illicit number of connections will be tracked. Water Quality
Coordinator Thom answered that staff are currently conducting inspections and during
inspection if illicit connections are discovered, they are investigated.
Chairman Wagner asked if the training for staff references in item 74 was conducted in-house
or by an outside agency. Water Qualify ,Coordinator Thom answered that particular training
was administered in-house. Thom stated that the operations and maintenance program
training references in item 84 was'developed by a consultant and administered bystaff.
Chairman Wagner suggested staff make use of the Washington Stormwater Center for training,
if the center is still viable after July 2011.
Water.Quality Coordinator Thom and Mayor Lewis responded to questions asked by Chairman
Wagner regarding the State sample testing at Mill Pond.
Chairman Wagner asked if the Storm Water Management Program is being coordinated with
the Army Corps of Engineers Mill Creek 5K Reach Study that the City is paying a;poition of.
Water Quality Coordinator Thom stated that #he Mill Creek study is not being coordinated with
the $WMP at this time._ The study is an example of what the City would implement,. depending
on future permit,requirements.
Chairman Wagner asked how many staff members work on NPDES compliance.: AssiStant DirectoNCity Engineer Selle answered that NPDES compliance affects many departments.
D. 2010 SAVE OUR STREETS (SOS) YEAR END REPORT
Chairman Wagner asked if the definition of local streets is inctuded in the report. Street
Systems Engineer Wickstrom answered there are no street definitions included. Chairman
Wagner suggested in next year's report to include an explanation of what classification of
streets are included in the Save Our Streets (SOS) Program.
ChaiRnan Wagnerasked if the Pavement Condition Index average is a weighted average.
Street Systems Engineer Wickstrom.answered that the average is weighted by square yards of
pavement.
Page 9
Public Works Committee Minutes March 7. 2011
DRAFT MINUTES
E. EVERGREEN WAY AND EVERGREEN ROAD INTERSECTION SAFETY IMPROVEMENT
PLAN
Traffic Engineer Para reviewed the vicinity map with the Committee. Para explained that the
end of Evergreen Way SE is currently closed to through traffic, but will be opening soon. There
is a significant curvature in the road and significant vertical grade change that causes some
sight-distance issues coming off of the side streets on to Evergreen Way SE.
Traffic Engineer Para said that field investigations and engineering analysis confirmed that the
intersection sight distance from Evergreen Loop SE onto Evergreen Way SE is insufficient for
left and right'turns from the south and right#ums from the north.
Traffic Engineer Para answered questions asked by Chairman Wagner regarding the sight-
distance triangles on Exhibit 2. Director powdy pointed out thaf the vertical grade of the
roadway is causing a sight distance issue.
Para stated that the proposed solution will impact access to the neighborhood, which is why
staff brought the topic to Commiftee for discussion. Traffic Engineer Para said the staff
recommends extending the existing median island through the infersection section to restrict .
the left tum movements in and ouf of Evergreen Loop SE. Para stated that the impacts to the
neighbofiood will be minor because the streets are a well connected network. Right in/right out
access at the intersection will remain.
The Committee and staff discussed the possible impacts to the neighbofiood.
Vice-Chair Peloza asked rf there have been problems at the intersection. Assistant:. .
DirectoNCity Engineer Selle answered that currently there are no problems because Evergreen
Way SE is not cuRentfy a through street but when the street is open and there is through traffic
it will create a safety concem.
Chairman Wagner asked what the speed limit will be coming up the hill on Evergreen Way SE.
Traffic Engineer Para stated that the current posted speed limit on the open portion of roadway
is 25 miles per hour. Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle stated that the neighborhood is a series of looped roads
and there are multiple outlets, in response to a question asked by Chairman Wagner regarding
neighborhood impact. Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle explained that initially, staff is _
recommending installing interim centerline barriers using c-curbing because the streef should
be open within the next few months.
Traffic Engineer Para responded that Evergreen Loop SE is currently stop controlled, in
response to a question asked by Chairman Wagner.
Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle.said that the opening of the road is triggered by the
completion of the improvements on the Kersey III plat, in response to questions asked by Mayor
' Lewis.
~ Page 10
Public Works Committee Minutes March 7, 2011
DFtAFT MINl1TES
Mayor Lewis spoke about drivers speeding around the curve on Evergreen Way SE,
exacerbating the sight distance situation at the intersection.
Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle informed the Committee that the Valley Regional Fire
Authority and Aubum Police Department will be notified of any turn restrictions in the
neighborhood.
F. GRANT STATUS UPDATE" (Hankins -10 mins.) ` TIP #1 -A Sfreet NW Phase 1(3rd St NW to 1e St NW): Transportation PlannerLGrants .
Manager Hankinsverified that construction on the project is scheduled to begin in 2011, in
response to a question asked by Chairman Wagner.
TIP #5 - M Street SE Underpass (Grade Separation): Chairman Wagner asked where the
project ranked on the list for the Public VNorks Trust Fund. Transportation Planner/Grants
Manager Hankins answered that'the project ranked number 8, which is very good. '
TIP #43 -Aubum Wav South &.Rivecuvalk Intersection Imqrovements: Chairman Wagner
asked if overtures had been made to the Muckelshoot Indian Tribe. Mayor Lewis answered that
the City is in the process of talking to the Tribe and is working with their Public Works
Department.
Chairman Wagner asked if the project could be completed in phases, the first phase being the
construction of sidewalks. Staff will investigate the possibility of phasing the project.
Transportation Planner/Grants Manager Hankins reported that the Auburn Way South Corridor
Improvements Phase I and the Lea Hill Pedestrian Improvemenfs Projects grant applications
have been scored by.the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and score
very well:
Transportation Planner/Grants Manager Hankins explained that staff is currently working to get
the Aubum Way South Corr'idor Improvements Phase II Project included on the Transportation
Improvement Program (TIP).
Chairman Wagner asked if the West HiIF Ponds Rehabilitation Project was included in the utility
bonding. Staff stated that the project was not included.
Vice-Chair Peloza asked that the column titled °City Funding" read "Secured City Funding" Or to
remove #he "Secured" text from the grant funding column.
Chairman Wagner requested that any budget gaps and additional clarification regarding the
gaps for projects be included on the spreadsheet.
G. CAPITAL PROJECT STATUS REPORT
Item 3- Proiect No. CP0701 - 8th and R Street Traffic Siqnal: Chairman Wagner asked about
the signage. Assistant City Engineer Gaub answered #hat the temporary "no left turn" sign has
been put back up until the permanent one is in place. Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle
stated that the issue with the bus stop has been referred to the Transportation, Transit; and
Trails Committee. Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle said that staff is in the process of
examining the Committee's merging concems with the eastl-bound through lane. ,
Page 11
Public Works Committee Minutes March 7. 2011 .
DRAFT MINUTES
Item 5- Proiect No. CP0914 - F Street NE/4"' Street NE Traffic Si4nal: Chairman Wagner
asked how the signal has been operating and if there have been any concems from cifizens.
Assistant City Engineer Gaub indicated their have not been any complaints about the signal and
Mayor Lewis added that he has received positive comments on the new signal.
Vice-Chair Peloza reported to staff that there is a guardrail on SE 320th Street that needs to be
repaired.
ADDlTIONAL DISCUSSION
1. Using the handout written by Chairman Wagner, the Committee discussed what they would like
to review when considering changing the utility biU adjustment appeal process.
,
The Committee discussed information that they need in order to consider making changes to
the policies and things that may neetl to be developed if changes to the policy are made.
The Committee and staff reviewed the example timeline of a water customer's water usage and
the City's communication with the customer, provided by Chairman Wagner.
Vice-Chair Peloza spoke abouf the City being the steward of the people's money. Mayor Lewis
pointed out the two important questions about the $500 amount of automatic water bill
adjustment credit upon proof of leak repair appeals are 1) is the amount too small and 2) is the
amount to large.
Chairman Wagner asked for any other information staff may have regarding the customers'
responses to the $500 automatic adjustment credit. Vice-Chair Peloza requested information
regarding the credit as an aggregate amount.
Member Haugen asked if customers are being clearly informed about the volume charge for
water. Finance Director Coleman answered that it is clarified on the water statements. Mayor
Lewis said that more public education regarding water rates and consumption can be
developed.
City Attomey Heid answered questions asked by Chairman Wagner regarding who can receive
water rate discounts.
The Committee discussed whether, or not the policy changes should be reviewed at the
Committee level or by full Councif: ~
Staff will prepare the information requested-by the Committee for the April 4th Public Works
Committee Meeting.
2. Chairman Wagner commented on the memo prepared by Planning Manager Chamberlain
regarding the ufility amenities improvements included in the Promenade and Plaza Projects.
Chairman Wagner requested more detail regarding the components within the project's budget
to show'the invesfinent in City infrastructure.
Page 12 .
Public Works Committee Minutes March 7. 20111
. DRAFT MINUTES
V. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Public Works Committee, the meeting was
adjoumed at 5:57 p.m.
Approved tliis day of , 2011. .
Rich Wagner Jennifer Rigsby
.
Chairman Public Works Department Secretary
Page 13 -