HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-04-2011
* r ; CITY OF AUBURN
CITY OFt_ PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
April 4, 2011
WASHINGTON MINUTES
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Rich Wagner called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. in Conference Room #2, located
on the second floor of Auburn City Hall, One East Main Street, Auburn, Washington. Committee
members present were: Chairman Rich Wagner, Vice-Chair Bill Peloza, and Member Virginia
Haugen. Also present during the meeting were: 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, Traffic Operations Engineer Scott Nutter,
Project Engineer Jacob Sweeting, Project Engineer Leah Dunsdon, Water Utility Engineer Cynthia
Lamothe, Finance Director Shelley Coleman, Utility and Accounting Service Manager Mark Gregg,
Customer Care Supervisor Brenda Goodson-Moore, Citizen Jeff Oliphant, Citizen Wayne Osborne,
and Department Secretary Jennifer Rigsby.
11. CONSENT AGENDA
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chairman Wagner asked if Member Haugen would like to request that the last paragraph of
Discussion and Information Item C in the minutes from the March 21, 2011 Public Works
Committee Meeting be amended. After reviewing a verbatim transcription from the recording of
the portion of the minutes in question, Member Haugen did not ask for an amendment.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Peloza, seconded by Member Haugen, that the Committee approve
the Public Works Committee minutes for date, March 21, 2011.
Motion carried 3-0.
B. PERMISSION TO AWARD CONTRACT NO. 10-21 TO PRIME ELECTRIC INC ON THEIR
LOW BID OF $714,283.00 FOR PROJECT NO. CP1004 SOUTH AUBURN ITS EXPANSION
Director Dowdy explained that traffic mitigation fees were charged through mitigation
agreements with developers prior to the implementation of the Traffic Impact Fee policy, in
responses to a question asked by Vice-Chair Peloza.
Vice-Chair Peloza asked what percentage of the total project budget are the contingency funds.
Project Engineer Sweeting answered that total contingency funds are approximately 6% of the
project's budget.
Project Engineer Sweeting stated that because the project is grant funded, the State
administers the Federal funds, and in doing so, requires a portion of the funds be allocated to
the State for their review time, in response to questions asked by Vice-Chair Peloza. Member
Haugen requested that it be made clearer on the Budget Status Sheet.
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MINUTES
Vice-Chair Peloza asked how much in General Funds are being used to fund the project.
Project Engineer Sweeting answered that there are no General Funds budgeted to the project.
Finance Director Coleman verified that the Information Services funds being used are not from
the General Fund.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Peloza, seconded by Member Haugen, that the Committee
recommend Council award Contract No. 10-21 to Prime Electric Inc. for Project No. CP1004,
South Auburn ITS Expansion.
C. PERMISSION TO AWARD CONTRACT NO. 11-05 TO T BAILEY INC ON THEIR LOW BID OF
$1,665,225.00 PLUS WASHINGTON STATE SALES TAX OF $154,865.93 FOR A TOTAL
CONTRACT PRICE OF $1,820,090.93 FOR PROJECT NO. CP1006 LAKELAND HILLS
RESERVOIR 6
The Committee and staff reviewed the Budget Status Sheet. Project Engineer Dunsdon verified
that the bid is $430,000.00 less than the amount budgeted for the project, in response to
questions asked by Chairman Wagner.
Vice-Chair Peloza asked where the funds for the mural, $11,000.00, were included on the
Budget Status Sheet. Project Engineer Dunsdon answered that the amount is currently
included in the construction contract bid amount of $1,820,091.00.
Project Engineer Dunsdon explained that the birds that were shown on the example photograph
of the mural were not included in the bid, in response to a question asked by Vice-Chair Peloza.
Vice-Chair Peloza asked why a mural was being painted on the back side of the reservoir.
Project Engineer Dunsdon answered that the back of the reservoir may be visible through the
trees and in the future it is possible that the use for the site behind the reservoir will change.
Project Engineer Dunsdon stated that, from the front, one will be able to see most of the
reservoir tank, following questions asked by Member Haugen. Member Haugen stated that she
would rather not include the mural in the project. Project Engineer Dunsdon reiterated that the
trees planted in front of the tank will be reasonably small and one will be able to see the
majority of the tank.
Member Haugen asked if the portion of the project that includes the mural had gone out to bid
yet. Staff confirmed that the mural is included in Contract No. 11-05. Member Haugen asked
why the birds, as shown in the example photograph, were not included in the mural. Assistant
Director/City Engineer Selle answered that the scope of the project did not include birds on the
mural. Member Haugen stated that her preference is to include the birds in the mural. Project
Engineer Dunsdon explained that the-example photograph was used as a base to insure that all
of the bidders where bidding the cost for the same type of mural and staff will obtain a specific
design for the mural, which will be brought to the Committee for review and for the colors to be
finalized. Changes can be made to the mural at that time.
It was moved by Vice-Chair Peloza, seconded by Member Haugen, that the Committee
recommend Council award Contract No. 11-05 for Project No. CP1006, Lakeland Hills
Reservoir 6.
Motion carried 3-0.
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III. ISSUES
There were no issues.
IV. DISCUSSION AND INFORMATION
A. UTILITY BILLING PROCESS AND POLICY
Chairman Wagner explained that utility billing is partially an administrative process, which is the
Mayor's job, and policy which is the responsibility of the Council. Chairman Wagner asked that
the Committee not go into too much detail on process issues, but still discuss both the process
and policy and bring all ideas forward on improving the process and the policy.
Finance Director Coleman explained that the Committee brought forward a memo and
requested additional information regarding the utility billing process, especially the process of
notifying customers of leaks and how adjustments are calculated. Coleman explained that the
materials included in the agenda packet were provided to give the Committee an overview of
the utility billing process and a review of the financial policy. Coleman pointed out that some of
the information is in the policy and some is City practice. Finance Director Coleman stated that
also included in the information was the policy and practices of other water purveyors in the
area.
The Committee and staff decided to review the provided materials page by page and address
Committee questions for each page.
Page 1
Section I.a.1
Chairman Wagner asked what the five districts are and what is the rational for creating the
districts. Finance Director Coleman stated that when the City did bi-monthly billings, Districts 1
and 2 were billed in even months, and Districts 3 and 4 in odd months. District 5 was a district
that was always billed monthly and primarily consists of large commercial water accounts and
other utility accounts that are billed monthly that do not include water. Finance Director
Coleman stated now that the City bills monthly, the districts determine when the meters are
read. The district boundaries are formed based on geographic location. Vice-Chair Peloza
requested a copy of the map that shows the district boundaries. Chairman Wagner asked if the
districts provide the meter readers with efficient routes. Coleman answered that they do.
Section I.b.2
Vice-Chair Peloza asked why the Mis-read report is not reviewed until the variance is 175% or
higher. Finance Director Coleman answered that 175% was chosen because the amount is not
quite double the consumption. Vice-Chair Peloza asked why the report is not reviewed at a
lower percent variance. Coleman answered that sometimes a variance is not caused by a leak
but rather higher water usage, for example, customers can have a high amount of water usage
during the summer months because of lawn irrigation.
Chairman Wagner asked if the amount of consumption is check against the previous month's
consumption or the similar month form the previous year. Customer Care Supervisor Goodson-
Moore answered that the accounts are compared to the previous month and to the same time
period for the previous year to determine if the usage is normal.
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Member Haugen stated that she feels reviewing the accounts at a variance of 175% or higher is
appropriate.
Chairman Wagner stated that part of the goal of the discussion is to find ways to notify
customers of leaks as soon as possible and said that 175% seems like a reasonable number.
Vice-Chair Peloza agreed.
Section I.a.5
Member Haugen asked for a copy of the Tenant Release Form be provided to the Committee
for review.
Section I.a.6
Member Haugen asked if staff is effectively able to contact property owners and mail them utility
bills. Finance Director Coleman answered that the bill is mailed to the property owner or the
tenant, if the release form has been completed, and in some cases the bills are mailed to
property management firms. This is usually the case for multi-family residences and
commercial properties.
Member Haugen asked if it is common practice for tenants to complete the release form.
Coleman confirmed that it is standard practice for the property owner to complete the release
form. Chairman Wagner asked what percentage of property owners complete tenant releases.
Coleman explained that staff does not always know when a property is being rented, especially
if the bill continues to go to the property owner. Customer Care Supervisor Goodson-Moore
said that in her estimate, it is a very small amount of property owners that the City knows of,
who chose to keep the bill in their name.
Page 2
Section Lb.8
Chairman Wagner asked for the reasons for denial for the 47 leak adjustments that were
requested and denied April 2010 through March 2011. Customer Care Supervisor Goodson-
Moore answered that some of the denials were because the leaks were in irrigation lines, some
were for leaking toilets and/or indoor plumbing leaks and the majority of the requests were
denied because the leaks occurred outside of the service line, i.e. from the meter to where the
line enters the building. Goodson-Moore also reminded the Committee that only one
adjustment per a 12 month period is allowed, so if there were multiple requests were made for
an account, the additional requests would be denied.
Section l.c.3
Chairman Wagner asked why the penalty statements are not mailed to the tenant as well as the
landlord. Finance Director Coleman answered that landlords do not receive the regular monthly
bill however if a tenant becomes delinquent, the landlord will be mailed the delinquent notice as
well as the tenant. The wording in item 3 needs to be corrected.
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Section l.b.8
Utility Accounting & Services Supervisor Gregg identified himself and Customer Care
Supervisor Goodson-Moore as the staff referenced in item 8, fourth bullet item, following
questions asked by Member Haugen.
Finance Director Coleman explained that the Code Compliance Enforcement staff are part of
the Planning and Building Department and the reason the leaks are escalated to Code
Enforcement is because Auburn City Code states that if a property owner has a leak on their
property they need to tend to it.
Utility Accounting & Service Supervisor Gregg confirmed that $64,966.41 is the total amount
adjusted, in response to a question asked by Vice-Chair Peloza.
Vice-Chair Peloza requested a quarterly report on all leak adjustments and/or denials and
problems. The Committee discussed what format to use for the report and what information
they would like to review. They decided a report containing the same information as in item 8
would suffice.
Page 3
Section I.d.3
Chairman Wagner asked how customers show that the water does not enter the sewer system.
Finance Director Coleman answered that if a leak is in an irrigation line, the water does not
enter the sewer system. Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle stated that if the leak is not in
the plumbing in the building, the water cannot drain into the sewer system.
Section II.a.4
Chairman Wagner asked staff to see if the City could offer more than one waiver of a late fee
per year, possibly two or three per year, provided the administrative cost to the City is not too
much.
Section II.b.1
Chairman Wagner asked if there were legal limits to the length of time customers are allowed to
pay off their large balances. Finance Director Coleman stated that she has been consulting
with City Attorney Heid about creating a policy identifying time limits. Coleman said at this time if
customers are backbilled due to a leak, the length of time the customer has to pay the balance
is usually 3 months. Coleman reviewed the circumstances for which customers are backbilled
and explained how payment arrangements are made. Chairman Wagner asked staff to
examine how much it would cost to be more generous with payment arrangements in certain
circumstances and extending arrangements for longer than 3 months.
Finance Director Coleman stated that if a balance is unusually large, the Legal Department
becomes involved, in response to Chairman Wagner question regarding legal limits.
Chairman Wagner discussed how more flexible payment schedule policies could be developed.
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Section II.b.3
Finance Director Coleman explained that payment arrangements must be setup and agreed on
by the customer prior to their next billing due date, in response to a question asked by
Chairman Wagner.
Section W.3
Member Haugen asked if it is easy for a customer to prove that water leaked is not going into
the sewer system. Finance Director Coleman answered that staff goes to the property and
verifies the location of the leak.
Finance Director Coleman answered questions asked by Member Haugen regarding how credit
balances on accounts are tracked. Customer Care Supervisor Goodson-Moore verified that
credit statements are being mailed to customers.
Finance Director Coleman answered questions asked by Member Haugen regarding the size
account balances and the process by which staff alerts customers to a potential problem with
their water service.
Section II.b.1
Chairman Wagner suggested the statement, "These arrangements are at the City's discretion,"
and be rewritten to read, "Approval of these arrangements are at the City's discretion."
Page 4
Chairman Wagner asked for the percentage of accounts with late fees assessed. Customer
Care Supervisor Goodson-Moore answered the percentage is approximately 6%. Chairman
Wagner asked how many of the accounts that are assessed late fees are repeats and regularly
paid late. Goodson-Moore answered that about 40 of the same accounts are assessed late
fees monthly.
Member Haugen asked why the City switched to monthly billing, following comments made by
Chairman Wagner. Chairman Wagner answered that it was believed that a monthly billing cycle
would reduce the number of past due accounts, but it has not. Mayor Lewis stated that 6% of
accounts being past due is a good amount when compared to the banking industry.
Section II.d.4
Chairman Wagner asked if the utility billing staff is notified when a tenant moves out. Customer
Care Supervisor Goodson-Moore answered that staff sometimes receives notice, but not
always. Staff is usually notified of a change of tenant when the property owner contacts the
City regarding a new tenant. Mayor Lewis stated that it is the property owner's responsibility to
ensure the proper transfer of the utility bill.
Section ll.c
Chairman Wagner and Vice-Chair Peloza asked that the Late Payment Account Statistics be
included in the quarterly report to the Committee and that the statistics be separated by water
and sewer accounts.
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Member Haugen asked how many water bills are paid in the City every month. Utility and
Accounting Services Manager Gregg answered as of December 2010 the number was 13,700.
Finance Director Coleman responded to questions asked by Member Haugen regarding District
5 commercial billing.
Chairman Wagner asked for additional information regarding how many accounts of each type
the City has and a map of the districts.
Section Il.e
Member Haugen asked how mobile home parks are billed for water. Finance Director Coleman
answered that it depends on how the mobile homes are metered. Coleman explained the
difference in billing for individual meters for each home and large master meters installed to
serve the entire park.
Chairman Wagner suggested that it be clarified in item e, when a policy or procedure is for a
sewer account versus a water account.
Section Il.d
Chairman Wagner suggested staff develop a flowchart for item d.
Section Il.f
Mayor Lewis suggested the mechanisms for delinquent accounts for the Muckleshoot Tribe be
brought back to the Committee for discussion as a separate discussion item. Prior to the
discussion, Mayor Lewis asked that the Legal Department staff and Public Works staff review
all of the standing agreements with the tribe.
The Committee and staff discussed additional information that should be examined during the
discussion on the Muckleshoot Tribe water and sewer agreements with the City.
Section II.g.6
Chairman Wagner stated that there should be policy developed that allows for the City to
perform the inspections necessary for properties with abnormally high consumption rates.
Mayor Lewis said that the question that needs to be asked of the Legal Department is what are
the changes in ordinance necessary to declare an emergency situation so the City has the
Right-of-Entry to a property. Vice-Chair Peloza pointed out that the owners of the mobile home
parks need to be contacted and not just the park managers, who are referenced in item 6.
Member Haugen spoke about her concerns regarding mobile home park leaks and the City's
water resources possibly being wasted. Member Haugen requested her concerns be reflected
in the minutes.
The Committee and staff reviewed the Leak Adjustment Policies matrix.
Chairman Wagner asked for additional information regarding the cost implications for the utility
if the City were to initiate a 50% adjustment policy.
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MINUTES
B. OLIPHANT WATER/SEWER LEAK ADJUSTMENT
Finance Director Coleman stated that the property owner requested the item be removed from
the agenda. Mr. Jeff Oliphant, who attended, the meeting confirmed that he had requested the
item to be removed from the agenda. The Committee agreed.
C. ORDINANCE NO. 6346 AMENDING SECTION 10.12.125 OF THE AUBURN CITY CODE AND
CREATING A NEW SECTION 10.12.130 OF THE AUBURN CITY CODE RELATING TO
SPEED LIMITS IN SCHOOL ZONES
Traffic Engineer Para used a map of the City to identify the current school zones and which
locations may be impacted by the proposed change to the City Code.
Traffic Engineer Para stated that staff is proposing to adjust the signage requirements for
school zones. The proposed Code changes will bring the City into conformance with the current
State definition of a school zone and provides clarity to make it easier for the Police Department
and Courts to enforce the Code. Staff is estimating 18 signs in school zones will need to be
changed if Council approves Ordinance No. 6346.
Director Dowdy pointed out that staff has been working on the proposed changes with the Legal
Department as well as the Police Department.
Traffic Engineer Para explained that the State definition for "when children are present" in a
school zone must be in proximity to a marked crosswalk. When there is a marked crosswalk
the school zone can be identified as a "when children are present" school zone and that zone
extends up to 300 feet from the crosswalk. The Committee and staff discussed the use of the
wording "up to" when identifying a "when children are present" school zone, as proposed in the
Code changes. Traffic Engineer Para reviewed the sign requirements that are included in the
same section of the ordinance.
The Committee and staff discussed Section 10.12.125, Item B2. Traffic Engineer Para stated
that the current City procedure is to work with the individual schools to determine the
appropriate times the flashers should be on before the beginning of the school year, because
every school has a different schedule. Chairman Wagner suggested that the words, "at least
annually" be used instead of "periodically." Para explained that City Attorney Heid responded to
the same suggestion during the Municipal Services Committee Meeting and had reservations
about changing the wording. Mayor Lewis discussed City Attorney Heid's concerns about
rewording that part of the ordinance with the Committee.
Member Haugen asked if flashing lights will be installed in all school zones. Member Haugen
stated that she felt school children would be safer if there were crosswalks and flashing lights in
all school zones. Mayor Lewis responded that the installation of flashing light is done in
cooperation with the school district and the policy of the Council has been to work with the
school district rather than mandating the flashing lights. Chairman Wagner spoke about the
improvement in the City's working relationship with the school district. The Committee
discussed some of the concerns the school district had in the past regarding the flashing lights.
Chairman Wagner asked if the schools with school zone flashers were identified on the map.
Traffic Engineer Para answered that every elementary and middle school in the City has at least
one set of school zone flashers and some high schools have them because they are adjacent to
elementary schools.
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Vice-Chair Peloza asked if the school zone flashers are purchased with grant money. Traffic
Engineer Para answered a lot of the flashers were paid for through the use of grant funds.
The Committee was in consensus that the ordinance should move forward to Council.
D. FULMER WELLFIELD AND WATER SUPPLY
Utilities Engineer Repp distributed handouts to the Committee. Repp stated that the purpose of
the discussion is to review the water supply strategy, discuss changes in water supply,
introduce future options, and to seek the Committee's concurrence for the staff recommended
approach.
The Committee and staff reviewed the Water Supply Status - Spring 2011 graph. Utilities
Engineer Repp pointed out the water demand curve and stated that the curve represented the
peak daily demand. Repp discussed the significant changes in water supply. The first change
is the completion of the intertie on B Street NE with Tacoma Pipeline 5 and staff is working with
Tacoma and the Cascade Water Alliance (CWA) to complete a wholesale water agreement.
The second change is that Well 1 is now available, although the Well still needs to be
upgraded. The third change is the challenge the City faces now that Wells 2 and 6 are having
problems. Staff is also working on another intertie to the Tacoma Pipeline 5 on Lea Hill, near
132nd Avenue. That facility is expected to be complete in 2013.
Utilities Engineer Repp reiterated that the City's water supply strategy has been one of making
improvements to and maximizing use of existing Auburn infrastructure. Also, purchasing water
has been part of the combined approach.
Utilities Engineer Repp stated that staff's recommendation is to move forward with a feasibility
study for Fulmer Wellfield because staff can not properly evaluated an overall water supply
strategy and options without more, information. Additional information about the wellfield will
allow staff the ability to determine whether or not to invest in Fulmer Wellfield and bring it back
to its full capacity.
The Committee and staff reviewed the map showing the advertised water rights area around
Wells 2, 6, and 7, the Fulmer Wellfield.
Utilities Engineer Repp said that staff would like to conduct and investigation and return to the
Committee with options to help make decisions regarding water supply.
Chairman Wagner asked how much the investigation will cost. Repp answered that the
investigation will include test wells and pump testing, which will increase the cost. Repp stated
that staff will put out a Request for Proposals (RFP) and create an estimate of cost and that
staff is ready to move forward with RFP at this point, with the agreement of the Committee.
Chairman Wagner asked if the investigation can be conducted in phases. Utilities Engineer
Repp confirmed that phasing could be a possibility.
Chairman Wagner asked if staff has information about the wellfield from the Pacific
Groundwater Group study conducted in 1989. Repp answered there was pump testing done as
part of the study, but there were problems with the large volume pump testing and testing the
overall capabilities of the well.
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Utilities Engineer Repp spoke about some of the well options staff would look at during the
course of the study, such as drilling putting in smaller producing wells and distributing the
withdrawal points, but staff needs more information about the cost effectiveness before making
a recommendation.
Chairman Wagner requested two or three options be presented to the Committee along with
support material and data, following the study.
Vice-Chair Peloza verified that the demand data included in the Water Supply Status - Spring
2011 graph was for the City of Auburn, Algona and the Muckelshoot Indian Tribe (MIT). Utilities
Engineer Repp confirmed that was correct. Vice-Chair Peloza asked if the other purveyors that
the City sells water to were included. Repp answered that the agreement the City has with
Water District No. 111 is not included. Mayor Lewis and Director Dowdy pointed out that the
agreement with Water District No. 111 is an interruptible contract. Water Utility Engineer
Lamothe stated that the direction that staff received from the Council and Committee was to
provide service to Water District No. 111 as long as there was supply available, but not to plan
for them as a firm water supply requirement.
Chairman Wagner requested more information and analysis regarding the cost of purchasing
water from Tacoma, compared to the average cost of pumping Coal Creek Springs.
Mayor Lewis stated that the City wants to get the most it can from City sources and use
Tacoma water when the City wells need to be taken offline or when the wellfield needs repair.
Mayor Lewis said the first goal is to get maximum use from the City's water rights. Mayor Lewis
reiterated that long-term, the City of Auburn will obtain the maximum use of its current water
rights and look to other entities for supplement the difference.
Utilities Engineer Repp answered questions asked by Chairman Wagner regarding the ability of
producing another 3 MGD from Coal Creek Springs. Chairman Wagner asked if staff will put
forward a proposal for a feasibility study on Coal Creek Springs. Repp answered that a study
for Coal Creek Springs is not yet planned. Mayor Lewis suggested that staff start planning for a
study on Coal Creek Springs as it is the City's largest water right and has the potential to be the
largest water producer. Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle stated that there are some
contract issues with the MIT relating to Coal Creek Springs that will need to be considered, but
for now the first step staff is recommending is the evaluation of the Fulmer Wellfield in order to
help develop a water supply strategy.
Chairman Wagner asked if there is any possibility of losing water right in Coal Creek Springs if
the City does not use it all. Utilities Engineer Repp answered not at this time. Director Dowdy
added that the Coal Creek Springs water right is certificated. Mayor Lewis requested that staff
provide the Committee with the certificated rights for each water source, what the City is
currently getting from each source, and a recommendation of a plan to move forward with the
most achievable option.
Member Haugen asked what kind of work needs to be done on Wells 2 and 6. Utilities
Engineer Repp answered that staff is not sure yet and that is why the feasibility study of the
Fulmer Wellfield is being recommended. Member Haugen asked if there were any issues with
the water rights for Wells 2 and 6. Repp answered that there were no issues.
Chairman Wagner asked if Wells 2 and 6 are supplemental. Director Dowdy answered that
both wells are supplemental to the City's existing total valley rights. Director Dowdy spoke
about the corrosion control facility at Fulmer Wellfield. Director Dowdy responded to questions
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asked by Member Haugen regarding the cost of building the corrosion control facility at Fulmer
Wellfield versus the facility at Coal Creek Springs.
Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle answered questions asked by Member Haugen regarding
the size of the City owned property surrounding Wells 2 and 6.
E. CAPITAL PROJECT STATUS REPORT
Item 3 - CP1011 - Tacoma Pipeline 5 & B Street NE Intertie: Chairman Wagner asked if the
testing of the intertie was successful. Assistant City Engineer Gaub answered that the testing is
complete and went well. Chairman Wagner asked if the water needs to go through the
corrosion control facility. Utilities Engineer Repp answered that the water is fully treated by
Tacoma.
Item 2 - CP0701 - 8th and R Street Traffic Signal: Vice-Chair Peloza asked if the bus stop can
be moved west of its current location. Director Dowdy stated that the issue of the bus stop was
discussed at the Transportation, Transit, and Trails (TT&T) Committee and Metro was present
for that discussion. Director Dowdy stated that the TT&T Committee looked at relocating the
school bus stop and the Metro bus stop. The TT&T Committee looked at moving the Metro
stop west of its current location, however there is not enough room for the bus to make it's stop
and then move into the left-turn lane to turn on to R Street. The TT&T Committee
recommendation is to not relocate the Metro bus stop. Director Dowdy continued, explaining
that there are two school bus stops, one east of the river bridge near 102"d Avenue, which only
picks up one child, and a second stop at the new signal which picks up high school students.
The recommendation from the TT&T Committee for those stops is to recommend to the school
district that those two bus stops be removed. Director Dowdy explained that the safe walking
route to the Dick Scobee Elementary School could be expanded to include the first bus stop
and that one student could then walk to school. The high school students, picked up at the
second stop could also walk to Dick Scobee Elementary School and catch the bus to Mt. Baker.
Chairman Wagner requested that staff bring the recommendations for the bus stops back to the
Committee after staff meets with the school district.
Item 7 - CP0920 - 2009 AC Water Main Replacement: Assistant City Engineer Gaub pointed
out the location of the project on a map, in response to a question asked by Member Haugen.
Member Haugen asked if there was undeveloped property in the project vicinity. Assistant
Director/City Engineer Selle answered that there are some undeveloped lots. Assistant
Director/City Engineer Selle pointed out that the project is replacing exiting water mains and not
installing new mains.
Item 17 - C207A - A Street NW Corridor - Phase 1: Chairman Wagner asked if the date to
advertise and the project completion date are still accurate. Assistant City Engineer Gaub
answered that staff is anticipating the project will advertise for bid in May. Staff is working on
Right-of-Way acquisition to be completed, environmental permits and final approval from the
State, but the project is on schedule. Gaub explained that the project includes pre-load
associated with the wetland areas and that is why the project will last through two construction
seasons.
Item 19 - C201A - M Street Underpass: Chairman Wagner asked if the condemnation issue
presented at the last Council Meeting was complete. Assistant City Engineer Gaub answered
that the City is currently in verbal agreement with the property owner and staff hopes
condemnation will not be required.
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Item 27 - CP1024 - AWS and M Street SE Intersection: Chairman Wagner asked if the study
activity for the intersection will be included in the cost for the project. Assistant City Engineer
Gaub answered that the study is currently part of the $75,000.00 currently budgeted for the
project. Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle explained that staff is not proposing an
independent consultant study on the intersection, but rather a staff study of existing data and a
staff review of the corridor. Chairman Wagner asked when the study will be complete.
Assistant Director/City Engineer Selle stated that currently staff is working on getting the many
City capital projects out to bid and once the projects are in construction there will be time to
complete the study of the intersection.
Chairman Wagner suggested possibly hiring a consultant so the study could be completed by
August 2011. Vice-Chair Peloza asked for an accident report on the intersection be provided to
the Committee.
Member Haugen commented favorably on having accident data for the intersection.
Item F - MS0802 - Airport Re-Roof: Member Haugen asked if the repairs are complete.
Assistant City Engineer Gaub stated that she is not aware that the project has gone out for bid
a second time or what the plan for the project is. Vice-Chair Peloza stated that he did not think
the project has been revised and put out to bid yet.
Item E - MS1003 - Airport Storm Water Inventory Chairman Wagner requested the
Committee be briefed on the inventory as soon as it is complete and the data is available.
F. LEVEE SANDBAG REMOVAL SCHEDULE
Director Dowdy informed the Committee that the Army Corps of Engineers' work on the Howard
Hanson Dam is scheduled to be finished in November 2011 however there has been no official
announcement from the Corps whether or not the work will be 100% successful, which would
enable the valley cities to remove the sandbags.
Director Dowdy stated that there is not an estimated date for sandbag removal at this time.
Director Dowdy stated that discussions between the valley cities and the county have begun
regarding the coordination of removal of the sandbags. Director Dowdy said that his
understanding is that both the Cities of Kent and Tukwila will not be removing their sandbags
this year. Director Dowdy said that he anticipates the valley cities will have sandbags in place
for another winter, with the exception of the locations that the City of Auburn opens up during
the Spring and Summer to provide access to the river.
Director Dowdy spoke about financing the removal of the sandbags. This is a cost that the City
has agreed to cover. The Committee and staff discussed possible funding sources.
ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION
Prior to Discussion and Information Item D, Mayor Lewis announced that the City had received
news that the REET for the prior month was $250,000.00, marking an increase.
Chairman Wagner spoke about a presentation by the City of Kent on how to get the levees
certified. Director Dowdy answered questions asked by Chairman Wagner regarding the City of
Kent's certification process and requirements.
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Public Works Committee Minutes April 4, 2011
MINUTES
V. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Public Works Committee, the meeting was
adjourned at 5:55 p.m.
Approved this 18th day of April, 2011.
Rich Wagner J fer Rigsby '
Chairman ublic Works Depa men Kecretary
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