HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Public Works/Planning - 04/16/1991 PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
APRIL 16, 1991
PRESENT: Steve Dowell Gary Gill
Leona Orr Tony McCarthy
Don Wickstrom John Bond
Roger Lubovich Jerry McCaughan
Carol Morris Mr. and Mrs. Rust
Tom Brubaker Bob Hirsch - Metro
Vehicle Registration Fee
Wickstrom explained that in order for the City to spend the funds
the County will be collecting effective July 1, it is necessary to
adopt a resolution confirming the process for meeting the
transportation planning, programming and coordination requirements
of the legislation. Wickstrom continued that if approved by the
Committee he would bring the resolution before the full Council
after it has been reviewed by the legal department. The Committee
unanimously recommended adoption of the resolution after review by
the legal department.
Metro Agreement - Park And Ride Lot - Kent/Des Moines Road
Wickstrom explained that the City has received a grant from TIB to
expand the Park and Ride Lot on Kent/Des Moines Road. Metro will
pay 100% of all local costs and will be responsible for the design
and construction of the expansion. The project will require de-
annexation of two lots from Sea-Tac which we are pursuing. It was
confirmed that Metro would also be covering the cost of the de-
annexation. The Committee unanimously recommended approval for the
Mayor to sign the agreement.
Metro Sewage Disposal Agreement
Wickstrom commented that action on this agreement had been tabled
in May of last year until we had determined the extent of cleanup
required at the lagoon and Metro's part in that, if any. We have
concluded that any cleanup will be minimal and not a factor in the
terms of this agreement. Approval of the agreement would result in
a net increase in sewer charge to the City. Currently the sewer
rate is based on 900 cubic feet per month. After several studies,
Metro has determined that the single family residence typically
uses 750 cubic feet per month; thus, the agreement would change the
base to 750 cubic feet. This shift results in a reduction in the
Public Works Committee
April 16, 1991
Page 2
residential monthly charge but a significant increase to the
commercial accounts. Bob Hirsch indicated that 31 of 37 cities
have signed the agreement. Kent is the largest city that has not
signed. Wickstrom stated that 100% of the agencies have to sign
the agreement before it can take effect. It is anticipated this
would be effective January 1, 1992 . Wickstrom added that the rates
reflected in the agreement were last year's rates and Metro could
be implementing a rate increase by the time the agreement is in
effect. Bob Hirsch stated that the Metro rate projected for next
year is $14. If this agreement is effective the rate will be
$12.80 which is lower than the current rate of $13 .20. The
Committee unanimously recommended approval.
1991 South County Asphalt Concrete Pavement Overlay
Wickstrom explained that the county's 1991 Overlay project involves
a portion of two streets which are in the City limits - S. 204th
between Frager and Orillia and a portion of S. 256th by 116th.
They are proposing to overlay that portion within the City limits
if the City will reimburse them for the cost. Funds have been
included in the City's 1991 Asphalt Overlay program. The Committee
unanimously recommended approval.
East Hill Annexation
The last time this item was discussed Steve Dowell asked for the
financial impact of the annexation. Wickstrom displayed a map
showing all the annexation covenants and agreements that we have.
The outer boundary of the proposed annexation area as shown on the
map was established based on our water and sewer franchise
boundaries together with what appeared to be a logical boundary.
We have covenants amounting to 53% of the assessed value of the
entire area and 60% is required for annexation. Areas 1 and 2 are
the only areas for which we have adequate annexation agreements,
78% in Area 1 and 89% in Area 2 .
Financially, none of the areas would be self sustaining. For Areas
1 and 2 , the costs projected by the Fire Department were based on
no enhancements. The Fire Chief indicated to bring the level of
service up to what he considered appropriate would be $307, 000 a
year. The Police Department projected costs as if Areas 1 and 2
were fully developed estimating $1, 019, 343 to service. Area 1 has
the least impact in terms of the general fund. Just looking at
Street, Police and Fire and excluding immediate needs such as
vegetation management and asphalt pavement work, Area 1 would
probably pay for itself.
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April 16, 1991
Page 3
Wickstrom stated if Council wanted to have some greater control
over the 272nd/277th corridor, he would suggest annexation of Area
1. He would also recommend including Areas 3 and 4 to create a
more logical boundary that might be more receptive to the Boundary
Review Board. The first hurdle would be get signatures
representing 10% of assessed value of these areas. Dowell said
that if he felt the cash flow were either neutral or positive he
would give certainly consider it but since it isn't he has a real
problem being in favor. Responding to Dowell's question, Wickstrom
stated he would like to get concurrence to pursue the annexation of
Areas 1, 3 and 4 before directing staff to begin work on the 10%
petition. Dowell asked if he needed Council direction to do that.
Wickstrom responded that would let him know there is interest on
the part of the Council and he would not be wasting staff time.
Orr stated she shared Dowell's concerns but was leaning the other
direction toward supporting the annexation. Wickstrom added that
some known impacts to the residents of these areas would be that
they would save $24 a year on a $100, 000 home on property tax,
water rates would be reduced approximately $43 a year. Drainage
utility rates would be less in the City and there would be free
recycling for the single family homes.
Since only two members of the Committee were present at this
meeting, it was determined to send this to the Council as a whole
with no recommendation.
272nd/277th Corridor
Roger Lubovich stated he would like to discuss the possibility of
hiring a lobbyist to help the City in their relationship with the
County. Last Monday, Lubovich continued, he had gone to County
Council to comment on an action that was before them on the
272nd/277th corridor. It was obvious at that time that the City is
not receiving all the information from the county we need in order
to respond to these issues. We need to know when items are
scheduled to be discussed. For example, last Monday we were
informed that the County Council would be addressing the issue of
expanded scope of the study. The County's Public Works staff
indicated the item was a request for additional funding for the
consultant. Lubovich continued that the item was an approval for
expanded scope and had been previously discussed in January. The
City had not received any information on this. Lubovich added that
he asked the County Council for three things - 1) more direct
information from their staff so we can deal with the issues as they
come up and allow us to have an input; 2) what this expanded scope
would do to the City's plans to have their EIS done by mid-summer;
and 3) would the City have an opportunity to make a case before the
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April 16, 1991
Page 4
County Council if our studies determined that the project was
feasible. The point is, if the City is serious about this project,
it would be most beneficial to have someone down at the county
helping us. Dowell asked if the County Councilman for this area
was sending us information and if there was a list we could be on
as an interested party to receive information. Lubovich stated
that Kent Pullen did ask a lot of questions and some of the staff
has been sending us some material. Wickstrom stated that the costs
would be considered part of the administrative costs for the
corridor and come from the corridor funding. Dowell asked what a
lobbyist would cost and asked for more information -on the costs
involved. Orr stated that to save time if the matter goes before
IBC and Operations Committees it probably would not have to come
back before the Public Works Committee but could go to Council for
action. Orr added that when she met with Brian Dierdowski he
commented that it would helpful to the City if we had someone down
there watching what was going on.