Title
Waste Resources Facility Update
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Whether to discuss the development of the Carpenter Road Waste Resources Maintenance Facility.
Report
Issue:
Discuss the development of the Carpenter Road Waste Resources Maintenance Facility.
Staff Contact:
Gary Franks, Director of Waste Resources, Public Works Department, 360.753.8780
Presenter(s):
Gary Franks, Director of Waste Resources
Background and Analysis:
Existing Facility
Waste Resources staff are currently housed in the Public Works Maintenance Center at 1401 Eastside Street SE. While the site has served the City for almost 45 years, there are several constraints and site conditions that will require significant resources to address:
• Public Works Operations and Maintenance staff have outgrown the space.
• The building is no longer operationally efficient.
• Major systems and buildings are deficient or at the end of their useful life.
• Steep slopes and wetlands limit usable space.
• The building does not meet seismic requirements, which could impact the City’s ability to deliver 24-hour service in the event of an earthquake.
• Of concern to the Waste Resources utility, the site’s NPDES (National Pollution Discharge Elimination System) permit will require upgrade of the existing wash rack to cover loose materials and install adequate water quality treatment systems.
A 2019 building condition assessment identified approximately $9.7 million in deficiencies on the campus that require repair or replacement, and another $3 to $4 million to address stormwater concerns. Although there is significant work needed on the site, a feasibility assessment completed in 2017 by Opsis Architecture concluded that the most cost-effective course of action for the City was to relocate Waste Resources operations to a City-owned site on Carpenter Road and build a new maintenance center to support the rest of Public Works operations at the existing site on Eastside Street.
The Carpenter Road Site
On June 22, 2017, staff met with the Finance Committee to share preliminary cost estimates to develop the Carpenter Road site. Staff also shared potential financing and phasing options that were developed by Opsis as part of the feasibility assessment.
As part of the 2018 budget process, Council approved a rate increase of 4%. The revenue generated is being allocated in the Capital Facilities Plan to begin design of the new facility and refine cost estimates to determine funding options.
On October 29, 2019, City Council authorized a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) with KPFF Consulting Engineers (KPFF), in the amount of $569,000 to refine and supplement the work completed in the 2017 feasibility study to ensure viability of developing a new Waste Resources facility at the Carpenter Road site. The scope of work includes refining the site plan and floor plans, developing a list of equipment needs for the facility, geotechnical engineering, schematic designs, and cost estimates. KPFF’s work was completed in 2020 and their findings were shared with the Utility Advisory Committee (UAC) and the Finance Committee.
Since then, the City contracted with KPFF to prepare the land-use and grading permit submittals for Thurston County. The City has now obtained site plan approval and the grading permit.
In January 2023, the City also reached agreement with Miles Sand and Gravel, Inc. (Miles) to allow Miles to remove approximately 84,000 cubic yards of gravel from the site at no cost to the City. This is expected to save the City approximately $2 Million.
The City also retained the services of the environmental firm GeoEngineers to obtain approval from Department of Ecology (DOE), to perform demolition and remediation of the site. GeoEngineers has completed all required studies and permitting with the DOE for the remediation, including the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study and Cleanup Action Plan. In January of 2023, the City received authorization from the DOE to proceed with site remediation.
Next Steps
In 2024, City Council approved a 3.5% rate increase to fund demolition and remediation of the site. Current estimates of the cost to complete site remediation and preparatory work needed prior to excavation of gravel is $5.1 million. Due to the cost, Public Works has phased the work over two years. In 2023, the City prepared the site for demolition and remediation. That included clearing and grubbing, tree removal, fencing, and installing various stormwater pollution prevention materials. In 2024, the City will begin demolition of the firing range and site remediation and proceed with design for site development.
Staff will give the Finance Committee an update on the current status of this project, including the latest cost estimate.
Climate Analysis:
Climate analysis will be performed when design begins. Incorporation of green technology, like solar energy, and meeting design standards that mitigate climate risks will be assessed.
Equity Analysis:
Equity analysis will be performed when design begins. The project could provide opportunities for disadvantaged businesses to participate in the project and provide jobs.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
None identified at this early phase related to the Carpenter Road site.
Financial Impact:
$1,030,000 has been allocated from the Capital Facilities Plan to cover the cost of site preparation, demolition, and remediation of soils. Overall, consultant work will ultimately help the City determine specific costs, so Waste Resources staff can develop utility rates and effective financing options to construct the facility.
Options:
1. Receive the update.
2. Do not receive the update.
3. Receive the update at another time.
Attachments:
None