HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Public Works/Planning - 11/14/1989 r �
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
NOVEMBER 14, 1989
PRESENT: JON JOHNSON TONY MCCARTHY
JUDY WOODS TIM HEYDON
JIM WHITE JOHN MARCHIONE
DON WICKSTROM MAE MILLER
GARY GILL CHERYL VISETH
JIM HANSEN BONNIE FELL
BILL WILLIAMSON LYLE PRICE
Review of Proposed 1990 Public Works Budget
Wickstrom stated the budget concentrated primarily four areas -
project development, water quality, equipment rental and
transportation. While pleased with the recommended approvals,
Wickstrom emphasized this would not be a cure-all. It helps but
is not a solution to all the problems. He noted there were a few
"glitches" but will be able to work those out with Administration.
The Committee indicated they had no concerns and recommended
approval.
White expressed two areas of concern - one being the corridor
projects and the other is the railroad crossings. He asked if
there were a plan for improving the condition of the crossings -
could they be included in a bond issue. Johnson asked if we were
requiring developers to put in rubberized crossings if the
development has a rail crossing a public street. Wickstrom
confirmed that is the approach we try to take. Wickstrom added
that Burlington Northern has included funds in their budget for the
James Street crossing. If Burlington Northern funds that crossing,
our funds can be used for other crossing improvements either on the
Burlington Northern tracks or the UP tracks. White concurred with
this approach. White commented if the City has to go to a voter
bond issue for transportation improvements that all our needed
street improvements be included in the package. Johnson asked if
the City passes a voted bond issue and later a TBD is formed, could
the City be reimbursed by the TBD for any expenditures already made
for transportation improvements. Williamson stated he did not know
if that was anticipated by legislation. Wickstrom commented that
if Kent passes a voted bond issue, there would not be a TBD as it
would tap the funding sources for the TBD. White stated that
concerned him but if it were going to be 3-5 years to put together
a TBD, then he thought we would have to go for a bond issue - that
the improvements could not wait that long. Wickstrom added the
SCATBD committee is working on having all the municipalities sign
the interlocal agreement. Auburn is hesitating as they do not see
the same benefit to them as to the other participants. White
commented that is why he would like for Kent to have a contingency
plan if for some reason the TBD doesn't come about or doesn't come
about in a timely manner.