HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-13-2020 CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION AGENDACity Council S tudy Session P W CD S FA
April 13, 2020 - 5:30 P M
Virtual
AGE ND A
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I .C A L L TO O R D E R
I I .Virtual P articipation L ink
A.Virtual P articipation L ink
The A uburn C ity C ouncil S tudy S ession Meeting scheduled for Monday, A pril 13, 2020
at 5:30 p.m. will be held virtually and telephonically. To attend the meeting virtually
please click the link or enter the meeting I D into the Zoom app or call into the meeting
at the phone number listed below.
P er the G overnor’s E mergency P roclamation 20-28, the City of Auburn is prohibited
from holding an in-person meeting at this time. All meetings will be held virtually and
telephonically.
The link to the Virtual Meeting or phone number to listen to the C ouncil Meeting is:
W hen: April 13, 2020 05:30 P M P acif ic Time (US and C anada)
Topic: April 13, 2020 Council S tudy S ession
P lease click the link below to join the webinar:
https://zoom.us/j/663835547
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Or Telephone:
D ial
253 215 8782 or
888 475 4499 (Toll F ree)
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I I I .A NNO UNC E ME NT S , R E P O RT S , A ND P R E S E NTAT I O NS
I V.A G E ND A I T E MS F O R C O UNC I L D I S C US S I O N
A.K ing C ounty Regional Mitigation P lan (Hinman)(15 Minutes)
Page 1 of 59
Overview of the F ederal D isaster Mitigation A ct which requires state and local
governments to develop all-hazard mitigation plans as a condition of f ederal grant
assistance.
V.P UB L I C W O R K S A ND C O MMUNI T Y D E V E L O P ME NT D I S C US S I O N I T E MS
A.S ound Transit P arking and A ccess Presentation (Tate)(15 Minutes)
S ound Transit staff to provide City Council with an update on the Auburn Station
P arking and Access I mprovements P roject
V I .O T HE R D I S C US S I O N I T E MS
V I I .A D J O UR NME NT
Agendas and minutes are available to the public at the City Clerk's Office, on the City website
(http://www.auburnwa.gov), and via e-mail . Complete agenda packets are available for revi ew
at the City Clerk's Office.
Page 2 of 59
AGENDA BILL APPROVAL FORM
Agenda Subject:
King County Regional Mitigation Plan (Hinman)(15 Minutes)
Date:
April 8, 2020
Department:
Administration
Attachments:
King County Regional Mitigation Plan
Budget Impact:
Current Budget: $0
Proposed Revision: $0
Revised Budget: $0
Administrativ e Recommendation:
For discussion only.
Background Summary:
Hazard mitigation planning is required by the Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000. The
Federal Disaster Mitigation Act requires state and local governments to develop all-hazard
mitigation plans as a condition of federal grant assistance. The act also established a Hazard
Mitigation Grant Program to help communities prepare f or and protect against f uture
disasters, f ollowing a major disaster declaration by the president. The City of Auburn plan is
part of the King County plan and is required to be updated every five (5) years.
Rev iewed by Council Committees:
Councilmember:Staff:Hinman
Meeting Date:April 13, 2020 Item Number:
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Auburn Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 1
City of Auburn Plan Annex
Introduction
The following is a summary of key information about t he
jurisdiction and its history.
Population
The City of Auburn was incorporated in 1891. As of April 2019,
the population has grown to 81,720, according to the Washington
State Office of Financial Management (OFM).
Between 2000 and 2010 the population of Auburn increased
74.1% however, a significant portion of this growth was the
result of two annexations consisting of Lea Hill (east) and West
Hill (west) that became effective in 2008. Between 2010 and
2019 the city increased in population by 16.44% (OFM, 2019).
In 2017, Auburn was one of the top ten cities for population
growth within Washington State; the top ten cities in descending
order were: Seattle, Vancouver, Spokane,
Federal Way, Kent, Tacoma, Auburn, Redmond, and
Everett (OFM, 2017).
Location and Description
The City of Auburn is located in the Southern Puget Sound area of the State of Washington, approximately 20
miles south of Seattle. Auburn has an area of approximately 29.83 square miles, with approximately 28.17 square
miles located in King County and approximately 1.66 square miles located in Pierce County. The City lies at the
south end of State Route 18, at its intersection with State Route 167. Mount Rainier lies approximately 55 miles to
the southeast of the City. The diverse geography of the City presents a need to consider all hazard mitigation
planning efforts and also influences the probability of landslides, floods, earthquakes, and volcano/lahar events.
The topography includes the centrally located, north south aligned Green River Valley, as well as the West
Hill, East Hill, and Southeast plateaus. The City is part of two watersheds that flow to Puget Sound; the
northern portion of the City occurs within the Green -Duwamish Watershed (Water Resource Inventory Area
9) and the southern portion lies within the Puyallup -White Watershed (Water Resource Inventory Area 10).
The City boundaries include the Green and White Rivers, Bowman, Mill and Olson Creeks and as well as
numerous small streams throughout the City.
The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe (MIT) is located both inside and outside the city limits of Auburn . The MIT
was established in 1874, and is comprised o f the descendants of the area's original Coast Salish peoples . The
Muckleshoot Reservation consists of six sections of land situated diagonally, has 20 miles of boundaries, and
encompasses six square -miles. Three sections (3 square miles) are within the mu nicipal limits of the City of
Auburn. Many of the landowners within the reservation boundaries are not tribal members over which the
city has authority. The sections located outside the City are mostly surrounded by farms and rural areas, with
urbanization encroaching on the western portion. The Muckleshoot Tribe is one of Washington ' s largest
tribes, with a membership of about 3 ,300.
Jurisdiction Profile
As of 2014 Auburn is ranked
as the 14th-most populated
city in the State of
Washington. It is located in
King and Pierce County the
two most populated counties
in the state (Auburn
Community Profile, 2015
Appendix H of the
Comprehensive Plan).
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Auburn Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 2
Brief History
The City of Auburn was home to some of the earliest settlers in King County . Nestled in a fertile river valley,
Auburn has been both a farm community and a center of business and industry for more than 150 years.
Auburn is located near the original confluence of the Green and White rivers, both of which contain runoff
water from the Cascade Mountain range. T he valley was originally the home of the Skopamish, Smalhkamish ,
and Stkamish Indian tribes . The first white men in the region were explorers and traders who arrived in the
1830s.
Settlers first came to the valley in the 1850s. On October 27, 1855, an Native American ambush killed nine
people, including women and children . In November, a military unit led by Lieutenant William Slaughter
camped near what is now present -day Auburn. On December 4, 1855, a group of Native Americans attacked,
killing Lt. Slaughter and two other men.
A new treaty was written which provided the establishment of the Muckleshoot reservation, which is the only
Indian reservation now within the boundaries of King County . The White River tribes collectively became
known as the Muckleshoot tribe.
A group of white settlers, including the Neely and Ballard families , began returning to the area. In 1891 , the
town of Slaughter incorporated . Although many older citizens considered the town ' s name a memorial,
many newer residents understandably felt uncomfortable with it. Within two years, the town was renamed
Aubu rn, taken from the first line of Oliver Goldsmith ' s poem, The Deserted Village: "Sweet Auburn!
Loveliest village of the plain."
Auburn had been a bustling center for hop farming until 1890 when the crops were destroyed by aphids.
After the severe crop loss, the farms were mostly dairy farms and berry farms. Nevertheless, flooding was
still a problem for Auburn farmers up until the Howard Hanson Dam was built in 1962 . The dam on the
Green River, along with the Mud Mountain dam on the White River, provided controlled river management,
which left the valley nearly flood free.
Another impetus to Auburn ' s growth was the railroad. The Northern Pacific Railroad put a rail line through
town in 1883, but it was the Seattle-Tacoma Interurban line that allowed easy access to both cities starting in
1902. The Interurban allowed farmers to get their product to the markets within hours after harvest. The
railroad, along with better roa ds, caused many new companies to set up business in Auburn , among them
the Borden Condensery (which made Borden's Condensed Milk) and the Northern Clay Company.
Auburn grew through the twentieth century like many American towns. The 1920s were prosperous for
citizens, but the Great Depression of the 1930s left many in need. During World War II, many local Japanese
farmers had their land seized and were forcibly moved to internment camps. At the same time, local boys were
sent to fight in the Pacific , and some died in battle.
The postwar era was prosperous to Auburn, bringing more businesses and a community college to the city .
In 1963, The Boeing Company built a la rge facility to mill sheet metal skin for jet airliners. As time went on,
many farms disappeared as the land was converted to industrial use. In the 1990s, a large regional shopping
mall was built in the valley, enticing consumers from all over the Puget S ound region.
Auburn has made the transition from small farms to large industries, but much of the city ' s history remains.
A monument in the memory of Lieutenant Slaughter , erected in 1918, still stands in a local park . The Neely
Mansion, built by the son of a pioneer in 1891, has been refurbished and is listed on the National Register of
Historic Places. Auburn' s downtown still maintains a "Main Street U.S.A." appearance. (Sources: Clarence B.
Bagley, 1929 and Josephine Emmons Vine , 1990)
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Auburn Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 3
Climate
Auburn's average annual snowfall is 6.8 inches per year and the average annual rainfall is 39.14 inches per
year. Temperatures range between an annual average high of 61.7 degrees and an average low of 44.6 degrees.
While the climate of Western Washington is mild on average, high-hazard storms and weather patterns impact the
area on a frequent basis. The most frequent weather-related impacts come as a result of windstorms that can cause
widespread damage and coastal flooding; atmospheric river events that cause flooding, landslides, and can increase
the threat of dam or levee failure; and winter storms that can result in transportation impacts. Western Washington
sometimes experiences extreme weather events, including heat and cold that challenge health and infrastructure
systems, severe thunderstorms that can produce wind damage, and even occasional tornadoes. Finally, weather can
also strongly influence other hazards such as wildfires as well as HAZMAT incidents, ash fall, and smoke plumes
which can result in hazardous health conditions.
Governing Body Format
The City of Auburn is a non -charter code city retaining the council -mayor form of government, as provided
in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 35A.02.030 of the Optional Municipal Code for the State. The
Mayor and seven Council Members serve the City of Auburn . The City Council is responsible for setting
City policies as well as reviewing and approving Auburn's Hazard Mitigation Annex . Auburn Emergency
Management will oversee the plan's implementation. The City is organized into the following departments:
Administration, Finance, Human Resources, Risk and Property Management, Information Services, Legal,
Parks, Arts and Recreation, Community Development, Police, and Public Works.
Development Trends
The City of Auburn established its land use pattern with adoption of the first modern Comprehensive (Land
Use) Plan in 1986. The Plan was amended to comply with the Growth Management Act (GMA) in April
1995 and is updated annually. The most recent major update to the Comprehensive Plan was adopted by City
Council on December 14, 2015 (Ordinance No. 6584).
The overall urban form of the City is heavily influenced by its location in a river valley surrounded by
relatively steep hillsides. The organization of the land use pattern of the plan generally separates the City into
five areas (reference Map 1.2 “Districts” below):
North Auburn - a regional serving area which is a concentration of employment base .
South Auburn - a community serving area which contains a majority of the older, more established
residential areas and locally oriented businesses .
Southeast Auburn - a low density residential and environmentally sensitive area .
The Plateau – a residential area featuring land within the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe’s reservation
boundary and jurisdiction, and the Seven Day Adventists “Academy .”
Lakeland – a master planned community featuring a mix of residential and commercial uses .
West Hill - a residential area featuring a mix of older, established low density, rural development
without a commercial area .
Lea Hill – a residential area comprised of rural development, traditional suburban development, and
small locally serving commercial areas .
The downtown area which uniquely serves both the region and local community.
The annexation of Lea Hill, West Hill, and Lakeland Hills South substantially increased the number of
households and development potential within the City. The West Hill and Lea Hill annexations, resp ectively,
brought relatively low-density rural uses intermixed with traditional suburban residential developments, and a
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Auburn Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 4
range of levels of infrastructure. As shown on Map 1.2. “Districts” below, Lea Hill is bound by the Green
River, Highway 18, S. 277th St., and Kent. Much of this area was annexed into Auburn in 2008. West Hill is
bound by West Valley Highway, 51 st Ave., and agricultural lands to the north. Much of West Hill was
annexed in 2008, although annexations occurred throughout the 1990s. Lakelan d Hills South together with
Lakeland Hills (North) is considered “Lakeland”. Lakeland Hills South is bounded by Lakeland Hills to the
north, with the county line between King and Pierce County as the upper bound, and unincorporated Pierce
County to south. Lakeland Hill South was annexed into the City of Auburn between 1998 and 2005.
In 2004, Auburn's downtown was designated and stills remains an "Urban Center" pursuant to the King
County Countywide Planning Policies. Urban Centers are areas with concentrate d housing and employment ,
supported by high capacity transportation systems and retail, recreational, public facilities parks and open
space. Much of the county's growth in employment and a significant share of new housing is focused within
urban centers.
In 2017 Lakeland Hills South was designated as a “Center of Local Importance” (COLI) pursuant to the
Pierce Countywide Planning Policies. Centers of Local Importance are considered concentrations of activities
and land uses that provide a sense of place fo r the community and neighborhood. As a master planned
community, Lakeland Hills South features a number of land uses, including residential, civic, recreational,
commercial, and cultural areas that provide a sense of place for the community and surrounding area.
Within Puget Sound Regional Council’s (PSRC) Vision 2040 (adopted in 1995) the regional long -range plan,
the City of Auburn is considered a “Core City,” a regionally designated growth center that is intended to
accommodate a significant share of fu ture growth within the region. PSRC is in the process of adopting
Vision 2050, an update to Vision 2040, and under the revised regional long -range plan, Auburn will still be
considered a Core City.
The City's development regulations, which include zoning, closely align with and implement the land use
designations of the Comprehensive (Land Use) Plan. The zoning regulations are periodically updated. The
City adopted its Critical Areas Ordinance in compliance
with GMA in May 2005 (Ordinance No. 5894) to
provide for the identification, regulation and protection
of environmentally sensitive areas including wetlands ,
streams, wildlife habitat , geologic hazard areas,
groundwater protection areas, and flood hazard areas.
The city updated its floodplain regulations, Chapter
15.68 of the City code, in 2008 (Ordinance No. 6161)
and updated its Shoreline Management Program in April
2009 (Ordinance No. 6235) in compliance with the State
Shoreline Management Action RCW 90.58. The Green
and White Rivers are subject to the shoreline
regulations. The City is currently in the process of
updating its Critical Areas Ordinance and Shoreline
Management Program and intends to have the update
complete by the end of December 2 019.
Jurisdiction Point of Contact:
Name: Jerry E. Thorson
Title: Emergency Manager
Entity: Auburn, City of
Phone: 253-876-1909
Email: jthorson@auburnwa.gov
Plan Prepared By:
Name: Jerry E. Thorson
Title: Emergency Manager
Entity: Auburn, City of
Phone:253-876-1909
Email: jthorson@auburnwa.gov
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Auburn Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 5
Jurisdiction Risk Summary
Hazard Risk and Vulnerability Summary
HAZARD RISK SUMMARY VULNERABILITY SUMMARY IMPACT SUMMARY
Earthquake City of Auburn is
susceptible to multiple
fault lines that can
produce major
earthquakes. The largest
fault lines can produce
earthquakes that induce
damages ranging from
2.8% (M9.0 Cascadia
Earthquake) to 7.4%
(M7.1 Tacoma Fault) of
total building and
contents.
A significant percentage
of structures in Auburn
reside within a
liquefaction risk zone.
According to the 2018 King
County Risk Report, Auburn has
a total of 15,352 Structures for a
total value (buildings and
contents) of $11.9B. Of those
structures, 447 have an
earthquake loss ratio of greater
than or equal to 10% of total
building and contents.
Auburn has 6,715 structures
located in moderate or higher
liquefaction zones. That is
43.7% of the total structures
within the city. The exposed
value of those structures
(building and contents) is
approximately $8.1B. The high
dollar amount comparatively, is
due in part to the commercial
areas and density of the
structures in the Auburn valley
area.
Also located in the liquefaction
zone are key infrastructure
include, but not limited to:
Streets
Bridges
Railroad
Hospitals
Schools
Utilities
Government Facilities
Airport
Over 78% of the planning
area’s building stock was built
prior to 1994, when seismic
provisions became uniformly
applied through building code
applications.
Earthquakes can trigger other
natural hazard events such as
dam failures and landslides,
which could severely impact
the planning area.
In addition to all of King
County, much of Auburn is
likely to experience a major
disruption in flow of goods
and services due to the
destruction of major
transportation infrastructure
across the broader region.
Development of new
structures and infrastructure
continues through the
liquefaction prone zone.
Flood
6.43% of the total land
area of the city is within
the Special Flood
Hazard Area. The city
has good floodplain
management regulations
and has limited
development; however,
there are some
structures already
There are 114 structures exposed
in the special flood hazard area,
with an exposed value (building
and contents) of $685.5 M. We
have zero repetitive loss
properties located in the special
flood hazard area. Structures
within the Special Flood Hazard
area consist of residential,
commercial and institutional
organizations.
Since 2015, there have been
few flooding events that
produced minor impacts
within the City. Auburn’s last
major flood event was during
the 2015 declared flood
emergency in Washington
State. Lowland flooding and
localized small landslides
occurred in Auburn.
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Auburn Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 6
present in the
floodplain.
The frequent, yet minor
flooding events that occur
during flood season poses a
unique risk that gradually
increases over time due to the
accumulation and build-up of
silt and river debris within the
river channel.
In 1996 the City purchased
1508 W Main St. (parcel no.
1421049036) in Auburn, WA
for open space utilizing Hazard
Mitigation Grant Program
funds. This property was a
repetitive loss property; but
because the city acquired it and
demolished the building it is no
longer in that category.
Landslide The City of Auburn is
susceptible to landslides
along our many hills.
Landslides can be some
of the most destructive
events in nature, posing
a serious hazard to
people and properties
on or below hillsides, in
addition to critical
infrastructure such as
transportation. The
majority of significant
slide events in King
County have occurred
during or shortly after
storm events.
143 (>1%; $142 M) structures
are exposed to landslide hazard
areas within city limits.
Most of the structures within the
landslide prone areas are
residential. However, critical
infrastructure consisting of
transportation, streets, and
bridges are often heavily
impacted during slide events.
Due to landslide hazard zones,
both city residents and critical
infrastructure are greatly
impacted during slide events.
Many homes are located in
landslide hazard zones posing
serious risk to life safety.
Main transportation routes
within landslide hazard areas,
key roads are periodically
closed due to landslides. These
closures cause a disruption to
flow of goods and services,
creating traffic elsewhere,
delaying response times for
emergency responders, and
impacting city residents.
Severe
Weather
The City of Auburn is
susceptible to a variety
of different severe
weather events including
thunderstorms, hail
storms, damaging winds,
tornadoes, drought and
excessive heat.
All critical facilities are exposed
to severe weather. Additional
facilities on higher ground may
also be exposed to wind damage
or damage from falling trees.
The most common problems
associated with severe weather
are loss of utilities. Downed
power lines can cause blackouts,
leaving large areas isolated.
Phone, water and sewer systems
may not function. Roads may
A severe weather event that
causes damage to 10% of the
structures and infrastructure
within the City can potentially
result in upwards of $2 B.
An event that causes damage
to 50% can potentially result in
upwards of $9 B.
Severe weather can cause
damage to residential,
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Auburn Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 7
become impassable due to
secondary hazards such as
landslides.
commercial, institutional and
government assets including:
Streets
Bridges
Railroad
Hospitals
Schools
Utilities
Government Facilities
Airport
Severe Winter
Weather
The City of Auburn is
susceptible to a variety
of different severe
winter weather events
including any dangerous
cold-weather
phenomena with the
potential to cause
damage, serious social
disruption, or loss of
human life. It includes
snowstorms, ice storms,
hail storms, blizzards,
damaging winds, and
extreme cold.
Severe winter weather can
significantly impact city services,
stranding commuters, stopping
the flow of supplies, and
disrupting emergency and
medical services.
Accumulations of snow can
collapse buildings and knock
down trees and power lines.
Significant snow events may
result in residential homes and
local businesses being without
power and heat for a prolonged
amount of time, causing major
life safety issues throughout the
city.
In underdevelopment and/or
low density residential areas,
homes and farms may be
isolated for days, and
unprotected livestock may be
lost.
The City of Auburn is
particularly vulnerable to snow
and ice events due to steep hills
and roads.
Ice and snow events, in
combination with wind, can
increase the severity and impact
of severe winter weather.
Severe winter weather, such as
the February 2019 snowstorm,
can immobilize a region and
paralyze a city.
The most recent snow event in
February 2019, forced closures
of several roads throughout the
City:
Mt View Drive,
Terrace View Drive,
105th SE, S 292nd St
and the Lakeland
Parkway were all
closed due to
snow/ice.
Oravetz was closed
due to downed trees
and power lines,
Riverwalk was closed
because of a semi-
truck was stuck.
Kersey due to an
accident investigation.
Snow and ice storms have a
significant impact on the City’s
public works department.
Additional staffing, extended
work hours, and specialized
resources are required during
such events in order to
maintain traffic systems and
critical infrastructure.
The city activates an
Emergency Snow & Ice
Removal Plan that prioritizes
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Auburn Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 8
specific routes such as main
arterials, transit and school bus
routes, and life line routes.
Secondary and lower-priority
routes will be maintained after
primary routes are managed,
based on conditions and
resources available.
The City’s most vulnerable
populations are especially
impacted by severe winter
weather events, such as
snowstorms and prolonged
cold spells. Impacts include
loss of power and heat,
interruption of transportation
services, and inability to obtain
food and water.
Depending on conditions, city
staffing levels may be impacted
or reduced due to employees
unable to report to work safely.
These conditions compounded
by lower staffing levels, are
likely to increase response
times for public safety
personnel.
Volcano Past eruptions of Mt.
Rainier have caused
lahar flows through the
Auburn valley. The
Auburn valley floor is at
risk of a future lahar.
The mud flow would
likely follow the White
River basin and flow
north through the city.
This flow, would likely
cover the infrastructure
and buildings along the
valley.
6,712 (43.7%) of structures in
Auburn are within the Lahar risk
zone in the event of a Volcanic
eruption.
Located in the lahar risk zone
are key infrastructure include,
but not limited to:
Streets
Bridges
Railroad
Utilities
Government Facilities
Schools
Critical infrastructure within
the lahar risk zone include, but
are not limited to:
Streets
Bridges
o R Street
o A Street
Schools
o Ilalko Elementary
School
o Auburn Riverside
High School
o Mt. Baker Middle
School
o Gildo Rey
Elementary School
o Pioneer Elementary
School
o Holy Family
Catholic School
o Olympic Elementary
School
Railroad
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Auburn Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 9
o Passenger Trains
o BNSF
o Union Pacific
Utilities
o BPA Transmission
Lines
Government Facilities
o Auburn
Maintenance &
Operations
o Government
Services
Administration
(GSA)
o VRFA Fire Stations
In addition to the lahar risk,
the area north of the lahar
zone is identified as a post-
lahar flooding and
sedimentation area that poses
significant risk to the Auburn
valley floor north of HWY18.
Additional critical
infrastructure located within
the post lahar sedimentation
and flooding area include:
Auburn Municipal
Airport
City Hall and the
Annex Building
Multicare Auburn
Medical Center
(Hospital)
Cyber Attack The City uses a variety
of systems, services, and
devices that reply upon
both internal and
external computer
networks in order to
function properly. These
networks as a whole are
commonly referred to
“cyberspace” and
failures in them,
regardless of cause, are
commonly referred to as
“cyber incidents”. Cyber
incidents have the
potential to disable city
services release non-
Major cyber incidents can occur
with or without warning.
Significant cyber events may be
malicious or
accidental/inadvertent, but initial
response must not be dependent
on determining which.
Cyber vulnerabilities are both
technological and human caused
and will continue to exist
regardless of the number of
safeguards put in place and the
amount of training conducted.
Cyber incidents have the
potential to disable city
services, release non-
disclosable information to
unknown parties, and create
public safety issues, among
other things.
Cyber events could reduce our
ability to provide water and
sewer services to residents, our
ability to receive payments for
utilities bills, lose our ability to
provide payroll and residents
lose their ability connect to the
City.
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Auburn Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 10
disclosable information
to unknown parties, and
create public safety
issues, among
other things.
Regardless of cause, major cyber
incidents have the potential to
shutdown critical infrastructure,
negatively affect life safety,
reveal protected information,
and to cause harm to people,
data, and physical assets.
Incidents may start and end on
systems that are outside of the
City’s direct control.
Dam Failure There are seven active
dams that protect the
City of Auburn. The
four with the most
potential for damage are
the Howard Hanson
Dam, Mud Mountain
Dam, Lake Youngs
Reservoir Dam, and the
Lake Tapps System of
dikes around the lake.
At full capacity, both the
Howard Hanson, and Mud
Mountain Dams have the
potential of flooding the entire
Auburn Valley floor in the event
of a dam failure.
The Lake Tapps system of dikes
poses significant risk to many
residential homes, and much of
the Auburn Valley floor.
If Dikes #6-12 (generally located
along the north side of Lake
Tapps) were to fail, the flow of
water would inundate the White
River causing significant
flooding throughout the valley
floor.
A failure of the Lake Youngs
Reservoir dam would also have
significant impact on the City of
Auburn. A breach would follow
the Soos creek system to the
Green River and then flow
through the city.
Within the projected flood risk
zones for each major Dam, the
City has the following critical
infrastructure that would be
greatly impacted:
Streets
Bridges
Railroad
Utilities
Airport
Schools
Howard Hanson Dam: A
significant failure of the
Howard Hanson dam, while at
maximum capacity of the
reservoir, would reach the area
north of the airport in less than
three hours, providing little
time for evacuation of the
Auburn valley floor.
Mud Mountain Dam: A
significant failure of the Mud
Mountain Dam, while at
maximum capacity of the
reservoir would reach the
southwest part of Auburn in
less than two hours.
All city facilities in the Auburn
valley would likely be unusable,
after a failure of either dam,
including the equipment and
vehicles stored in those
locations. Most homes and
businesses in the same area
would also be untenable.
Lake Youngs Reservoir: A
failure of the Lake Youngs
Reservoir dam would also have
significant impact on the City
of Auburn. A breach would
follow the Soos creek system
to the Green River and then
flow through the city. The
most significant impacts would
be in the north end of the city,
from the Green river on the
east to nearly SR 167 on the
west and from approximately
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The remaining 3 Dams within
City limits are smaller and pose
significantly less risk to
structures and critical
infrastructure within the City.
15 St. NW to the northern city
boundary. A breach of the
Lake Youngs Dam could reach
the city limits in approximately
4.5 hours, and could reach the
area north of 15th St. NW
within approximately 5 hours.
A significant portion of city
facilities in this area, including
the Auburn Airport could be
inundated with flood waters.
Lake Tapps: A significant
breach of the dikes on the
north end of Lake Tapps
would have a significant impact
on the area of Auburn between
Oravetz Road and the white
river. This would impact
residents and businesses in the
area along with any
infrastructure.
Other Dams: The three
remaining Dams would have
less impact on the City, and
likely be confined to
neighborhoods immediately
downstream.
Public Health
Emergency
A Public Health
Emergency could
include a number of
issues such as Measles,
Mumps, and Influenza.
The worldwide public
health and scientific
community is
increasingly concerned
about the potential for a
pandemic to arise from
the widespread and
growing avian influenza
outbreak across several
continents.
Auburn will continue to
participate in
Seattle/King County
Public Health initiatives
and did not include this
The creation of a novel virus
means that most, if not all,
people in the world will have
never been exposed
to the new strain and have no
immunity to the disease. It also
means that new vaccines must
be developed
and therefore are not likely to be
available for months, during
which time many people could
become
infected and seriously ill.
A significant pandemic may
generate patient loads sufficient
to exceed capacity of local
healthcare facilities and sectors.
In addition, public demand for
lab testing, vaccine, antiviral
medications and
There are several
characteristics of an influenza
pandemic that differentiate it
from other public health
emergencies. First, it has the
potential to suddenly cause
illness in a very large number
of people, who could
easily overwhelm the
healthcare system throughout
the nation. A pandemic
outbreak could also jeopardize
essential City and community
services by causing high levels
of absenteeism in critical
positions in every workforce. It
is likely that vaccines against
the new virus will not be
available for six to eight
months following the
emergence of the virus.
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as a separate mitigation
strategy.
health information may
overwhelm day-to-day local
public health and healthcare
systems, providers
and facilities.
Basic services, such as
healthcare, law enforcement,
fire, emergency response,
communications, transportation,
and utilities, could be disrupted
during a pandemic. Finally, the
pandemic, unlike many other
emergency events, could last for
several weeks, if not months.
Tsunami The City of Auburn is
not susceptible to
impacts from a Tsunami
and did not include this
hazard in the mitigation
planning process.
Avalanche The City of Auburn is
not susceptible to
impacts from an
Avalanche and did not
include this hazard in
the mitigation planning
process.
Wildfire While Auburn does face
some risk in regards to
Wildfire, those risks are
addressed through other
planning processes in
partnership with Valley
Regional Fire Authority.
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Plan Update Process
The City of Auburn’s planning process was open and inclusive. It began with participation in the multi-
jurisdictional planning process led by King County. City staff attended training and briefings, learning about the
process and requirements for completion of the plan. Staff then assembled a workgroup to develop a timeline to
complete the City of Auburn annex to the Regional plan. At the early plan development stage, Valley Regional Fire
Authority (provider for fire and EMS for the City) was also involved in the planning process.
Once the timeline was developed staff performed a hazard risk analysis, evaluating the potential risks within the
city. Staff reviewed past mitigation plans, FEMA, King County and City of Auburn maps and records. The FEMA
Risk Report: A Risk Assessment Database Summary was also considered in the risk analysis. A public open house
was conducted on August 15 at 6:00 PM in City Hall to gather public feedback on the draft Hazard Risk Analysis.
This open house was attended by 13 people. The attendees were a mix of residents and people that lived outside
the city but worked in Auburn. Attendees were invited to review posters with the hazards, with Risk, vulnerability
and impact summaries for each hazard. Once they reviewed the information and discussed the risks and impacts
with staff, they were all invited to complete a questionnaire for city staff to consider while completing the
mitigation planning process.
Key partners within the city such as the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, Auburn Chamber of Commerce, Multicare
Auburn (hospital) Auburn Public School District, Green River Community College, the Boeing Company, and
other community groups were also invited to attend a briefing on the developing plan and provide input.
City staff reviewed the Hazard Risk Analysis and then assembled a larger group representing City Departments
and evaluated City Assets at Risk to further evaluate the impact or risks directly on City assets. This group also
evaluated the impact on residences and businesses due to each hazard. This information was considered as the
work group developed Hazard Mitigation Strategies in an effort to mitigate the hazards as identified.
Once the risk analysis and mitigation strategies were developed by the larger group a second public open house
was conducted on October 30th at 5:30 PM in the City’s EOC. The purpose of this open house was to educate the
public to the developing plan and solicit feedback from the public prior to adoption of the plan. This open house
was attended by 14 residents and provided feedback on the draft plan before it’s completion and submission to
King County.
Jurisdiction Planning Team
NAME TITLE ORGANIZATION CONTRIBUTION
Randy Bailey Assistant Director,
Public Works
City of Auburn Attended planning
meetings, helped identify
assets at risk, develop
mitigation strategies.
Dane Carson Senior GIS/Database
Specialist
City of Auburn Attended planning
meetings, helped develop
and provide maps for
Mitigation Planning
process
Scott Currie Emergency
Preparedness Assistant
City of Auburn Attended planning
meetings
Ingrid Gaub Director, Public Works City of Auburn Attended planning
meetings, helped develop
assets at risk, mitigation
strategies.
Brenda Goodson-
Moore
Customer Care Manager City of Auburn Attended planning
meetings, helped develop
assets at risk, mitigation
strategies.
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Hannah Heyrich Disaster Educator AmeriCorps volunteer
with City of Auburn
Attended planning
meetings, helped develop
assets at risk, mitigation
strategies.
Dana Hinman Director of Emergency
Management
City of Auburn Attended planning
meetings, provided
direction for planning
process
Melissa Medisch Human Resources
Analyst
City of Auburn Attended planning
meetings, helped identify
assets at risk, develop
mitigation strategies
Lisa Moore Facilities Manager City of Auburn Attended planning
meetings, helped identify
assets at risk, develop
mitigation strategies.
Brian Petty Recreation Manager City of Auburn Attended planning
meetings, helped identify
assets at risk, develop
mitigation strategies.
Ashley Riggs Assistant Director, IT City of Auburn Attended planning
meetings, helped identify
assets at risk, develop
mitigation strategies
Doug Ruth Assistant City Attorney City of Auburn Attended planning
meetings, helped identify
assets at risk, develop
mitigation strategies
Alexandria Teague Planner II City of Auburn Attended planning
meetings, coordinated
with Community
Development staff, helped
develop timeline for
planning process
Jerry Thorson Emergency Manager City of Auburn Attended planning
meetings, helped draft
language for Risk
Assessment, and
preparation for Public
Open House. Attended
Public Outreach event
with the public on August
15, 2019.
David Travis Director of Innovation
and Technology
City of Auburn Attended planning
meetings, helped identify
assets at risk, develop
mitigation strategies.
Tyler Turner Emergency Management
Specialist
City of Auburn Attended planning
meetings, helped draft
language for Risk
Assessment, and
preparation for Public
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Open House. Attended
Public Outreach event
with the public on August
15, 2019.
Sarah Yancey Emergency Management
Coordinator
Valley Regional Fire Attended planning
meetings, helped develop
Timeline for planning
process.
Plan Update Timeline
PLANNING ACTIVITY DATE SUMMARY ATTENDEES
Initial Mitigation
Planning Team
Meeting
7-19-19 Discussed goals of
planning process,
timeline, development of
the Auburn Annex to the
plan, Risk Assessment
process, meeting
schedule, other plans,
data.
Hinman, Turner, Currie,
Teague, Carson, Yancey-
Nuss, Thorson
Mitigation Planning
Committee
7-25-19 Developed timeline,
developed a plan to
complete Risk
Assessment, assets at
risk, identified options
for Public Outreach.
Teague, Turner, Thorson
Risk Assessment
Development
7-29-19
7-30-19
7-31-19
Reviewed historical data,
past plans, Risk
assessment Database,
developed draft Risk
assessment document
Turner, Thorson
Review of Risk
Assessment by
mitigation planning
team
8-6-19 Reviewed draft of Risk
Assessment, discussed
plan for identifying assets
at risk, and created plan
for public outreach event
that occurred on August
15, 2019.
Thorson, Yancey-Nuss,
Turner, Carson, Teague,
Currie, Hinman
Review and
development of assets
at risk
8-8-19 Identification of
Auburn’s critical assets
and their vulnerability to
hazards. This review
included city-owned
facilities, landmarks,
industries, etc.
Thorson, Turner, Moore,
Currie, Bailey, Petty,
Medisch, Teague,
Hinman
Planning 8-22-19 Review work completed
and develop plan for next
steps
Thorson, Carson, Turner,
Currie, Teague
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Assets at Risk Meeting
(HR, Finance, Legal,
Admin)
9-10-19 Review and consider
assets at risk for Human
Resources, Finance,
Administration, Legal,
Facilities
Thorson, Turner, Moore,
Martinson, Goodwin-
Moore, Ruth, Heyrich
Assets at Risk Meeting
(PW, Parks)
9-11-19 Review and consider
assets at risk for Public
Works and Parks
Bailey, Petty, Gaub,
Thorson, Turner,
Heyrich
Assets at Risk Meeting
(IT)
9-12-19 Review and consider
assets at risk for Police
and IT
Hinman, Travis, Turner,
Thorson
Cyber Attack
Mitigation Strategy
9-24-19 Develop strategies for
mitigating Cyber Attacks
Thorson, Riggs, Travis,
Turner
Review of Draft Plan 10-15-19 Review final draft of plan
before second public
open house to review
plan
Hinman, Gaub, Teague
Turner, Currie, Heyrich,
Thorson
Public Outreach
Public Outreach Events
EVENT DATE SUMMARY ATTENDEES
Public Open House August 15, 2019, in City
Hall from 6:00-7:30.
Staff prepared maps
showing the hazard areas
along with descriptions
of the hazard and
potential impact. The
public was invited and
reviewed materials, had
the opportunity to ask
questions and provide
feedback on all aspects of
the risk analysis and
assets at risk. Suggestions
were considered by staff
and changes to the draft
were made as
appropriate.
We had 13 members of
the public attend the
Open House, they
reviewed 10 large posters
with maps; risk
Vulnerability, and impact
summaries for each
natural hazard faced in
Auburn. They also
viewed 2 additional flood
inundation maps. Staff
were on hand to engage
the attendees, and answer
any questions. After
reviewing the
information and asking
questions, the attendees
were asked to complete a
questionnaire. The
feedback from the public
outreach was considered
in the development of
the Auburn Annex to the
plan.
Public Open House October 30, 2019 Staff used the maps and
other documents from
We had 14 members of
the public attend the
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the first Open House and
new displays showing the
mitigation strategies to be
included in the plan. The
public was invited to
review materials and had
the opportunity to
provide feedback on all
aspects of the draft plan.
Open House, staff
engaged with the public
and filled in the details of
the plan as needed. The
public viewed, the hazard
maps, the strategies to
mitigate the hazards and
shared their thoughts on
the plan. The draft plan
was posted on the City’s
website for review prior
to the Open House.
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Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Program
Hazard mitigation strategies were developed through a two-step
process. The City of Auburn met with an internal planning team
made up of staff from all departments to identify a comprehensive
range of mitigation strategies. These strategies were then
prioritized using a process established at the county level and
documented in the base plan.
Each city department that has submitted a strategy plan will
continue to work towards progress on that strategy. This includes
advocacy for budget allocations, workload assignments, and grant
applications that support accomplishment of those strategies.
Plan Monitoring, Implementation, and Future Updates
King County leads the mitigation plan monitoring and update
process and schedules the annual plan check-ins and bi-annual
mitigation strategy updates. Updates on mitigation projects are
solicited by the county for inclusion in the countywide annual
report.
As a participant in the 2020 update to the Regional Hazard
Mitigation Plan, the city of Auburn agrees to convene their
internal planning team at least annually to review their progress on
hazard mitigation strategies and to update the plan based on new
data or recent disasters. This will be accomplished by a subgroup
of the City’s Emergency Management Committee.
When King County sends federal notices of funding opportunity
for the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant Program, the city will
evaluate the viability of projects eligible for such grants and submit
grant applications if appropriate to align with the priorities of the
Hazard Mitigation Plan. This will be a key strategy to implement
the plan.
The next plan update is expected to be due in April 2025. The City
of Auburn will submit a letter of intent by 2023, at least two years
prior to plan expiration. The county will lead the next regional planning
effort, beginning at least 18 months before the expiration of the 2020 plan.
Continued Public Participation
The City of Auburn already maintains substantial public outreach capabilities, focusing on personal preparedness
and education. Information on ongoing progress in implementing the hazard mitigation plan will be integrated
into public outreach efforts. This will provide Auburn residents, already engaged in personal preparedness efforts,
with context and the opportunity to provide feedback on the county’s progress and priorities in large-scale
mitigation. In the vertical integration of risk-reduction activities from personal to local to state and federal, it is
important that the public understand how its activities support, and are supported by, larger-scale efforts.
The outreach and mitigation teams will also continue to work with media and other agency partners to publicize
mitigation success stories and help explain how vulnerabilities are being fixed. When possible, public tours of
mitigation projects will be organized to allow community members to see successful mitigation in action.
King County Overall Plan
Goals:
1.Access to Affordable,
Healthy Food
2.Access to Health and
Human Services
3.Access to Parks and
Natural Resources
4.Access to Safe and
Efficient
Transportation
5.Affordable, Safe,
Quality Housing
6.Community and
Public Safety
7.Early Childhood
Development
8.Economic
Development
9.Equitable Law and
Justice System
10.Equity in
Government Practices
11.Family Wage Jobs and
Job Training
12.Healthy Built and
Natural
Environments
13.Quality Education
14.Strong, Vibrant
Neighborhoods
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Hazard Mitigation Authorities, Responsibilities, and Capabilities
Plans
PLAN TITLE RESPONSIBLE AGENCY POINT OF CONTACT RELATIONSHIP TO
HAZARD MITIGATION
PLAN
Comprehensive Plan Community
Development
Jeff Tate The City’s development
regulations including the
comprehensive plan
provide for identification,
regulations, and
protection of
environmentally sensitive
areas, geological hazard
areas, and flood hazard
areas. The
comprehensive and
mitigation plans are
mutually supportive and
provide direction for the
City’s planning efforts.
Comprehensive
Emergency
Management Plan
(CEMP)
Emergency Management
Division
Jerry E. Thorson The CEMP has a direct
relationship to the
Hazard Mitigation plan.
Many aspects of the
CEMP are based on the
risks outlined in the
Mitigation Plan. Our
CEMP is both “generic
and hazard specific” in
reaction to the hazards
identified in the risk
assessment part of the
plan.
Capital Facilities Plan Finance Department Jamie Thomas The Capital Facilities
Plan and the Mitigation
Plan are linked in that
mitigation efforts related
to the City’s
infrastructure will
normally be included in
the Capital Facilities Plan
for consideration and
funding by the city’s
leadership.
Programs, Policies, and Processes
PROGRAM/POLICY RESPONSIBLE AGENCY POINT OF CONTACT RELATIONSHIP TO
HAZARD MITIGATION
PLAN
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Building Codes Community
Development
Jason Krum The building codes
utilized by the city are
considered all-hazards.
The City has the ability to
modify building codes
upon adoption reflecting
risks and hazards for the
City.
Emergency
Management Program
Emergency Management
Division
Jerry Thorson The City of Auburn’s
emergency management
program is based off of
the risk assessment in the
Mitigation Plan. Our
educational programs use
the risks identified to
inform the public of what
may happen in Auburn
and how to prepare for
the impact on residences
and businesses.
Critical Areas
Ordinance
Community
Development, Planning
Services Division
Jeff Dixon The relationship of the
mitigation plan and the
critical areas ordinance is
that they both address
some of the same
subjects that relate to
natural features,
especially flood,
groundwater protection
areas and geologic
hazards. Additionally, the
mitigation plan and the
critical areas ordinance
share the comment
purpose of protecting
public health, safety and
general welfare.
Entities Responsible for Hazard Mitigation
AGENCY/ORGANIZATION POINT OF CONTACT RESPONSIBILITY(S)
Public Works Ingrid Gaub Identifying departmental assets at risk, creating
mitigation strategies, and implementing of strategies
as possible.
Community
Development
Jeff Tate Identifying departmental assets at risk, creating
mitigation strategies, and implementing of strategies
as possible.
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Office of the Mayor Dana Hinman As Director of Emergency Management, responsible
for mitigation planning process and identifying
departmental assets at risk, creating mitigation
strategies, and implementing of strategies as possible.
Innovation &
Technology
David Travis Identifying departmental assets at risk, creating
mitigation strategies, and implementing of strategies
as possible.
Human Resources Candis Martinson Identifying departmental assets at risk, creating
mitigation strategies, and implementing of strategies
as possible.
Legal Steve Gross Identifying departmental assets at risk, creating
mitigation strategies, and implementing of strategies
as possible.
Police William Pierson Identifying departmental assets at risk, creating
mitigation strategies, and implementing of strategies
as possible.
Finance Jamie Thomas Identifying departmental assets at risk, creating
mitigation strategies, and implementing of strategies
as possible.
Parks, Arts & Recreation Daryl Faber Identifying departmental assets at risk, creating
mitigation strategies, and implementing of strategies
as possible.
National Flood Insurance Program
National Flood Insurance Program Compliance
What department is responsible for floodplain
management in your community?
Department of Community Development
Who is your community’s floodplain
administrator? (title/position)
Jeff Tate, Director of Community Development
What is the date of adoption of your flood
damage prevention ordinance?
Ordinance 6295 May 3rd, 2010
When was the most recent Community
Assistance Visit or Community Assistance
Contact?
2007 CAV visit with March 2008 final report
Does your community have any outstanding
NFIP compliance violations that need to be
addressed? If so, please state what they are?
No
Do your flood hazard maps adequately address
the flood risk within your community? If so,
please state why.
Yes. The City is utilizing the Flood Insurance Rate
Maps (FIRM) required by FEMA. FEMA is in the
process of updating the Green River FIRM’s. The
City of Auburn intends on adopting these maps by or
before 180 days after FEMA issues a Letter of
Determination to the City of Auburn to adopt the
new maps.
Does your floodplain management staff need any
assistance or training to support its floodplain
The City of Auburn currently has three Certified
Floodplain Managers. These staff members and other
City of Auburn staff engage in continuing education
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management program? If so, what type of
training/assistance is needed?
offered by FEMA and other agencies to stay current
with floodplain management regulations. City staff
contacts Washington State Department of Ecology
and FEMA Region X as needed for support.
Does your community participate in the
Community Rating System (CRS)? If so, what is
your CRS Classification and are you seeing to
improve your rating? If not, is your community
interested in joining CRS?
Our classification is a 5. This classification was last
updated/provided as a result of a CRS audit at the
end of 2018 and final score determined on February
21, 2019.
How many Severe Repetitive Loss (SRL) and
Repetitive Loss (RL) properties are located in
your jurisdiction?
SRL: 0
RL: 0
Has your community ever conducted an elevation
or buy out of a flood-prone property? If so, what
fund source did you use? If not, are you
interested in pursuing buyouts of flood prone
properties?
In 1996 the City purchased 1508 W Main St. (parcel
no. 1421049036) in Auburn, WA for open space
utilizing Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds.
This property was a repetitive loss property; but
because the city acquired it and demolished the
building it is no longer in that category.
Hazard Mitigation Strategies
The first step in creating Auburn’s 2019 Mitigation Strategies was a review of the 2015 plan. Staff reviewed the
plan, and determined past accomplishments and challenges. Staff then evaluated whether any of the items from
the 2015 plan should be carried over into the 2019 updates. Once that step was accomplished, plan participants
began development of the 2019 strategies. Once the Mitigation Plan is adopted by City Council, the appropriate
departments will consider the strategies as future budgets are developed and will work with regional partners to
leverage funding options and mutual benefits of working together.
2015 Hazard Mitigation Strategy Status
STRATEGY DESCRIPTION PRIORITY STATUS
AU-1 Maintain
compliance under
the National Flood
Insurance Program
The City of Auburn has maintained
compliance with the National Flood Insurance
Program since adoption of the flood damage
prevention ordinance on May 3rd, 2010
(Ordinance No. 6295). The City has
maintained compliance by using the Flood
Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) required by
FEMA, participating in the Community Rating
System, and certifying staff to function as
certified floodplain managers.
High Completed/Ongoing
AU-2 Retrofit
Maintenance and
Operations Facility
to reduce
susceptibility to
earthquake damage.
The City is completing a space planning effort
in 2019 including the potential for relocation
or partial relocation of the M&O
facilities. Should relocation become the City’s
preferred alternative, retrofitting the existing
site may not be necessary.
Low Not completed- Carry
over to 2019 plan
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AU-3 Installation of
seismic protection
valves on City
reservoirs to provide
for automatic
shutoff in event of
an earthquake
3 reservoirs are completed, 5 more remaining
to retrofit.
Medium Not completed- Carry
over to 2019 plan
AU-4 Upgrade
computer server
racks throughout
the City to reduce
susceptibility to
earthquake damage
Completed per the 2015 action plan. No new
rack added since.
High Do not carry over to
2019 plan.
AU-5 Implement
software and
hardware to comply
with State
Certification
requirements for
destruction of
source documents
after digitizing. This
will safeguard
records in case of
disaster
The City purchased the software, license and
hardware and have since implemented Laser
fiche for official document storage. The
project is slated for 2019 to implement
retention, electronic forms, electronic
signatures and automated workflows, however
that is for operational efficiencies. The City is
compliant with the state now.
High Completed
AU-6 Expand and
reconfigure
stormwater
detention ponds on
West Hill along S.
296th St to reduce
wintertime flooding
along the valley
floor below
The proposed expansion of the South 296th
Street storm pond would result in only a minor
reduction in flows to the valley tributary and
not improve the overall existing conditions.
N/A Not completed- Do not
carry over to 2019 plan.
AU-7 Prepare and
adopt a new
optional
Comprehensive Plan
element for Natural
Hazard Reduction
While this was identified and remains of value,
it is not a Mandatory or listed Optional
element of Comprehensive (land use) Plans; it
is not a subject that this required to be
addressed under the WA State Growth
Management Act (GMA) (RCW 36.70A.070)
(RCW 36.70A.080) and therefore has a low
priority in comparison to other required
updates to land use plans. There are also
higher priorities of the dept. in light of staff
resources. Also, this effort may be duplicative
of some portions of the CEMP and Mitigation
plan.
Low Do not carry over to
2019 plan.
AU-8 Measures to
prevent acts of
terrorism from
occurring at key City
Identify methods, processes or procedures to
prevent and or mitigate acts of terrorism. This
could include, barriers, structural changes, and
policies.
High Limited progress due to
funding issues.
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facilities (Justice
Center, EOC, City
Hall, etc.)
AU-9 Develop and
adopt changes to
City Code to limit
tree removal within
certain sloped or
landslide susceptible
area
Restricting tree removal on sloped or landslide
areas happens now on a case-by-case basis
under the authority of the CAO. This allows
the restriction to be tailored to the
circumstance; a more requirement of general
applicability could be less flexible. While this
was identified and remains of value, it is lessor
priority.
Low Geologic hazard areas
including lands or areas
susceptible to varying
degrees of risk of
landslides also known as
landslide hazard areas,
are subject to the City’s
Critical Areas Ordinance
(CAO). The CAO
classifies landslide hazard
areas into four categories,
with Class I landslide
hazards indicating a low
hazard and Class IV
indicating a very high
hazard. The CAO
establishes when a
landslide hazard area may
be or may not be altered
– alteration including
removal of trees and
vegetation.
AU-10 Create part
or full time FTE
position to conduct
disaster related
public education
throughout the city
For the last four years, we’ve used AmeriCorps
Disaster Educator(s) to meet this need. We
will continue to recruit, train and utilize
AmeriCorps personnel in the future
High Completed Carry over to
2019 plan
AU-11 Enhance
capability to
produce City stats
and data capability
City statistics are needed for understanding
hazard risks and mitigation options for city
leadership to consider.
High Completed- in
coordination with IT
department.
AU-12 Create, fund,
and administer a
grant or low interest
loan program that
allows homeowners
to retrofit single
family homes to
protect against
impacts from
hazards of concern
within the City
Program intended to help homeowners obtain
low cost funding to retrofit homes, mitigating
potential damages from future events in
Auburn.
Medium Not completed due to
funding.
AU-13 Conduct
community
education campaign
to address pandemic
flu issues
Promotion of flu shots; also public education
related to mumps and measles
High Partially completed,
continue to support and
follow Seattle-King
County Public Health
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Auburn Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 35
initiatives. Do not carry
over to 2019 plan.
AU-14 Continue to
support county-wide
initiatives identified
in this plan
As a partner in the regional mitigation effort,
the City will continue to participate and
support the regional plan.
High Completed Carry over to
2019 plan.
AU-15 Actively
participate in the
plan maintenance
strategy identified in
this plan
As a partner in the regional mitigation effort,
the City will continue to participate and
support the regional plan.
High Completed Carry over to
2019 plan.
2020 Hazard Mitigation Strategies
STRATEGY LEAD AGENCY/POC TIMELINE PRIORITY
AU-1 Retrofit
Maintenance and
Operations Facility to
reduce susceptibility to
earthquake damage.
Public Works Ongoing Low
AU-2 Installation of
seismic protection valves
on City reservoirs to
provide for automatic
shutoff in event of an
earthquake
Public Works Ongoing Medium
AU-3
Evaluating/Hardening
City Network systems to
mitigate cyber security
events.
IT New High
AU-4 Develop and
implement a Community
Organizations Active in
Disaster (COAD)
program to increase
community resiliency
Emergency Management New Medium
AU-5 Create part or full
time FTE position to
conduct disaster related
public education
throughout the city
Emergency Management Ongoing High
AU- 6 Funding/
Partnership Mitigation
Strategy
Emergency Management Ongoing Medium
AU-7 Continue to
support county-wide
initiatives identified in
this plan
City of Auburn Ongoing High
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Auburn Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 36
AU-8 Actively participate
in the plan maintenance
strategy identified in this
plan
City of Auburn Ongoing High
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Auburn Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 37
Hazard Mitigation Strategy
AU- 1: Retrofit Maintenance and Operations Facility to reduce susceptibility to earthquake damage.
Lead Points of
Contact:
Randy Bailey
Assistant Director of
Public Works Services
Partner Points
of Contact:
Hazards Mitigated:
Seismic
Goals Addressed:
4, 6, 8, 14
Funding Sources and
Estimated Costs: TBD
Real Estate Excise Tax
Revenues, General fund,
Grant funding
Strategy Vision/Objective:
Create a facility to house operations that would be available after a large seismic event. This facility is crucial to
the operation of the City’s Water , Sewer, Street and Storm systems during all emergency events. This facility
also is home to our Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system for all City utilities and the
Department’s Operation Center (DOC). This facility also provides maintenance and repair of the City’s entire
fleet, including Police. These services can be crucial to maintain during emergencies to keep our staff able to
provide response to the community.
Mitigation Strategy:
Retrofit existing 1970’s era concrete tilt-up building to current seismic standards. This building is used as the
City of Auburn Public Works Maintenance facility for street, utilities and fleet services. This building needs to
be available for operations after a seismic event.
2-Year Objectives
Apply for Funding for design
and construction
Select consultant and begin
design
5-Year Objectives:
Start and complete retrofit
construction
Long-Term Objectives:
Implementation Plan/Actions:
Apply for grant opportunities in 2020
Budget for Design in 2021
Begin construction in 2023
Performance Measures
Design for Current seismic code at the time of building permit application
Seek Grant funding
Complete construction in 2023.
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Auburn Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 38
AU- 2: Installation of seismic protection valves on City reservoirs to provide for automatic shutoff in
event of an earthquake
Lead Points of
Contact:
Susan Fenhaus
Water Utility
Engineer, Public
Works Department
Partner Points of
Contact:
Hazards Mitigated:
Earthquake
Goals Addressed:
1, 6, 8
Funding Sources
and Estimated
Costs: TBD
General fund,
FEMA Hazard
Mitigation Grants
Strategy Vision/Objective:
All City reservoirs have automatic shutoff valves to retain water in the reservoir in the event of an earthquake.
Mitigation Strategy:
Some of the City’s reservoirs currently have automatic shutoff valves; however, several facilities do not include
this measure. The proposed mitigation would complete the installation of automatic shutoff valves on all
reservoirs that do not currently have them. During an earthquake, broken pipes within the water system could
cause a large amount of water to escape the reservoir(s). This could cause fluctuations in pressures within the
system causing potential damage, it could also cause potential local flooding and would reduce the potable
water available within the City’s system. Closed valves keep water in the reservoir, preventing flooding.
2-Year Objectives:
1 or 2 reservoirs without automatic
shutoff valves will have valves
installed
5-Year Objectives:
1 or 2 additional reservoirs without
automatic shutoff valves will have valves
installed.
Long-Term Objectives:
All reservoirs will have
automatic shutoff valves
Implementation Plan/Actions:
Identify reservoirs without automatic shutoff valve
Seek available grant funding
Design valve installation projects specific to each reservoir
Construct facility
Regularly test and exercise valve operation
Performance Measures:
Valves at reservoirs automatically close in the event of an earthquake
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Auburn Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 39
AU- 3 Evaluating/Hardening City Network systems to mitigate cyber security events.
Lead Points of
Contact:
David Travis,
Director of
Innovation &
Technology
Partner Points of Contact:
Network Security Vendors,
Counties, State, Federal,
All City Departments/Personnel
Hazards Mitigated:
Cyber Attack
Goals Addressed:
4, 6, 8, 9
Funding Sources
and Estimated
Costs: $250,000
General Fund,
Grants
Strategy Vision/Objective:
The City uses a variety of systems, services and devices to protect assets from a Cyber Attack.
Mitigation Strategy:
The City will use a combination of software, hardware, artificial and human intelligence to protect the City’s
assets from a Cyber Attack.
Innovation & Technology will increase education levels of City employees on best practices for Cyber
Defense.
2-Year Objectives:
Increase awareness of
communication tools with
industry leaders and experts.
Review and evaluate security
spending and employee
training to ensure adequate
cyber defense.
5-Year Objectives:
Review legislative cyber
security agendas to ensure
alignment.
Optimizing Network for
City staff against Cyber
Attacks.
Have security systems in
place to contain a Cyber
Attack.
Long-Term Objectives:
Partner with subject
matter experts to
perform Cyber Attack
tests, audits and table
top exercises.
Implementation Plan/Actions:
Evaluate Cyber Security threat levels and impacts.
Identify all risks and formulate mitigation strategies for each scenario.
Train all City staff on their role to help protect and prevent the City’s systems against a Cyber Attack.
Secure necessary funding to achieve Cyber Security goals.
Implement necessary changes to achieve Cyber Security goals.
Performance Measures:
Systems implemented have prevented or mitigated Cyber Attacks against City Assets or services.
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Auburn Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 40
AU- 4 Develop and implement a Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) program to
increase community resiliency
Lead Points of
Contact:
Jerry Thorson,
Emergency Manager
Partner Points of Contact:
COAD Members
Hazards Mitigated /
All Hazards
Goals Addressed:
1, 2, 6, 14
Funding Sources
and Estimated
Costs: TBD
General Funding
Strategy Vision/Objective:
The City of Auburn will form a network of resiliency by connecting and educating community organizations,
businesses, nonprofits, volunteer organizations, and the citizenry through the development of a COAD
(Community Organizations Active in Disasters).
Mitigation Strategy:
The City of Auburn’s Emergency Management Division will form a COAD (Community Organizations Active
in Disasters) and provide member organizations with plan-development support while encouraging
partnerships between organizations to increase the capacity of Auburn organizations to prepare for, respond
to, and recover from disasters.
2-Year Objectives:
Develop the COAD
mentorship program and
curriculum.
Form sector-level COAD
groups and begin the
mentorship program.
5-Year Objectives:
Evaluate need for
programs to assist COAD
members with emergency
planning for their
organizations.
Evaluate/improve COAD
progress from a whole
community perspective.
Long-Term Objectives:
Support the COAD
network and their level
of preparedness, provide
ongoing
training/support of
COAD members.
Implementation Plan/Actions:
Research and develop the COAD mentorship program, designed to be a guided process for
emergency plan development with ongoing training opportunities and stakeholder engagement.
Identify partners for potential sector-level COADs to promote communication between
agencies/organizations with similar scopes or interests.
Begin mentorship program with interested COAD members and establish the COAD group.
Bridge connections between sector level COAD members to promote whole community resiliency
and partnerships.
Performance Measures:
Feedback from stakeholders and COAD member organizations.
Evaluate participation by COAD members with a variety of measurements on a quarterly basis.
Track progress on the development of emergency procedures within a member organization
throughout the mentorship program.
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Auburn Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 41
AU- 5 Create part or full time FTE position to conduct disaster related public education throughout the
city.
Lead Points of Contact:
Jerry Thorson,
Emergency Manager
Partner Points of Contact:
David Reid, Washington Service
Corps/AmeriCorps
Hazards Mitigated:
All Hazards
Goals Addressed:
6, 14
Funding Sources and
Estimated Costs:
General Fund;
$15,000
Strategy Vision/Objective:
Auburn is well educated on the hazards faced within and around the City. This has created a more resilient and
prepared community for the emergencies faced around the area. The Public Outreach efforts have
incorporated a whole community approach including vulnerable populations and those with Limited English
Proficiency (LEP).
Mitigation Strategy:
Auburn will recruit and hire an AmeriCorps member funded through the Washington Service Corps that will
serve as a Disaster Educator for the Auburn community. The Disaster Educator will complete a 10 month
tenure and perform the following responsibilities:
Coordinate Disaster Education and Preparedness activities.
Coordinate Emergency Response Team program.
Recruit and manage emergency volunteers.
Coordinate Disaster Preparedness Education through the City.
Evaluate on an annual basis whether to continue with an AmeriCorps position or fund via another
source.
2-Year Objectives:
Provide Disaster Preparedness
Education to Schools within the
Auburn School District, Homeowners
Associations, Local Businesses, Faith-
Based Communities, and Local
Events.
5-Year Objectives:
Provide Disaster Preparedness
Education to Schools within the
Auburn School District,
Homeowners Associations,
Local Businesses, Faith-Based
Communities, and Local Events.
Long-Term Objectives:
Provide Disaster Preparedness
Education to Schools within the
Auburn School District,
Homeowners Associations, Local
Businesses, Faith-Based
Communities, and Local Events.
Implementation Plan/Actions:
On an annual basis, City staff will work with Washington Service Corps to recruit, hire and train a Disaster
Educator through AmeriCorps. The educator will work with the Auburn School District, Homeowners
Associations, Local Businesses, Faith-Based Communities, and Local Events to schedule and provide training
for as many community members as possible.
The Emergency Management staff will coach and mentor the Disaster Educator to provide up-to-date disaster
preparedness education to the public.
Performance Measures:
The performance measures may change on an annual basis and will be based on the agreement with the
Washington Service Corps program.
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Auburn Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 42
AU- 6 Funding/Partnership Mitigation strategy
Lead Points of
Contact (Title)
Jerry Thorson
Emergency Manager
Partner Points of Contact (Title)
Washington State Military Department.
EM Division, FEMA
Hazards Mitigated:
All Hazards
Goals Addressed:
4, 6, 8
Funding Sources
and Estimated
Costs
Staff time
City share TBD
Strategy Vision/Objective:
Leverage community partnerships (public and private) and grant funding opportunities to address mitigation
priorities within the city.
Mitigation Strategy:
Reach out to community partners to determine shared concerns and priorities around hazard
mitigation.
Negotiate cost-share agreements for shared projects, or allocate matching funds from city budget to
meet grant requirements.
2-Year Objectives:
Identify new partners for
mitigation projects where
appropriate.
Submit grant applications
when opportunities arise.
5-Year Objectives:
Complete one project with
partner participation and/or
grant funding
Long-Term Objectives:
Continue to cultivate a
community culture that
participates in investment
in mitigation.
Implementation Plan/Actions:
Develop membership contact information to encourage memberships and make new connections with
mitigation partners.
Introduce mitigation concepts in meetings with external stakeholders.
Maintain grant documentation files and tracking systems for applications.
Performance Measures:
Submit one grant application every two years.
Complete one project with partner participation and/or grant funding.
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Auburn Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 43
AU- 7 Continue to support county-wide initiatives identified in this plan
Lead Points of
Contact:
Jerry Thorson,
Emergency Manager
Partner Points of Contact:
Derek Heibert,
King County OEM
Hazards Mitigated
All Hazards
Goals Addressed:
1, 4, 5, 6, 8, 14
Funding Sources and
Estimated Costs:
TBD
General
Fund/Grants
Strategy Vision/Objective:
The City’s hazard mitigation efforts remain aligned with the King County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Auburn’s efforts compliment King County’s initiatives.
Mitigation Strategy:
Auburn will strive to accomplish the goals in the King County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, specifically the
Auburn Annex. City stakeholders will follow the direction and guidelines provided by King County OEM. City
staff will coordinate with County representatives on mutual projects to ensure mitigation efforts are producing
the best possible outcome for the community. Auburn will continue to participate in future renewals of the
Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan.
2-Year Objectives:
Consider Mitigation Funding
through the City budget
process.
Participate in County
Mitigation Planning efforts.
Collaborate with neighboring
jurisdictions and their
mitigation efforts.
5-Year Objectives:
Participate in the renewal of
the Regional Hazard
Mitigation Plan.
Seek grants to accomplish
goals and objectives listed in
the Auburn Annex.
Long-Term Objectives:
Strengthen stakeholder
relationships between
City and County to
ensure mitigation
efforts are
accomplished
continuously.
Implementation Plan/Actions:
Participate in future King County Mitigation efforts.
Help educate the Public on Mitigation efforts.
Seek funding as needed to participate in Mitigation efforts.
Educate City Leadership & Elected Officials throughout the Mitigation Planning process.
Performance Measures:
Feedback from stakeholders, including City and County Leadership, and the General Public.
Completion of shared goals and objectives.
Page 46 of 59
Auburn Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 44
AU- 8 Actively participate in the plan maintenance strategy identified in this plan
Lead Points of
Contact:
Jerry Thorson,
Emergency Manager
Partner Points of Contact:
Derek Heibert,
King County OEM
Hazards Mitigated
All Hazards
Goals Addressed:
4, 6
Funding Sources
and Estimated
Costs: $0
Staff time
Strategy Vision/Objective:
The City of Auburn will actively participate in the monitoring, evaluating, and updating of the King County
Regional Mitigation Plan every 5 years. In addition, the City incorporates the requirements of the Mitigation
Plan into other appropriate planning mechanisms. Lastly, the Auburn community continues to be involved in
the plan maintenance process.
Mitigation Strategy:
As possible, the City of Auburn will participate in the Steering Committee which will be involved in key
elements of the plan maintenance strategy and will also participate with King County in performing annual
reviews. As a planning partner with King County OEM, Auburn will provide feedback to the planning team
on items involved in the Annual Progress Report.
Auburn will encourage public involvement based on guidance from the Steering Committee to obtain
feedback from local residents. This strategy will be based on the needs and capabilities of the partners at the
time of the update.
2-Year Objectives:
Auburn will participate in
the annual reviews of the
King County Regional
Mitigation Plan.
5-Year Objectives:
Auburn will participate in
the 5 year cycle update of
the King County Regional
Mitigation Plan.
Long-Term Objectives:
Auburn will actively
participate in the
monitoring, evaluating,
and updating of the
King County Regional
Mitigation Plan.
Implementation Plan/Actions:
Participate in future King County Mitigation efforts through our Steering Committee and Planning
Team.
Help educate the Public on Mitigation efforts.
Educate City Leadership & Elected Officials throughout the Mitigation Planning process.
Performance Measures:
Feedback from stakeholders, including City and County Leadership, and the General Public.
Annual review is completed and progress report is submitted to King County
Five year plan revision is completed and submitted to King County.
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Auburn Hazard Mitigation Plan Page 45
Page 48 of 59
AGENDA BILL APPROVAL FORM
Agenda Subject:
Sound Transit Parking and Access Presentation (Tate)(15
Minutes)
Date:
April 6, 2020
Department:
Community Development
Attachments:
Auburn City Council Pres entation - Auburn
Parking and Acces s Project
Budget Impact:
Current Budget: $0
Proposed Revision: $0
Revised Budget: $0
Administrativ e Recommendation:
For discussion only.
Background Summary:
See Attached Presentation
Rev iewed by Council Committees:
Councilmember:Brown Staff:Tate
Meeting Date:April 13, 2020 Item Number:
Page 49 of 59
Auburn Station Parking & Access Improvements ProjectDRAFT Auburn City Council briefing04/13/20Page 50 of 59
2Auburn Station Parking and Access ImprovementsBackground • Approved by voters as part of ST2 • November 2017: ST Board identified preferred site and access improvements for environmental review and preliminary design • January 2020: SEPA Determination of Non-significance (DNS) issuedPage 51 of 59
3Proposed project componentsEnvironmentally cleared • Garage with up to 675 spaces • Downtown pedestrian access improvements at the intersection of W Main Street and B Street NW. Improvements to be completed via a contribution to the City’s project that is building the project (F St. SE Non-Motorized Improvements Project)• Increases to bicycle storage at Auburn Station • New bus shelters at up to 5 existing bus stops 333Page 52 of 59
4Environmental analysis/Mitigation Environmental Evaluation• NEPA/SEPA environmental analysis evaluates potential impacts and benefits• SEPA Comment period: Jan. 29 – Feb. 12• Documents available online: soundtransit.org/auburn-access-improvements• Traffic Mitigation Page 53 of 59
5Next steps and timeline Traffic• Develop and execute funding agreement for the contribution to the City’s “A Street Loop” project (for traffic mitigation) and the Main Street/B Street non-motorized improvements as part of the an existing City project (F St. SE Non-Motorized Improvements Project) Aesthetics • Visual Design Workshop and Public Open House for the garage to be held in the summer of 2020 Page 54 of 59
6Next steps and timeline cont. Construction • Design-Build Contractor will develop a noise and vibration control plan, traffic maintenance plan, construction outreach plan. Ongoing Coordination• Hold monthly coordination meetings with City staffPage 55 of 59
7Community Outreach• Presentations: oAuburn Area Roundtable (network of social service providers)oAuburn Valley Kiwanis Club • Community tabling: Auburn Farmers Market, Auburn Library, Auburn Food Bank, Auburn Valley YMCA • Briefingswith impacted neighbors • Online Open House: Project status updates are available on the project website: https://www.soundtransit.org/system-expansion/auburn-station-parking-access-improvementsPage 56 of 59
8Design-Build contractingPotential Benefits• Design innovation• Possible cost and schedule efficienciesPage 57 of 59
9Project Schedule Overview • Sound Transit Board to Select the project to be built in Q2 2020 • Design-Build Procurement Process to begin in Q2 2020 • Construction expected to begin in Q4 2021.• Garage and other improvements are trending toward opening in 2024.Page 58 of 59
Thank you.soundtransit.orgThank you.Page 59 of 59