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2006, 05-16 Study Session Minutes
MINUTES CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION Tuesday, May 16, 2006 Mayor Wilhite called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m., and welcomed everyone to the meeting. Present: Councilmembers: Diana Wilhite, Mayor Steve Taylor, Deputy Mayor Dick Denenny, Councilmember Mike DeVleming, Councilmember Bill Gothmann, Councilmember Rich Munson, Councilmember Gary Schimmels, Councilmember Staff: Dave Mercier, City Manager Mike Connelly, City Attorney Mike Jackson, Parks & Rec Director Ken Thompson, Finance Director Tom Scholtens, Building Official Steve Worley, Senior Engineer Neil Kersten, Public Works Director Inga Note, Senior Engineer — Traffic Carolbelle Branch, Public Information Officer Marina Sukup, Community Development Dir. Greg, "Bing" Bingaman, IT Specialist Chris Bainbridge, City Clerk Employee Introduction: Jennifer Cusick, Recreation Coordinator — by Mike Jackson, Parks & Rec Director Parks and Recreation Director Jackson introduced new Recreation Coordinator Jennifer Cusick, who recently moved here from Mercer Island where she was that city's recreation coordinator for approximately seven years. Councilmembers welcomed Jennifer to the City. 1. Community Emergency Response Team Program (CERT)- Bruce Hamner, Fire District #1 Bruce Hamner of Fire District #1, gave a presentation on the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program. He explained the history of the program, what it does, how they train citizens, and what it can do for us; that it was originally devised about twenty years ago in Los Angeles, and about 1993 FEMA adopted it as a nation -wide, universal program. Mr. Hamner said the program trains citizens to be self sufficient during times when emergency resources would be limited; that the training is a seven - week, one night a week initial class, with classes lasting about three to four hours a night; the program teaches citizens how to take care of self, then family, then community. Mr. Hamner stated that this area is rated in the top ten for not having natural disasters; but is also rated in the top ten for areas with top terrorists in our back yard. He further explained that primary areas of concern in this area are wild fires and ice storms, or anything that stretches the resources thin; and he stated they have trained approximately 75 people living in our city limits. Mr. Hamner said that he is here to solicit some interest; and he will leave some applications with the Clerk for anyone who might be interested. The next seven - week class is scheduled for September; and he explained that they try to limit the class size to about 15 participants. He also mentioned that he would be giving a lecture Thursday night in the Ponderosa area. Mayor Wilhite thanked Mr. Hamner for his presentation and information, and said that she would see what might be done to form a brigade. 2. Converting Broadway to Three Lanes - Neil Kersten, Steve Worley, and Inga Note Public Works Director Kersten explained that the Broadway Avenue Overlay Project was included in the previously approved Six -Year Transportation Improvement Plan, as was the application for federal grant funding; that the federal grant for the rehabilitation of Broadway between Bates Road and Sullivan was a project to improve 2.46 miles of road surface by grinding and overlaying the road with two inches of Meeting Minutes: 05 -16 -06 Page 1 of 4 Approved by Council: 05 -23 -06 asphalt concrete; that during the course of the project, the issue of possibly re- striping Broadway Avenue from four lanes to three was brought up as a potential way to mitigate the number of collisions at intersections, and to provide additional bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Engineer Note then went through the PowerPoint presentation which included an explanation of the project limits (where it would start and end), showed what the four lane versus the three lane configuration would look like; and explained the pros and cons of both configurations. Vehicle safety, collision history, and the safety benefits were also explained, as were levels of service impacts. Engineer Worley then explained the project's schedule and how it applies, including the necessary timing if Council desires to keep moving ahead. He explained that once approved, construction would begin mid -June after school is out; adding that a change order would be necessary to address the re- striping as an additional approximate $45,000 would be needed; that redirecting some of the signal loops would also be necessary because the road layout would change. Engineer Worley further explained the preliminary schedule, and stated hat notice to proceed would be given the day after school adjourns for the summer, or June 20; that the grinding and paving would begin after July 4; and that the pavement has to cure for thirty days prior to permanent striping; that school starts again September 7, so if a decision were to be made, he explained, staff would need to know quickly to get the change order processed started and not delay the project in order to have it completed before school starts. Mr. Worley stated that the time schedule leaves very little flexibility, and he anticipated needing a final Council decision by June 21. Council and staff discussion ensued regarding the number and type of accidents in 2003, 2004, and 2005; accidents at intersections; accident statistics by numbers and by percentages; that studies suggest a reduction in accidents and in speed should the three lane be implemented; turns from private driveways; and the use of a center lane. Councilmember Munson said he would like to know the number of intersections which would benefit from traffic lights, how much it would cost, the affects on concurrency, the levels of services at intersections; and how this change would fit into an overall traffic study in conjunction with the Sprague Corridor. It was determined that further discussion will be scheduled for the June 6 Council study session; and a motion for converting the lanes and approval of a change order will be set for the June 13 Council meeting. Councilmember Denenny stated for the June 6 meeting, he would like to have some traffic counts on some of the segments of Mission before and after the proposed project area. Mayor Wilhite called for a recess at 7:12 p.m.; and she reconvened the meeting at 7:21 p.m. 3. Ad Hoc Right -of -Way Committee - Tom Scholtens Building Official Scholtens explained that during the April 11, 2006 council meeting, staff was directed to develop a proposal for an ad hoc committee to examine the non -cut street obstruction permit requirements. Mr. Scholtens then explained the purpose of the committee and proposed committee members as per his May 16, 2006 Request for Council Action Form. Council/Staff discussion included other possible committee members (representatives from Comcast, Water District #3; Spokane County Utilities, Waste Management); keeping the committee to a functional level; what kind of activity would warrant a permit; that permits historically do not apply to Waste Management; that staff rather than the committee will examine the fee structure with committee review; potential damage to city property; how franchise holders are included; types and locations of activities and safety and practicality. City Manager Mercier recommended the committee look at traffic impediment, safety, and avoidance of damage to public property in addition to the four issues stated in Mr. Scholtens Request for Council Meeting Minutes: 05 -16 -06 Page 2 of 4 Approved by Council: 05 -23 -06 Action form. Mr. Mercier further stated that it will be the City who will look out for public welfare and those assets; manage the rights -of -ways, and make sure anything done in those rights -of -way are done in a wholesome manner. Mr. Scholtens indicated the ordinance is scheduled for a Planning Commission public hearing June 8; after which the ordinance will come Council with Planning Commission recommendations. 4. Proposed 2006 Budget Amendment — Ken Thompson Finance Director Thompson explained the needed budget adjustments as noted in his May 16, 2006 request for Council Action form and accompanying PowerPoint presentation; and indicated that the next step is a public hearing scheduled for May 23. Mr. Mercier mentioned the adjustments have been reviewed by the Finance Committee as well. 5. Appeal Fees — Mike Connelly /Cary Driskell City Attorney Connelly reported that Council previously adopted penalty provisions to handle code violations and nuisance violations; that the Master Fee Schedule identifies appeals of administrative determinations have a $1,000 appeal fee, but it appears that fee is intended for appeals of land use development; that staff recommends establishing a new fee that is specifically intended for appeals of nuisance type administrative determinations, that those violations impose a $500.00 fine and he proposes the $1,000 fee is not reasonable; and therefore suggests lowering the appeal fee (which is non refundable) to $500.00; adding that anything lower would likely not cover the costs of the Hearing Examiner process. It was determined that this new fee will be added to the fee resolution as it comes back for further amendment, and that Council concurs to place such fee resolution on the appropriate Council Consent Agenda. 6. Council Budget Items Councilmember Munson explained that in his further pursuit of lobbyist information, he received an e- mail from Jim Justin at Association of Washington Cities (AWC) giving him names and fees of various lobbyists; and that it appears the fees are within Council's range of $30,000 to $50,000; that in addition to assistance from AWC, lobbyists could assist the City on issues where AWC and the City might disagree; or in areas needing further information. Discussion ensued concerning the length of time, full -year retainer or by the session; federal legislation; keeping council from being "blind sighted" on issues: and having someone hired by September. Deputy Mayor Taylor suggested hiring someone on a full -time retainer with fees not to exceed $40,000; and to re- evaluate after a year or two. It was Council consensus to authorize City Manager Mercier to craft a Request for Proposal (RFP) quoting an hourly rate as well as a retainer rate, to have fees broken down to determine our specific costs, especially for any lobbyist having multiple jurisdictions; to include expenses, that our fee is not to exceed $40,000; and to issue the RFP and bring back the results for Council consideration. 7. Advance Agenda Additions Other than what was previously mentioned tonight concerning the Ad Hoc Right -of -way Committee and the conversion of Broadway to three lanes, there were no suggested changes to the Advance Agenda. 8. Council Check in — Mayor Mayor Wilhite brought up the topic of telecommunications and House Bill 5252 regarding franchise issues; that the letter to Cathy McMorris has not yet been mailed as Mayor Wilhite wanted to do further research, and mentioned that the vote was pulled off the House calendar for another two weeks; that Mayor Wilhite called the lobbyist for the National League of Cities but has not heard from them yet; that she also called McMorris' office where she was informed that Ms. McMorris has not decided which direction to go. Mayor Wilhite said she further examined the bill and it appears there are some protections for cities, and that there might be amendments on the franchise fee. Mayor Wilhite said she Meeting Minutes: 05 -16 -06 Page 3 of 4 Approved by Council: 05 -23 -06 will distribute the draft letter to Councilmembers for their review prior to sending the formal letter to Ms. McMorris. 9. City Manager Comments City Manager Mercier stated that the Board of County Commissioners began their strategic planning process about three weeks ago, and this Thursday will be "round two;" that they meet 9:00 a.m. to noon on campus in the Public Works Building, and the next meeting will focus on planning including completion of their comprehensive plan update as well as other planning issues. Mr. Mercier said he will be in attendance at that meeting. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Christine Bainbridge, City Clerk t-uAki i/Ut,gtc Diana Wilhite, Mayor Meeting Minutes: 05 -16 -06 Page 4 of 4 Approved by Council: 05 -23 -06 Richard Munson From: Jim Justin [j imj @awcnet.org] Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2006 4:56 PM To: rmmunson @comcast.net; Richard Munson Subject: FW: Contract Lobbyists Charges Rich Here is some data on costs (see below) by lobbyists and city. All of the data is from the PDC. Some holes but I wanted to get the info to you quickly. I was out most of the day at meetings. These are 2005 numbers for I wanted to give you a sense of session and non - session costs. Remember, price will vary depending on what you ask of the lobbyists. If you do a formal RFP they will outline their charges. Hope this helps. Jim From: Jim Justin Sent: Tuesday, May 09, 2006 5:58 PM To: Rich Munson (rmmunson @comcast.net); Rich Munson (rmunson©spokanevalley.org) Subject: Contract Lobbyists Here is a quick review of city contract lobbyists, no particular order. Dave Arbaugh — Richland - $2,700 a month year round Kathleen Collins — Shoreline - $4,000 a month session only — no interim charges Tom Parker — Spokane - $3,250 a month year round Mike Doubleday — Bellevue - $2,600 a month year round — the City also pays Bob Mack $2,600 a month year round, Burien and Edmonds - $4,000 a month session and $2,500 a month non - session, Newcastle — Mike picked up the client late in 2005 and charged $2,000 a month in Nov and Dec Doug Levy — Everett - $4,500 a month year round, Federal Way - $3,800 a month year round, Kent - $5,000 a month year round, Puyallup - $3,500 a month during the session and $3,200 non - session months, Renton Bob Mack — Tacoma, Bellevue — see above. Lakewood, Pasco Phil Watkins — Kennewick, Mercer Island, Bainbridge Island — I did not include data on Phil or Mike for they shared clients and split in 2005 so the numbers are confusing. Sharon Case — Olympia Mike Ryherd — Kirkland, Bremerton, Carnation, Mukilteo — see above Mark Brown — Vancouver - $5,000 a month year round, Ridgefield - $1,000 a month year round 5/16/2006 Page 1 of 2 Most of these lobbyists also have other private clients. This is not a complete list but it does include those who we work closest with. You can get a sense of what they I hope this helps. Please let me know what else you need. Jim 5/16/2006 Page 2 of 2 charge by accessing the Public Disclosure's website, www_ pdc.wa.gov. Left side click on lobbyists and it is pretty easy to follow from there. Remember, different charges depending on what the city is asking for session only, interim work at a reduced rate, how many other clients does the lobbyists work for — time allocated to the respective city. You can prepare a contract that does more or less. U LL) Spokane Valley Fire Department C.E.R.T. C/O Capt. Bruce Hamner, Station 10 10319 E. Sprague Spokane, WA 99206 u U �„ N � C rs O u C u C — u r • r . Q v� .� C G p C >• F • — .1 C 'U '� • U ▪ U ?. U . O �0 . � 3 r r , , r C � - + 0 H h l i k i V v ▪ C 1 VC O u L},' ti 0.) v" F C w :% c • . • 4j G v = .. '� C O -.o c O E G[ O ft fl 1 0 O C O •5 U O •� u . ►r ,A - . 6 L Y, u �... P. O g a C "' � C � ..0 � E p '' O u c, � F cd "' • C ' b � a� ... O eta C '' C e.. ci. 1 Ii I !il as O y� co C v v r O .� •C C L1 • u G C c •Li u U u Et u '�' V C E ^ O C 6 71 'U • F .0 What ll§ C.•JEr a? Community Emergency Response Teams (C.E.R.T.) are volunteers who are trained to take care of themselves and then help others in their communities for the first three days following a disaster when debris - clogged or damaged roads, disrupted communications, or a high volume of calls into 9 -1 -1 may prevent access by emergency response personnel. The purpose of C.E.R.T. training is to provide citizens with the basic skills required to handle virtually all their own needs and then to be able to respond to their communities' needs in the aftermath of a disaster. 0(0) y(o)u[ r e )nnt e )nnt lb) )r J[ (Ce' Itc0>)ic")nnt ? In 1996, Ice Storm hit Spokane like a rock. Severe weather conditions caused trees and branches to fall onto powerlines. Downed power lines caused communications to be disrupted. Disrupted communications together with downed power lines caused police, fire and paramedic response time to be delayed. As with Ice Storm, other types of disasters may bring us the same effects such as earthquakes, flooding, fire, or technological problems. As we have learned in our community, the damage caused by such disasters effect everyone. These effects can: Severely restrict and overwhelm emergency response resources, communications, transportation and utilities; and Leave individuals and neighborhoods cut off from outside emergency support. \V 0 ll lul in it gee e lr for C s JE Q JET:1F, The training for Community Emergency Response Team volunteers consists of 24 hours of instruction, one night per week for eight weeks. Classes are taught by emergency responders, including firefighters and emergency medical and law enforcement personnel from our community. Coiwr Vie A\g d at DISASTER PREPAREDNESS Introduction to disasters, impact of disasters on infra- structures, the role of CERTs in disaster response. DISASTER FIRE SUPPRESSION Identifying and reducing potential fire hazards, basic fire suppression strategy, resources, and techniques. DISASTER MEDICAL OPERATIONS, PAKT I Treatment strategies for life- threatening conditions and principles of triage. DISASTER MEDICAL OPERATIONS, PART 2 Head -to -toe assessments, treatment for various injuries LIGIIT SEARCH & RESCUE OPERATIONS Techniques for size -up and search, lifting, cribbing and removing victims, rescuer safety PRE - STORM C. E.R.T. OPERATIONS Protecting your home from severe weather, personal readiness, CERT equipment, organizing your team POST -STORM C.E.R.T. OPERATIONS Organizing, deploying teams, comUnunications, and recovery C. E.R.T. GRADUATION Certificate of Completion 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 a3 0 a 0 s 0 z O Broadway Avenue Conversion to 3 -lane Section May 16th, 2006 Inge Note Steve Worley Nc l Kersten Project Limits 1 3 -Lane at Summit School mmormoireili 2 3 -Lane west of Sullivan 111111e Capacity of 4 -lanes • Limited by: - Traffic signals - Number of driveways - Volume of turning traffic • Local Examples: - 11,000 ADT Broadway, Park to Sullivan - 18,300 ADT Wall, Monroe to Cascade Way 3 Total Collisions C Collisions ADT per MVMT Mission 31 8.300 1.2 Broadway 118 11.000 3.6 Sprague 278 27,500 3.3 16'" 32 5.000 2.1 32nd 32 9.500 1.1 Capacity of 3 -Lanes Am. D.., in Nimouriplon =CO sar aE �� 11111111111 iam to lkl.. •illiAa • WoMpw era 1 ildiere. Nil�,f Traffic volumes tYPKsOY ed alter corxersia Vehicle Safety — Collision History 4 Vehicle Safety - Collision History • Type: Through -left head -on 23% • Cause: Left- tuming vehicles block view Vehicle Safety - Field of Vision Vehicle Safety - Collision History • Type: Right Angle 24% • Cause. Too many lanes? Blocked view? 5 Vehicle Safety - Collision History • Type: Rear End 17.5% • Cause: Tuming vehicles stopped in are Vehicle Safety - Collision History • Type: Driveway 17% • Cause. No buffer between lane and curb HMO MIMS NUM •••••■• ••• WO •• • . • On •• ::=Z=1.41.1.8 ...... ore••••••■•• ° ==i ll H m ..........:Eih r ...... us uz ...de& ■••-, Vehicle Safety - Collision History • Type: Fixed Object 7% • Cause: Little buffer between traffic and FO 6 Vehicle Safety — Collision History • Type: Sideswipe 5% • Cause: Racing' Changing lanes. n — r1- ranrsf.•ir1 ...+�- .k2•., !i�►�► 1 4.a �i Safety Benefits of 3 -Lane • 4 Left Tum collisions — Improves held of wsron • a Rear -End collisions - Left turns from TWLTL • S. Driveway collisions - from/into TWLTL - Brice lane improves ireIC of visas • l Right -Angie collisions . Fewer lanes to cross • i Collision severity Laver sus WA Examples Fourth Plain Blvd - Collisions 4 52% Seattle (16 comdors) - Collisions * 34% Vehicle Safety — Intersection Collision Rates 11 I > 41/ ///// >1 aseEV moult . reee tiun 7 Pedestrian Safety • Bike lanes provide buffer between pedestrians and traffic. • Reduces # of through lanes for pedestrians to cross • Opportunities for refuge island in TWLTL 11 r•,+ Bike Safety • Designated Bike Route in Comprehensive Plan • Removes recreational bike traffic from the narrow sidewalk • Removes experienced riders from shared car lanes • 3-Lane - Single through lone allows prudent drivers to regulate spend through residential 8 a8 SPEED LIMIT 35 Vehicle Speed • 4 -Lane - Four through lanes allow aggressive, high speed vehr-les tc 0895 85% -tile speeds = 38 mph 8 1 %16 Schools • 4-lane Section Kds crass 4 lane::. traffic - Parents block tnwugn lane while waiting to turn into sdrool parking area Sneedmia dunng arnvel acrd UE a1ure (20 mph) 85% speed Q 29 and 32 mph No room for relive islands at crosswalks Kids cross 2 through lanes Turn lane pros safe queuing area for turning into school driveway Studies show a speed reduction with 14ene conversion Allows center median for safer crosswaka 9 Signal Operation - McDonald LOS Impacts Signal Operation - Evergreen LOS Impacts 4d.ans Permissive Protected- Spin Permitted LOS B 1 LOS C *Listing I Other Issues • Mail - Bike lane provides partial shoulder for mail deliveries • Transit - STA has no fixed bus routes on Broadway • Emergency Vehicles - Can use TWLTL to pass. - No waning for vehicles to merge 10 Permissive Protected- Split Permitted 34.ane LOS A - - 4-Lane LOS B Westing) - LOS C Signal Operation - McDonald LOS Impacts Signal Operation - Evergreen LOS Impacts 4d.ans Permissive Protected- Spin Permitted LOS B 1 LOS C *Listing I Other Issues • Mail - Bike lane provides partial shoulder for mail deliveries • Transit - STA has no fixed bus routes on Broadway • Emergency Vehicles - Can use TWLTL to pass. - No waning for vehicles to merge 10 1 How to Proceed Decision required very soon - Construction begins mid June. - Change Order - Broadway overlay contract - Relocation of signal loops - Evaluate signal phasing change at Evergreen - Discuss crosswalks/medians with school dist. How to Proceed — Prelim. Schedule III nos I Milos b f4aA•A AM. 21 Xvtnp On• OncaQ a , Jut, II to July 27 Perm s*larc {Qo0 JIM NHS iS11 IN MINIM Y) rl Y r. Y • r IS 11.9 INN r tis r r Y l • It 7Y IS • I! • ✓ ▪ lb 1 1