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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Public Works/Planning - 03/17/1992 } CITY CLERK PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MARCH 17, 1992 PRESENT: Jim White Jim ansen Jim Bennett Tony McCarthy Paul Mann John Bond Don Wickstrom Johnie Nall Gary Gill Charlie Lindsey Carol Morris Connie Epperley, Sharon West, Charlie Kiefer, Mr. and Mrs. Rust, Joyce Barnier, W.J. Carey, William Joy, David Label, Ted Nixon, Joe Hembree Parkside Walkway Wickstrom stated this item was referred to the . Committee from Council. Mr. Hembree stated that Council had erroneous information upon which their decision on the petition to vacate the walkway was made. He suggested the issue be evaluated again to see if the correct information would change Council's mind on closing the walkway. Wickstrom stated that a public hearing was held at the time and staff recommendation was not to close because it is a pedestrian link. The Public Works Department has made improvements by widening, relocating the fence and installing lights. White asked if any barricades had been installed which would prevent an auto from entering. Nall indicated that bollards had been installed at both ends. White referred to a crosswalk at the west end over Military. Wickstrom stated that has not been reviewed yet. The property was dedicated to the City for public pedestrian walkway and utilities as a condition of the plat. Jim White asked if we were to close it would it be a violation of that plat. Carol Morris said it would not be if it were closed because it were no longer needed for pedestrian purposes. But that would be the only condition for which it could be vacated. Jim Bennett stated that the City seems to be criticized because we are not carrying out the wishes of the citizens. In this case, we did that,,plus a little more and maybe created concerns for safety in crossing Military. However, that could be another issue. In responses ,.o Jim White's question, Wickstrom indicated staff would stand by their original recommendation of not to vacate. There is a significant amount of development on the west side of Military. Their access road out to Military Road is 250th. The only other access is Military to Reith or up to approximately 248th. Mr. Hembree said the actual road is 252nd and the road they would have to walk up to is 250th, approximately 440 feet. Your report indicated a much greater number. Jim Bennett suggested the other members of the Committee should go out to the site and bring this item back to the Committee at their next meeting. Gill added that at the intersection with that pathway and Military there is a bus stop. When we referred to 1300 feet, we were looking at the distance someone would have to Public Works Committee March 17, 1992 Page 2 walk if they lived near the West Fenwick Park area. Paul Mann asked about walkways and bike path on Reith Road. Wickstrom stated we have widened the shoulder in that area to provide a walkway. When Reith was rebuilt the shoulder was widened to provide a walkway. Jim White suggested that the other two Committee members look at the area and bring back suggestions to the Committee. Odor Control of Sewer System Jim White stated that Mr. Nixon had brought up a problem of odor from our sewer system. Mr. Nixon said there is an odor problem on Temperance. When he researched it, he found the City had an odor study done in 1991. He said the number one recommendation of the study was to develop an ordinance. requiring Soos Creek Water and Sewer District to limit their levels of sulfide. He asked why that had not been done when it, according to the report, would correct about 90% of the problem and why we had gone ahead with installing the filters which would only correct a small amount of the problem. Wickstrom stated we need to have our attorney look into whether we can legally require Soos Creek W& Lter and Sewer District to limit their sulfide. Historically, the=District has not been cooperative with the City. Nixon stated he felt that if the consultant made the recommendation we should be able to implement it. Carol Morris responded that the consultants are not attorneys and thus not familiar with what legally cah be done and what we are talking about here is the method of requiring enforcement. Nixon stated he didn't feel that matters since the consultant should be familiar with what has been done in other municipalities. Nixon wondered how long the attorney's research would take. Morris stated that she could not state how long it would take since she hasn't seen the report but as soon as she received the information she would begin work on it. Jim White stated that the matter could be brought back before the Committee when the Attorney has completed the research and we would remain in contact with Mr. Nixon. Bill Carey - Drainage on 240th Mr. Carey asked to address the Committee concerning a drainage problem for his property in the vicinity of 244th as well as three other properties. He stated the drainage system to the west of 112th Avenue is inadequate. He 'commented that the runoff from the new Fire Station Training Center has caused a serious erosion problem on his property. He contended that a natural drainage area was filled in to construct the facility. He continued with a recount of various other deficiencies he felt existed in the drainage system for the area. Mann asked if we weren't addressing the drainage problem in the CIP. Wickstrom said in the proposed CIP for the drainage utility and part of the drainage utility rate Public Works Committee March 17, 1992 Page 3 modification proposal, we have designated $1.6 million for improvements to the area. - He continued there are definitely problems in the area but you can't just take it down the hill and release it, Then you end up with a problem in the canyon and valley floor. We are currently evaluating what type and size facilities are needed. Financing for work in 1992 is part of the drainage utility rate structure. Gary Gill stated there are serious problems in the area and it is a large dra,inage basin. A large part of the drainage basin is in unincorporated King County. Gill stated there is a combination of things contributing to the problem. The existing shopping center development was built before any on-site detention was required. The newer developments were built under the current storm water regulation which require on- site detention for a 25-year storm and a 10-year release. The new regulation that King County has adopted and ones that are in draft form from DOE require 4-8 times as much on-site detention. Gill stated we are looking at those new regulations and will be coming to the Council in the next few months with some recgm=endations for revising our standards in the storm water area. dill stated that in addition there are downstream problems. West of 104th Avenue, there are complaints that backyards are being inundated because of the increased volumes of stormwater. Simply upsizing the pipes on 240th will create a greater problem downstream. We have to provide a combination of improvements of upsizing the system and providing regional detention. A simple increase in the detention', at the fire station would only be a drop in the bucket comparedto the problems of the whole basin. We've completed the initial antlysis and are looking at what alternatives and costs are involved. Jim White asked when this would be completed. Gill replied, he felt it would be another couple of months. Jim White asked if a wetland was being created by tha;,drainage from the fire station. Mr. Carey stated his property w k; osignated as a potential wetland. He continued with a di�a$ion of the procedure in determining wetland. The property ;owners are not notified and the responsibility and cost of proving that property is not wetland is placed on the property owner. He contended that 34% of the property classified as wetland is based on misinterpretation of the standards. Paul Mann steed he felt this point should be addressed at some point in time, Carol Morris stated that it was her understanding that the Platming Department would accept a report from a wetlands consultant hired by the property owner to review for compliance with the manual. Jim White commented he felt part of the problem is that the City does not have a wetlands policy adopted. He continued that it is his understanding that the consultant determined that~averything that is not filled or already built on was a wetlands. The property owner then has to prove that it is not wetlands. Mr. !Carey stated Public Works Committee March 17, 1992 Page 4 that one soil consultant he contacted had indicated the minimum cost would be $500 to have them do a report. Paul Mann stated this type of thing should be considered when we consider the wetlands ordinance. Jim White stated he has been frustrated with what has been going on with wetlands because we have no adopted policy and staff has nothing to follow. Gill added that when the City makes the final determinations on the improvements needed for this area, we will have to delineate the wetlands and determine what restrictions we will have. Currently DOE requires that if a natural wetland area is used for stormwater detention, the water must be pretreated before it gets into the wetland. Thus, if it is a wetland, we will have to incorporate pretreatment into the design. There was discussion about the runoff from the fire station and its effect on Mr. Carey's property. Jim White asked that Mr. Carey work with Gary Gill regarding this problem. Gary added that we are looking at the fire station's system to see if it is operating properly. Green River Basin Program InterIggal Agreement Wickstrom stated that the agreement executed in 1985 with King County, Renton, Tukwila, and Auburn for the management of the Green River expired in July of 1991. We are presenting two agreements for approval. The first is an update of the original 1985 agreement extending it for another 10 years. The original agreement implemented the Flood Control Zone District as a way of having one agency responsible for the maintenance of the levee system and recognized there were significant problems in terms of levee heights along the river system. The new agreement gives each jurisdiction responsibility for levee construction (height) on those portions of the levee that fall within its boundaries. Wickstrom stated this is a preferred method since Kent has the largest assessed value within the Flood Control Zone District, the largest number of levee miles. Thus, under other financing methods, Kent assumed a greater share of the costs. Levee improvements to those areas with less than 1-foot of freeboard have to be completed by 1996, those areas with less than 2-feet have to be improved by 2000 and the remainder after that time. This agreement gives us management control such as budget review over the Green River Flood Control Zone District. The new agreement also provides for an update of the pump operations plan and flood warning procedures plan. The programs are financed through the Green River Flood Control Zone District so there are no financial impacts to the City. Wickstrom continued he would recommend we sign the agreement subject to the City Attorney's office satisfying Public Works Committee March 17, 1992 Page 6 inspection of the three bridges that are within thiS ,portion. Jim Bennett questioned whether $27,000 was adeq ,`te for the maintenance. Wickstrom explained for this small section it probably is; however, we usually don't get anything. Because there were so many roads being turned back to the City, the legislature felt some of the burden should be relieved so allog4ted funds on a per mile basis. The Committee unanimously recommended approval for the Mayor to sign the letter of understanding. Sale of Property to State Wickstrom explained that in conjunction with the S ate's SR 516 road widening project, they need to acquire a port ,d� of a parcel owned by the City in the vicinity of Kent Kangley"'rpad and 152nd Avenue S.E. The parcel is approximately 4,000 square feet which we acquired in 1957 for a pump station for the Kent Springs Transmission Main. We have since abandoned the pump,;station. The State is willing to acquire the whole parcel. Jim Mite inquired about the price. Wickstrom responded that we have not come to terms with the State on the price as yet. The Ox mittee gave approval for staff to proceed with negotiations for time sale and to bring the final recommendation back to them once a firm price is established. Drainage Utility Rate Modifications Wickstrom stated since Committee has heard the preseiotation at the public hearings, he has summarized in his meaty the actions necessary in order to implement the program. He reviewed these for the Committee. Jim White commented that he had asked Wickstrom to look into the possibility of acquiring or somehow tiking over that portion of Drainage District #1 north of James St;'eat because of the flooding problem in that area. White stated that before we move ahead with the drainage utility- he would lice to have a resolution on that. Wickstrom added that approx'iiiiely $950, 000 has been earmarked in the Drainage CIP to addrese that problem. Wickstrom stated he would not recommend taking oval, the District entirely at this point because of the potential- ,problems with disposing of the ditch cleanings (potentially cl.asOified as a hazardous waste) . He would recommend addressing tha'area separate versus taking on the whole district. Jim White c00%tinued he would like us to take on that portion of the District that lies within the City of Kent at least. He wondered if we could address the flooding in that area if we didn't work out something with the Drainage District. Wickstrom explained that ' to address the problem storage is needed. He doubted there .-Vas any more downstream capacity. We will be working with tht ,Uistrict asking them to take care of their existing facilities downstream. To get Public Works Committee March 17, 1992 Page 5 some concerns they have over the hold harmless clause of the agreement. The Committee unanimously recommended approval for the Mayor to sign the agreement subject to resolution of the City Attorney's concerns. Wickstrom stated the second agreement is between Kent, the County and Auburn for the Mullen Slough, South Auburn Mill Creek area. This is a one year agreement for design studies to determine what controls are needed and the benefits of same. The cost to the City would be approximately $61,666 which we have budgeted. Wickstrom added that the City Attorney's office has the same concerns on the hold harmless clause of this agreement. The Committee recommended approval for the Mayor to sign the agreement subject to resolution of the City Attorney's concerns. Garrison Creek Short Plat Wickstrom detailed this is a 9-lot short plat on 218th Street and 95th Place South. The developer has completed the utility improvements and we are- recommending acceptance of the bill of sale for same. The Committee unanimously recommended approval to accept the bill of sale. L.I. D. 335 - 77th Avenue South Street Improvements Wickstrom explained this was an LID for the improvement of 77th north of S. 212th Street. The contractor has completed the work and we are recommending the project be accepted as complete. Jim White questioned that the final contract price was over the bid amount. Wickstrom explained there were very poor soil conditions in the project area necessitating change orders. The Committee unanimously recommended approval to accept the contract as complete. WSDOT Letter of Understanding SR 181 Route Jurisdiction Transfer Wickstrom stated that several years ago, the State legislature authorized a Road Jurisdiction Study to determine what State roads could be turned back to the responsibility of the respective cities. At that time, they were trying to turn over SR 515 and West Valley (SR 181) up to I-4054 We pointed out that the Valley Freeway can't carry all the traffic and both SR 515 and SR 181 were needed to do so. However we had no problem with taking over West Valley (SR 181) between 272nd and the bridge. The State has recently rebuilt that portion of West Valley and now wants to turn it over to the City for continued responsibility. They are proposing to grant the City $27,914 over a four-year period for this added maintenance. The State will do the 1992 mandated bridge ar� ` Public Works Committee March 17, 1992 Page 8 Utility. Mrs. Barnier commented about the drainage problems on�her property. Wickstrom replied the lagoon project would address these problems. Jim Hansen stated he felt Wickstrom probably has the,�answer to the problems but they may not be clear to the Council ;di the public. He suggested a more condensed description so that everyone could understand. He added he feels the Council wants to respond perhaps on an annual basis to make some adjustments if becissary so the public will sense that their money is being spent toward the highest priority problem areas. Wickstrom point*d' out these projects are those that were proposed in the comprehensive plan. The first phase of the drainage utility was to acquire the necessary property for these projects so that we c4uldpreserve it for implementation in the future. That has been done. The next stage is the implementation of the projects which hive' identified to solve the problems. Jim White stated he is not * poised to this but he want to be convinced these projects will solvii the problem. Wickstrom stated the comprehensive plan is the key -ter the problems and providing storage. The plan prior to that was waiting on the SCS drainage channels. We now have more data that tells us our on- site retention requirements for individual developments are greatly understated. The new King County standards require�?significantly more volume. We will be bringing new standards bets- Council in the next few months but, Wickstrom emphasized, they will have development implications since building to a 25ear storm is significantly cheaper than building to a hher storage requirement. White replied that if we don t , require new development to have stiffer standards then we ask the citizens as a whole to pay for that developer and that isn't fast. 'Jim Bennett concurred he would like to see a more condensed siiiWry. Ted Nixon stated that Council will need to deci,t 4�&At level of protection they want to provide and then accept it' ' 6 ing occurs beyond that. He stated he felt there was more s '' '44 behind the orifices and perhaps just tightening down on th rLfice sizes might be some of the regulation. He felt staff � provide an outline of what would flood during a 25-year si4oftf a 50-year storm, etc. and then Council can decide which levWIthey want the standards to address. Paul Mann asked why developmtfat ,hasn't been addressed. Wickstrom replied that is what he all d, to earlier that will be coming before Council in a few months' *- the storm design standards. Paul Mann suggested that Mr, Nixon's suggestion, ,as, well as the development issue be incorporated. Wickstrom stated, that if a new comprehensive plan were to be done the cost could greed $200,000. Public Works Committee March 17, 1992 Page 7 capacity, we would have to implement the lagoon project or provide additional capacity at the Black River pump station by I-405. Wickstrom stated he felt taking over the District would create a lot of liability, add ,to our maintenance concerns and probably not do anything for the problem. Jim White stated he was not ready to support this at Council until he is convinced we are addressing the flooding problem on the valley floor. He didn't want this to be a bandaid approach. Wickstrom replied that capacity is needed and the $950,000 he mentioned before has been targeted to study what can be done and to proceed with construction of those improvements for this area. Wickstrom added that Council has to determine what degree of protection they want to provide. If Council wants to protect against storms similar to the two previous years, the City's design standards will have to be revised. We currently use 25 year, 10-hour storm in the valley as a design standard. The previous storms were much higher and to protect against them we may need to design for the 100-year storm. As previously pointed out, our design standards for development to provide on-site storage are out of date as well and we may have to require more on-site storage for individual developments. Paul Mann stated we need a resolution on this problem. If the Committee holds it, it retards any progress that can be made. He asked why another study is needed. Wickstrom explained that the only improvement we haven't made as far as the Mill Creek area is concerned is restriction of the outlet at the Lower Earthworks Park. Our previous study showed that restriction would help maintain the stream within its existing banks. The Fisheries Department is placing stringent criteria on that restriction. However, the storms we have had have been more severe than our design standards. Our detention standards are inadequate to address storms of this intensity, Wickstrom stated he wasn't sure just addressing the restriction at the outlet would correct the problem. He stated he felt we needed to look at additional storage as well. That will take further; analysis to see how much we can provide and where it can be provided. Paul Mann asked how long that would take. Wickstrom stated that funds for this study are included in the drainage rate modification proposal. There is no money now to proceed. Jim White asked how much is collected now. Wickstrom replied that approximately $2 million a year is collected. Half a million dollars go for debt service on the original issue, approximately $1.2 million go for maintenance and operation of the existing system, leaving about $225, 000 toward new capital improvements. He further explained that the existing system consists of the Upper Mill Creek, approximately 150 miles of storm systems in the street, street sweeping, Garrison Creek basin, and all the detention basins in the subdivisions in the City. The maintenance was paid from the General Fund prior to the Drainage Public Works Committee March 17, 1992 Page 9 He continued that no matter what is done, we need the money from the rate modification proposal. He doubted there were any new solutions that would pop up as a result of a new comprehensive plan. Mann asked who would determine what level of, storm we would design for. Wickstrom stated that currently Couno l has adopted the 25 year 12-hour storm and the comprehensive plan was developed around that. Jim Hansen stated he thought the Public Works Director has done an in depth analysis of the program but the Council nes 'to be able to understand the interrelationship of the programs and what standards drive it to have the confidence to approve it. He suggested he work with the Public Works Department to develop an approach to move this forward. This will be brought back before the Committee at their April 7 meeting. Street Utility Wickstrom reviewed his memo listing the actions necessary to implement the Street Utility. Jim White stated at the recent Council retreat, Council determined that the 196th Corridor is to take top priority with 277th Corridor second and 224th Corridor third. Recognizing that the City has grants to move ahead on 196th and potential private money, the bulk of the street utility funds should be directed to 196th Corridor. Jim White stated he hasn't heard from anyone within the City limits of Kent oppose the Street Utility. He stated he wasn't convinced this would solve all the traffic problems and would need to go beyond this with rail, etc. He asked the Public Works Department to look into the possibility of either contracting with Metro or forming our own transit system within the City of Kent to move from East Hill Park and Ride to West Hill and back. He asked that the potential costs be developed as well. He stated he would perceive it to be free for the riders. He stated he felt we were still going to have to build corridors but would still need additional people movers. JiTx,r, r;ite stated he would like to hear more from the business communi#y.Aon the Street Utility. He'd like to hear Boeing say they were 'villing to "step up to the mark". Ted Nixon spoke against corridors stating that he wants the streets back for the pedestrians and not have corridors taking traffic through Kent so that it can't stop and shop. Paul Mann moved the proposal be sent to Council with a recommendation to approve. The Committee unanimously recommended the Council approve the formation of the Street Utility. Public Works Committee March 17, 1992 Page 10 Other Items Charlie Kiefer addressed the Committee regarding the annexation covenants his father was being asked to sign in order to develop his 9-acre parcel. Wickstrom stated that Mr. Kieffer signed an annexation covenant initially. There is a valid annexation petition being circulated by property owners in the area. By signing the covenant, Mr. Kieffer has agreed to sign an annexation petition. It was suggested Mr." Kiefer review the documents with the City Attorneys office.