HomeMy WebLinkAboutITEM III-ACITY OF
AGENDA BILL APPROVAL FORM
* WASHINGTON
Agenda Subject: Date:
Approval of Minutes March 15 2011
Department: Attachments: Budget Impact: Public Works Minutes from March 2011 $0
Administrative Recommendation:
Public Works Committee to approve the minutes of the March 2011 Public Works Committee meeting.
Background Summary:
W0321-1
Reviewed by Council & Committees: Reviewed by Departments & Divisions: ❑ Arts Commission COUNCIL COMMITTEES: ❑ Building ❑ M&0
❑ Airport ❑ Finance ❑ Cemetery ❑ Mayor
❑ Hearing Examiner ❑ Municipal Serv. ❑ Finance ❑ Parks ❑ Human Services ❑ Planning & CD ❑ Fire ❑ Planning
❑ Park Board ®Public Works ❑ Legal ❑ Police
❑ Planning Comm. ❑ Other ®Public Works ❑ Human Resources
Action:
Committee Approval: ❑Yes ❑No
Council Approval: ❑Yes ❑No Call for Public Hearing I l Referred to Until I l
Tabled Until I I
Councilmember: Wa ner Staff: Dowd
Meetin Date: March 21, 2011 Item Number:
k t + •1~
~ CITY OF AUBURN
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE IT 0~
March 2011
~ DRAFT MINUTES
~HIITOI
I. 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: Mayor Peter B. Lewis, Public Works Director
Dennis Dowdy, City Engineer/Assistant Director 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, Storm Drainage Engineer Tim Carlaw, Water Quality Program Coordinator Chris Thorn, Street Systems
Engineer Seth Wickstrom, Transportation PlannerlGrants Manager Chris Hankins, City Attorney
Dan Heid, Water Engineer Cynthia Lamothe, Planning Manager Elizabeth Chamberlain, Project
Engineer Ryan Vondrak, Garrett Huffman from the Master Builders' Association, Sam Pace,
Housing Specialist from Seattle King County Realtors, Bob Kenworthy from the Auburn School
District, and Department Secretary Jennifer Rigsby.
Chairman Wagner added a discussion item regarding the City of Auburn'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 N0. 10-09 FOR THE
MUCKLESHOOT INDIAN TRIBE
Engineering Aide Mund reported 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.
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DRAFT MINUTES
Chairman Wagner asked if there was a reason why the stop is not furtherfrom the corner of
Dogwood Street SE and 19t" Place SE. Mund answered that the stop is 30' back from the corner, 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
individuals who may need to cross the street. Assistant DirectorlCity Engineer Selle stated that
if there are complaints regarding the location of the stop, staff has the ability to make
adjustments to address 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 N0. 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 Street 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 Right-of-Way Use Permit.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Peloza, seconded by Member Haugen, that the Committee approve Right-of-Way Use Permit No. 11-03 for the Auburn International Framers Market.
Motion carried 3-0.
D. PERMISSION TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS FOR PROJECT N0. C507B, AUBURNIPACIFIC
TRAIL -SKINNER ROAD/3RD AVENUE SE NON-MOTORIZED IMPROVEMENTS
Chairman Wagner asked why the portion of Skinner Road, south of 2nd Avenue NE, is included
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 actual sidewalk path.
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. 5076, Auburn/Pacific
Trail -Skinner Roadl3rd Avenue SE Non-Motorized Improvements.
Motion carried 3-0.
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DRAFT MINUTES
E. AGREE TO NOT APPLY A STREET PAYBACK TO KING COUNTY PARCEL # 112104-9020 OWNED BY GEORGE H AND CHARLES M LYDEN FOR CITY IMPROVEMENTS TO BE
CONSTRUCTED BY THE A STREET NW EXTENSION PROJECT (C207A)
Chairman 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 that 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 stated 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 forward priorto the development of the properties and
therefore a Developer Agreement is not feasible. Chairman Wagner stated that is why the
Payback Agreementnrdinance 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 staff to gather additional information regarding the property, grant details,
and the past discussion regarding developer agreements for the Committee to consider priorto taking action.
Member Haugen asked if the project is fully funded. Assistant City Engineer Gaub stated that
staff anticipates the current 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 bids forthe project may affect the funding
gap.
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% complete. 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 that it may need to be discussed in an Executive Session.
City Attorney 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 property 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 for future
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 Lewis
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.
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DRAFT MINUTES
Staff will compile the information requested by the Committee for discussion and possible action at the next meeting .
III. ISSUES
A. RESOLUTION N0.4685 SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR RIGHT-OF-WAY VACATION
N0. V1-10 FOR 3RD STREET NE AND E STREET NE FOR AUBURN SCHOOL DISTRICT N0.
408
Engineering Aide Mund stated that Resolution No. 4685 sets the Public Hearing on April 4,
2011 for the Right-of-Way Vacation applied for by the Auburn School District.
Member Haugen stated that she will be voting against the resolution because of an article in the
Auburn Reporter regarding school district budget cuts. Member Haugen stated that she is
concerned that the expansion planned by the school district will not move forward and
requested that her concerns be reflected in the minutes.
Mayor Lewis stated that the expansion of the Auburn Senior High School will be funded by a
levy and not State funds and would not be affected by State budget cuts. Director Dowdy
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 concerned that the levy will not pass due to the current
economic climate and asked that her concerns 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 3rd Street NE, at E Street NE, is a dead-end street and not acut-
throughstreet for traffic. Mayor Lewis stated that approving the Right-of-Way Vacation will not
affect pass-through traffic in any way. Mayor Lewis stated that the portion of the street is
surrounded by property already owned by the school district.
Member Haugen said that vacating 3rd Street NE would make parking near the school difficult
and that she was still concerned that the expansion planned by the district will not move
forward.
It 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.
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DRAFT MINUTES
B. ORDINANCE N0.6355 DECLARING PUBLIC 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
corner of M Street SE and 6t" Street SE. Chairman Wagner asked forthe 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 6t" 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
forward with the project, 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 City Attorney Heid how much about the property negotiations could be
discussed. City Attorney 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 Attorney 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 betaken.
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.
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DRAFT MINUTES
Member Haugen stated that because the project is not currently fully funded, she will vote
against 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 carried 2-1. Member Haugen voted against.
IV. DISCUSSION AND INFORMATION
A. GARCIA LEAK ADJUSTMENT APPEAL
Utility & Account Services Manager Gregg distributed a chronology of the leak detection and
repairs in regard to the leak adjustment appeal. Chairman Wagner requested similar timelines
be included with future appeals.
Mayor Lewis stated that the administration supports the adjustment to Account No. 006230.
Chairman Wagner stated that is appeared that the customerwas diligent in making the needed
repairs to the water line.
Utility & Account Services 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 the aggregate.
Chairman Wagner suggested discussing leak adjustment appeal policy later in the meeting.
Mayor Lewis and the Committee discussed the current adjustment policy. Chairman Wagner
reviewed why, in the past, the Committee and Council, agreed to the current policy of allowing a $500.00 adjustment credit to water accounts 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 moved 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 N0.6341 -POTENTIAL DEFERRAL OF PAYMENT TO LATER IN THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS OF IMPACT FEES AND SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT CHARGES
FOR RESIDENTIAL AND NON-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT TO PROVIDE AN ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVE
Planning Director Snyder informed the Committee that Ordinance No. 6341 would allow the
voluntary deferral of the payment of system development charges and impact fees to later in
various stages 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
the Committee allowed input from various parties who might be impacted, they included
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DRAFT MINUTES
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 earned interest on impact fees if the payment by developers were delayed. Mayor Lewis
pointed out that the 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 forthe 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
report with the Committee. Chairman Wagner stated that he would like to determine how much
money the Auburn School District would go without if it lost the interest earned on the impact
fees collected at the time of development.
Sam Pace with the Association of Realtors spoke about the affect of the current development
and construction market and the related reduction of the Real Estate Excise Tax (BEET)
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
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Public Works Committee Minutes March 2011
DRAFT MINUTES
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 Auburn 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 Director 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 II 2010 ANNUAL REPORT
Water Quality Coordinator Thorn stated that staff is seeking to start the Public Comment phase
of the NPDES II Stormwater Management Program document beginning March 8, 2011. Thorn
stated that the document will also be reviewed by the Planning and Community Development
Committee and then to Council for a Public Hearing. Thorn stated the permit that is issued by
the Washington State Department of Ecology requires the City to develop a stormwater
management program that explains how the City will implement the NPDES II permit.
Water Quality Coordinator Thorn provided a summary of the updates to the Stormwater
Management Program for 2011 which include 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 Thorn 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 Thorn answered questions asked by Vice-Chair Peloza regarding the
language used in the City of Auburn Low-Impact Development Barriers document. Thorn stated
that the intent of the document is to assist the Department of Ecology in determining what cities
see as barriers in their jurisdictions for the Department of Ecology could them format the next
permit in the process. Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle stated that the current wording of
the document provides the City with more flexibility.
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Chairman Wagner asked if the LID Barriers document is included in the Storm Water
Management Manual orthe Surface Water Management Program Manual. Water Quality Coordinator Thorn stated that it is not included. Chairman Wagner commented that he believed
LID credits against stormwater 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 the
Capital Facilities Plan. Water Quality Coordinator Thorn 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 forthe year. Chairman Wagner said that his primary concern is monitoring costs.
Chairman Wagner asked how the illicit number of connections will be tracked. Water Quality
Coordinator Thorn 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 Quality Coordinator Thorn answered that particular training was
administered in-house. Thorn stated that the operations and maintenance program training
references in item 84 was developed by a consultant and administered by staff.
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 Thorn 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 portion of.
Water Quality Coordinator Thorn stated that the Mill Creek study is not being coordinated with
the SWMP 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
Director/City 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 included 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.
Chairman Wagner asked 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.
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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 turns from the north.
Traffic Engineer Para answered questions asked by Chairman Wagner regarding the sight-
distancetriangles on Exhibit 2. Director Dowdy pointed out that 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 Committee for discussion. Traffic Engineer Para said the staff
recommends extending the existing median island through the intersection section to restrict the
left turn movements in and out of Evergreen Loop SE. Para stated that the impacts to the
neighborhood will be minor because the streets are a well connected network. Right inlright out access at the intersection will remain.
The Committee and staff discussed the possible impacts to the neighborhood.
Vice-Chair Peloza asked if there have been problems at the intersection. Assistant DirectorlCity
Engineer Selle answered that currently there are no problems because Evergreen Way SE is
not currently a through street but when the street is open and there is through traffic it will create
a safety concern.
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 DirectorlCity 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 DirectorlCity Engineer Selle explained that initially, staff is
recommending installing interim centerline barriers using c-curbing because the street 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 DirectorlCity 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.
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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 Auburn Police Department will be notified of any turn restrictions in the
neighborhood.
F. GRANT STATUS UPDATE* (Hankins -10 mins.)
TIP #1 - A Street NW Phase 1 (3rd St NW to 14t" St NIM: Transportation Planner/Grants
Manager Hankins verified 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 Works Trust Fund. Transportation PlannerlGrants
Manager Hankins answered that the project ranked number 8, which is very good.
TIP #43 -Auburn Way South & Riverwalk Intersection Improvements: 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 PlannerlGrants Manager Hankins reported that the Auburn Way South Corridor
Improvements Phase I and the Lea Hill Pedestrian Improvements Projects grant applications
have been scored by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and score
very well.
Transportation PlannerlGrants Manager Hankins explained that staff is currently working to get
the Auburn Way South Corridor Improvements Phase II Project included on the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP}.
Chairman Wagner asked if the West Hill 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 the "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 -Project No. CP0701 - 8t" and R Street Traffic Signal: Chairman Wagner asked about
the signage. Assistant City Engineer Gaub answered that 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 DirectorlCity Engineer Selle said that staff is in the process of
examining the Committee's merging concerns with the east-bound through lane.
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Item 5 -Project No. CP0914 - F Street NEl4t" Street NE Traffic Signal: Chairman Wagner
asked how the signal has been operating and if there have been any concerns from citizens. 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 320t" Street that needs to be
repaired.
ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION
1. Using the handout written by Chairman Wagner, the Committee discussed what they would like
to review when considering changing the utility bill adjustment appeal process.
The Committee discussed information that they need in orderto consider making changes to
the policies and things that may need 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 about 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 Attorney 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 Council.
Staff will prepare the information requested by the Committee for the April 4t" Public Works
Committee Meeting.
2. Chairman Wagner commented on the memo prepared by Planning Manager Chamberlain
regarding the utility 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 investment in City infrastructure.
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Public Works Committee Minutes March 2011
DRAFT MINUTES
V. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Public Works Committee, the meeting was
adjourned at 5:57 p.m.
Approved this day of , 2011.
Rich Wagner Jennifer Rigsby
Chairman Public Works Department Secretary
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