Title
Briefing on Engineering Design and Development Standards
Recommended Action
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive and discuss information. This item is scheduled for a public hearing with the full Council on October 28.
Report
Issue:
Whether to recommend that the proposed Engineering Design and Development Standards (EDDS) updates move to public hearing before City Council.
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:
In April of this year, 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 next steps followed by discussion.
Since that briefing, the proposed updates to the EDDS have been 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 via OlySpeaks. Two comments were received (see attachment).
This briefing will address the proposed changes as well as an update to the current schedule. The EDDS go through a review and update on a yearly basis. 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.
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: Recommend that the proposed updates move to public hearing before City Council. An Ordinance adopting the updated EDDS would then be approved. This option would allow the EDDS to be updated in a timely manner.
Option 2: Do not recommend that the proposed EDDS updates move to public hearing. This option would result in potential conflicts such as enforcing standards that have been found to be substandard, requiring the use of a product that is no longer available, or allowing a product to be used that is inconsistent with what has been agreed upon by another City Council action such as approval of the latest Sewer Master Plan in 2013.
Option 3: Selectively edit and/or delete one or more of the proposed updates then
recommend approval of the revised list and move to public hearing before City Council.
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.
Attachment(s):
1. Link to EDDS page on City website
2. Summary of OlySpeaks comments
3. Summary of proposed changes