Title
Approval of the Topics and Strategies for the 2017 Engineering Design and Development Standards (EDDS) Update
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Land Use and Environment Committee reviewed and unanimously recommends the proposed 2017 Topics and Public Communication and Involvement Strategy.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the 2017 Topics and Public Communication and Involvement Strategy for updating the EDDS.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the 2017 Topics and Public Communication and Involvement Strategy for updating the EDDS this year.
Staff Contact:
Stephen Sperr, P.E., Assistant City Engineer, Public Works Engineering, 360.753.8739
Background and Analysis:
The Engineering Design and Development Standards (EDDS) guide the design and construction of transportation, drinking water, reclaimed water, sewer, stormwater, and solid waste collection systems. They are also the technical interpretation of the City’s Comprehensive Plan and various utility master plans. The City Engineer is responsible for approving and administering the EDDS.
The EDDS are updated annually to:
o Implement Goals and Policies established in the City’s Comprehensive Plan,
o Reflect changes to the Olympia Municipal Code (OMC), particularly Titles 12-18,
o Help implement policies established in approved Utility Master Plans,
o Address changes in equipment and materials,
o Enable the use of improvements in technology, and
o Clarify information and requirements described in the text and shown on standard drawings
This year’s update addresses several Comprehensive Plan Policies and OMC chapters related to:
o Curb Ramps,
o Pedestrian Pathways,
o Traffic Impact Analyses, and
o Length of City Blocks
The first attachment summarizes the proposed changes, including why they are needed. The second attachment is a public communication and involvement strategy that will be used for specific topics that that may be of interest to our stakeholders. The third attachment summarizes the timeline staff follows to update the EDDS this year, including a public hearing in November and approval of the changes in December.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The EDDS provide predictability and consistency in how the City’s infrastructure is built. Making timely changes to the EDDS ensures that infrastructure installed meets the most current standards and builds the foundation for the City’s vision.
Information related to the proposed changes is available on the City webpage. Stakeholders are engaged throughout the review and approval process.
Options:
1. Approve the recommended 2017 topics and strategies. Approval will allow staff to begin to develop the specific changes and begin communicating and getting feedback on the changes.
2. Do not approve the recommended 2017 topics and strategies and have staff revise as directed. Not approving delays the development of the specific changes and may impact the timeframes on the attached schedule.
Financial Impact:
Most of the proposed changes should not result in notable increases to the costs of private development or public work projects. However, a few, such as pedestrian pathways and requiring curb ramp improvements on a more consistent basis, may cost more to developers and private utilities.
Attachments:
Summary of Proposed Topics
Public Communication & Involvement Strategy
Schedule