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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-07-2011 CITY OF AUBURN CITY OF PUBLIC WORKS COIIAMITTEE March 7, 2011 WASHINGTON nniNUTEs 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 Sfreet, 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 Planner/Grants Manager Chris Hankins, City Attorney Dan Heid, Water Engineer Cynthia Lamothe, Planning Manager Elizabeth Chamberlain, Project Engineer Ryan Vondrak, Garrett Huffman from the Master Buildecs' Association, Sam Pace, Housing Specialist from Seattle King County Realtors, Bob Kenworthy from the Auburn Schoof 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 reported that fhe Muckleshoot Indian Tribe has applied for an amendment to their Right-of-Way Use Permit in orderto place a second bus stop on Dogwood Sfreet 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 sfop. Member Haugen stated that her pcimary concern is the amount of traffic on Dogwood Sfreet 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 Commiftee Minutes ' March 7. 2011 MINUTES Chairman Wagner asked if there was a reason why the stop is not further from the corner of Dogwood Street SE and 19"' 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 individuals who may need to cross the street. Assistant Director/City 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 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 befinreen W Main Street and A Street SW on Sundays #rom 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 sfreet to set up for the market. Chairman Wagner asked if there is a problem with vendors putting their booths too close fo the area where people park their bicycles. Vice-Chair Peloza answered that there have been problems with the location, however#here 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 clianged 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 Aubum Intemational Framers Market. Motion carried 3-0. D. PERMISSION TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS FOR PROJECT NO. C50713, AUBURN/PACIFIC TRAIL - SKINNER ROAD/3RD AVENUE SE NON=MOTORIZED IMPROVEMENTS Chairman Wagner asked why the portion of Skinner Road, south of 2"d Avenue NE, is included in the projecYs scope. Project Engineer Dunsdon answered that the southerly portion of the road wilF 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. 507B, Aubum/Pacific Trail = Skinner Road/3`d Avenue SE, Non-Motorized Improvements. Motion carried 3-0. Page 2 Public Works Committee Minutes March 7. 2011 MINUTES E. AGREE TO NOT APPLY A STREET FAYBACK 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 nof 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 Citywould 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 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 staff to gather additional information regarding the property, grant defails; 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 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 6ids for the project may affect the funding 9aP• In response to questions from Chairman Wagner, Assistant City Engineec Gaub stated that the Engineer's Estimate is based on the current design which is approximately 99% complete. Gaub stated that#here is alsoa 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. CityAttorney Heid stated that he will review #he subject and atlvise the Committee on how to continue with the discussion. The Committee and staff discussed a past development agreement that was considered for the Lytlen property which was never entered inta Chairman Wagner asked what the likelihood is that the property will be developed. Assist_anfi City Engineer Gaub answered that the property owner has already filled the property that.can be built on and has completed wetlantl 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 Commifitee. 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. Page 3 Pablic Works Committee Minutes March 7, 2011 MINUTES Staff will compile the information requested by the Committee'for discussion and possible action at the next meeting. 111. ISSUES A. RESOLUTION NO. 4685 SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR RIGHT-OF-WAY VACATION NO: V1-10 FOR 3RD STREET NE AND E BTREET NE FORAUBURN SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 408 Engineering Aide Mund stated thaf Resolution No. 4685 sets the Public Hearing on April 4, 2011 for the Right-of-Way Vacation applied for by the Aubum School Disfrict. 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 Aubum Senior High School will be funded by a levy and not State 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 her concerns be reflected in the minutes. Chairman Wagner pointed out thaf 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 Cify's obligation to maintain it. Vice-Chair Peloza commented that vacating the Right-of-Way will be a savings to fhe public. Chairman Wagner stated that the vacation would benefit the school district as well as the City. Member Haugen said that she feels vacating 3`d 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 3`dStreet NE, at E Street NE, is a dead-end street and not a cut- through street 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 3`d Street NE would make parking near the school difficult and that she was still concernetl 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. Page 4 Public Works Committee Minutes March 7. 2011 NIINl1TES B. ORDINANCE NO. 6355 DECLARING PUBUC USE AND NEGESSITY 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 ro_adway, sidewalks, and walls. The properfy is at the corner of M Street SE and 6th' 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 buitdings 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 fo the Committee that the property has street access Via 6th 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 #here 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 reiterafed that the project is not currently fully funded, but the project could be fully funded by the time the City is ready to started constnuction. Project Engineer Sweeting confirmed that statement.to be correct. Mayor Lewis stated that the acquisition of property for construction of the projecf provides the City more opportunities to request additional grant funds. Chairman Wagner asked CityAttorney 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 requirementfor Public Notice and the condemnation of the property will be coming back to the City Council for action. City Attorney Heid reviewed tfie 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 pofential 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. Chairmah 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 af 4:14 P.M. Page 5: Public Works Committee Minutes March 7. 2011 , 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 INFORMATIOfV A.: GARCIA LEAK ADJUSTMENT APPEAL Utility & Account Services Manager Gregg distributed a chconology of the leak detection and repairs in regard to the leak adjustment appeal. Chairman Wagner requesfed 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 customer was 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 credifed to the customer's accounf if the maximum : credit is granted by the Committee, at the request of vice-Chair Peloza. Vice-Chair Peloza pointed ouf 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 aceounts 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 aecount no. 00623. Motion carried 3-0. B. ORDINANCE NO. 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 DEVELOPMENTINCENTIVE ~ 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 fo 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 Page 6 Public Works Committee Minutes March 7. 2011 MONUTES the Committee allowed input from various parties who might be impacted, they included representatives from the various school district"s tliat 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 apptopriate 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. Jn 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 concem 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 for the Master Builders Association, provided background information to the Committee on the Washington State University Repoct, 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 builderto 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 Aubum School District would go without ifi it Jost 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 ttie Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) collections for the City. Mr. Pace pointed out that there is currently not a lot of construction and the school districts are receiying no impact fee revenue as a result: Mr. Pace discussed the Page 7 ' Public Works Committee Minutes March 7.2011 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 Aubum School District and although they were not pleased with the ordinance and deferred impaet 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 Commiftee 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 Commiftee for action and theh to Council for adoption. C. NPDES 112010 ANNUAL REPORT . Water Quality Goordinator Thom stated that staff is seeking to start the Public Comment phase of the NPDES II StormwaterManagement Program document beginning Maech 8, 2011. Thom sfated that the document will also be reviewed by the Planning and Community Development Commiftee and then to Council for a Public Hearing. `Thom stated the permit that is issued by the Washingfon 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 Commiftee was provided with the 2011 Stormwater Management Program document, the 2010 Annual Report, the stormwater monitoring program, and a Low Impact Development (LID) bamers analysis. Water Quality Coordinator Thom answered a question asked by Vice-Chair Peloza regarding the requirement due date for conducting field assessmenfs for three high priority water bodies. Wafer Quality Coordinator Thorn answered questions asked by Vice-Chair Peloza regarding the language used in the City of Aubum iow-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. . Page 8 Public Works Committee Minutes March 7. 2011 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 Thorn stated that it is nof 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 implemenfation of 4he Storm VNater Management Program or if the estimates are included in the Capital Facilities'Plan. Water 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 cosfs for the 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.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 Quality Coordinator Thom answered thaf particulae traini,ng 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 CoordinatorThom and Mayor Lewis responded to questions asked by Chairman Wagner regarding the State sample testing afi Mill Pond. Chairman Wagnerasked 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 coordinafed 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 membe-ts 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 yeac'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. Page 9 Public Works Gommittee Minutes March 7: 2011 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 tFie 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 tums from the*south and right tums from the north. Traffic Engineer Para answered questions asked by Chairman Wagner regarding the sight- distance triangles on Exhibit 2. Director powdy pointed oat that the vertical grade of the roadway is causing a sight distance issue. Para stafed #hat 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 exisfing 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 in/right 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 Director/City 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 Director/City Engineer Selle stated that the neighborhood is a series of looped roads and #here 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 cenferline barriers using o-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. Assisfant Director/City Engineer Selle said that the opening of the road is triggered by the completion of the improvements on'the Kersey I I I plat, in response to questions asked' by Mayor Lewis. , Page 10 Public Works Committee Minutes March.7, 2011 MINUTES Mayor Lewis spoke about drivers, speeding around the curye on Evergreen Way SE, exacerbating the sight distance situation at the intersecfion. Assistant Director/City Engineer 3elle 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 Street NW Phase 1W St NW to 14th St NW): Transportation Planner/Grants Manager Hankins verified thaf construction on the project is scheduled fo begin in 2011, in response to a.question asked by Chairman Wagner. TIP #5 - M Street SE Underpass (Grade Seqaration): Chairman Wagner asked where the project ranked on the list for the Public Works Trust Fund. Transportation Planner/Grants Manager Hankins answered that the project ranked number 8, which is very good. TIP #43 - Auburn Wav South & Riverwalk Intersection lmprovements: Chairman Wagner asked if overtures had been made to the Muckelshoot Indian Tribe. Mayor Lewis answered that the City is in the process of falking 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 eonstruction of sidewalks. Staff will investigate the possibility of phasing the project. ` Transportation Planner/Grants Managec Hankins reported that the Aubum Way South Comdor fmprovements. 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 Planner/Grants Manager Hankins explained that staff is currently working to get tfie 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 projecf was not included: Vice-Chair Peloza asked that the column titled "City Funding" read "Secured City Funding° Or to remove the "Secared" text from the grant funding column. Chairman Wagner requested thaf 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 - and R Street Traffic Sipnal: Chairman Wagner asked about the signage: . Assistant City Engineer Gaub answered that the temporary "no left turn" sign has been put 6ack 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 Cornmittee. Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle said thaf staff is in the process of examining the Gommittee's merging concerns with the east-bound through lane. Page.11 Public Works Committee Minutes March 7, 2011 . MINUTES Item 5- Proiect No. CP0914 - F Street NE/4"' 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 320th Street that needs to be repaired. " ADDITlONAL 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 order to consider making changes to the policies and things that may need to be developed if changes tothe'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 finro 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 cleacly infocmed about the volume charge for water. Finance Director Coleman answered that if 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 fhe 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 defaiF regarding the components within the project's budget to show the investment in City infrastructure. Page 12 Public Works Committee Minutes March 7. 2011 MINUTES V. ADJOURNMENT There being no furthec business to come before the Public Works Committee, the meeting was adjoumed at 5:57 p.m. Approved this 21 gt day of March, 2011. 2;ZLIZ Rich Wagner Je . er Rigsb Chairman ublic Works De rtme ` ecretary Page 13