Title
1st Reading of the Ordinance Adopting the Amended Engineering Design and Development Standards (EDDS)
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Land Use and Environment Committee reviewed the proposed changes on April 24 and September 25, 2014 and recommended that the Engineering Design and Development Standards (EDDS) proceed through the adoption process.
City Manager Recommendation:
Conduct a public hearing on the proposed amendments to the EDDS. Move to hold the first reading of the proposed ordinance on November 18.
Report
Issue:
Whether to hold the first reading of the proposed ordinance to adopt the updated EDDS on November 18th, after taking testimony at the public hearing.
Staff Contact:
Steve Sperr, P.E., Assistant City Engineer, Public Works Engineering, 360.753.8739
Presenter(s):
Steve Sperr, P.E., Assistant City Engineer, Public Works Engineering
Background and Analysis:
Annually, the EDDS are reviewed and updated. This year, proposed updates include changes in the Municipal Code, Sewer Master Plan and City policy already approved by City Council, as well as correcting text and standard drawing notes, and updating changes in equipment and materials. Highlights of this year's changes include;
• Updating bicycle facility requirements,
• Requiring LED light standards instead of high pressure sodium (HPS), and
• Updating solid waste receptacle placement standards.
In September, staff briefed the Land Use and Environment Committee on the status of proposed updates to the EDDS. That briefing included an overview of what the EDDS are, highlights of proposed changes, and how staff engaged the public regarding the proposed changes. The briefing was followed by a discussion with staff. In particular, there were discussions regarding the standards established for LED streetlights, including color temperature.
Prior to that briefing, the proposed updates to the EDDS were published on the City's website, postcards were sent to stakeholders, the Utility Advisory Committee was informed of the proposals, and public comments were requested online via OlySpeaks. Two comments were received (see attachment).
Before the Public Hearing, staff will brief the full Council with a short presentation on the proposed changes, including additional information about how the City's LED streetlight standards were developed. Staff will discuss a proposed standard for color temperature at this time.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The EDDS provide predictability and consistency in how the City's infrastructure is built. Stakeholders can submit proposals to change certain requirements or standards in the EDDS. These proposals are then evaluated once a year as part of the update process. In addition, project proponents can request an exception to the standards (deviation) through the City Engineer when there are unique, project-specific circumstances.
Options:
Option 1: After hearing public testimony, recommend holding a first reading on the updated EDDS on November 18. This option allows the EDDS to be adopted on or before January, 2015.
Option 2: After hearing testimony, recommend staff incorporate specific changes to the updated EDDS, and recommend holding a first reading on November 18. This option allows the EDDS to be adopted on or before January, 2015.
Option 3: Delay updating the EDDS until 2015; do not hold a public hearing. This option would result in potential conflicts such as allowing High Pressure Sodium Street Lights to be installed in private developments rather than LED lights, or requiring the use of a product that is no longer available.
Financial Impact:
Other than the higher cost of LED street lights as compared to High Pressure Sodium (HPS), the proposed changes should not result in notable increases to project costs of private development or public works projects.
Attachments:
1. Link to EDDS page on City website
2. Summary of OlySpeaks comments
3. Summary of proposed changes