2007 Public Works Department Objectives with Accomplishments

Administration

1) Proceed with implementation of the Waterfront Redevelopment Master Plan and Development Agreement by moving forward on design of the infrastructure improvements. (Council Goals 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8)

There has been substantial progress toward the Master Plan. A Draft Environmental Impact Statement has been issued. Public Works is moving forward on evaluating Bay Bridge, Area 1 and Area 10 infrastructure. Master Plan, EIS, opportunities for public involvement and other information about Waterfront development may be viewed at http://www.cob.org/services/neighborhoods/community-planning/waterfront/index.aspx

2) Design a new building to house Public Works for a more efficient operation, and to make space available to meet the needs of other City departments. (Council Goal 1)

3) Begin implementation of new/revised departmental work flow and business practices from findings and results identified in the 2006 Computer Maintenance Management Program. (Council Goal 1)

We have completed the analysis and are proceeding with moving forward on the Maintenance Management System in 2008. Funding is included in the 2008 Budget.

GIS services to external customers were analyzed and adjusted in order to meet demand and expectations of customers. The computer maintenance management system project to review needs and business practices was started and continues.

Treatment Plants

Post Point Pollution Control Plant

4) Investigate potential for sludge pyrolysis technology (heating sludge without oxygen to produce a burnable gas) to replace solids incineration process. Pyrolysis process may reduce solids volume to same degree as current incinerator process as well as yield substantial natural gas reduction along with potential for "green" power generation. (Council Goals 1 and 6)

The Public Works Department issued a request for proposal in November 2007 and is currently working on this project with an expected completion date of June 30, 2008. Besides Pyrolysis technology, there are several other new technologies that will be investigated to include the replacement of the multiple-hearth furnace with a fluidized bed furnace.

5) Complete an assessment of effluent quality characteristics and initiate a hydraulic assessment of the flow volumes from the secondary bypass system at Post Point. This secondary bypass effluent flows through the alternate outfall to the north of the primary treatment plant outfall in Bellingham Bay. (Council Goals 1 and 6)

The assessment was complete in April 2007 and adjustments have been made to the flow volumes entering the secondary bypass system using new improvements installed during the upgrade to the alternate (secondary) outfall which was completed in October 2007.

Water Filtration Plant

6) Conduct a pilot filter testing study on a new polymer coagulant aid and write specifications derived from the study to purchase the most effective coagulant. (Council Goals 1 and 2)

Completed pilot filter study for the new polymer coagulant in March 2007 which resulted in a new set of specifications that went out for bid in April 2007. The new polymer is both more effective in the City’s treatment process and less costly than the polymer used during 2005 and 2006.

7) Evaluate the new chemical induction unit on the raw water influent source by testing several parameters through a range of operational procedures and purchase new unit for redundancy. (Council Goals 1 and 2)

The new chemical induction unit has not operated with consistency because of installation and power issues with the unit. Therefore, testing did not occur in 2007. However, the unit has been placed back into service as of October 2007 and it is anticipated that testing the unit through a range of operational procedures will commence in the first and second quarters of 2008 with a potential purchase of a second unit for redundancy in 2009.

Water / Wastewater Utilities

Water

8) Implement a strategic plan to enhance the City's water distribution flushing program to use unidirectional flushing methods to maintain water quality throughout the network and to conserve water within the system. (Council Goal 1)

Formulated a pilot program for the unidirectional flushing program which will focus on the direct service area known as the Alabama Hill pressure zone during the City’s annual flushing of water mains in the second quarter of 2008.

9) Continue to improve on the City's voluntary metering program by using public service announcements and educational programs to explain the benefits of metering. (Council Goal 9)

In 2007, the voluntary metering program increased by 67% in the number of participants from 2006. This is largely attributable to an expanded educational program and more public awareness through the utility billing system by placing notices on utility bills and flyers.

Wastewater

10) Develop a Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) control program that focuses on best management practices, removal/replacement of deficient systems and development and implementation of a monitoring system to ensure compliance. (Council Goal 1)

Completed compilation of program information from other jurisdictions with existing FOG programs and have started mapping food service establishments to determine extent of program requirements. Interviews with sister municipalities yielded a better understanding of the extensive implementation time required for a program of this nature and will likely require a 1-2 year program development period for implementation. Therefore, implementation will likely be deferred until early 2009.

11) Develop a wastewater collection system-wide program that identifies high maintenance areas in order to reduce back-ups and to effectively identify where maintenance improvements are necessary. (Council Goal 1)

Have continued to audit existing preventive maintenance programs and as a result have revised several wire-rodding, camera inspection and jetting routes. This has resulted in greater efficiency within the wastewater collection division and identified additional sewer replacement and repair needs. A formal Operations and Maintenance Plan update will begin in 2008 and be implemented in 2009 upon audit completion.

Maintenance Operations

Street Maintenance

12) Develop and implement a new maintenance management system that will improve scheduling planned maintenance with system priorities and integration with growth and development plans. (Council Goal 1)

Deferred to 2008 to align with the acquisition and implementation of the new Information Management system. Audits of existing programs have been ongoing throughout 2007 and will continue in 2008 to prepare for the new system, identify areas needing improvement within existing street maintenance programs and to accommodate growth and development.

SStorm and Surface Water Maintenance

13) Using the finding from the first year stormwater collection system scanning program, implement a program of systematic improvements to recondition the stormwater collection system. (Council Goal 1)

A stormwater replacement list was started in 2007 to start systematic repair/replacement of existing system deficiencies. This list is expanded as replacement projects are identified and provides a mechanism to annually evaluate and budget for orderly repair and replacement of the stormwater system sections needing attention

Solid Waste (Was listed as #30 in the wrong location in the 2006 Adopted Budget)

14) Continue to monitor the Clean Green fee structure to ensure that it reflects the intent of the inter-local agreement with Whatcom County and is adequate to provide proper financial support to operate the facility to the best interests of the community. (Council Goal 1)

At the start of the 2007 Clean Green season, the $2.00 per load gate tip fee was evaluated and determined to provide enough revenue to offset shared operating expenses with Whatcom County based on historic customer base and operating costs information. Prior to commencement of the 2008 Clean Green opening, gate tip fees will be re-evaluated to determine if proper financial support is being received from customers and Whatcom County.

Purchasing, Materials Management

Warehouse

15) Complete enhancements to ECity software by the end of the third quarter.

Due to workload and position vacancy, this project has not been completed. A Contract has recently been signed with the software vendor to upgrade the software for completion by May of 2008.

16) Barcode all inventory by the end of second quarter.

This project has been completed and new inventory is barcoded as it is received.

Supervision and Technology

Technical Services

17) Initiate technology and business practice changes outlined in the department’s information management master plan. (Council Goal 1)

A total of 19 recommendations were submitted as part of the department’s Information Management Master Plan. May of these recommendations affected business or technology uses throughout the City. Only those that had limited impacts to other City departments were initiated. Key recommendations that have been initiated are:
- Adopt the technology best practices of Service Oriented Architecture integration between systems when feasible and cost effective.
- Perform a cost benefit analysis on new system implementations or enhancements to ensure a full benefit to the City.
- Redevelop the City GIS databases to use industry standard designs and relational database technology to leverage future system integration through service oriented architecture.

18) Evaluate placing infrastructure maps and information on the website for public information self service. (Council Goal 9)

Potential users were questioned, through an informal survey, to determine the type and frequency of information queries. The results provided recommendations for improved maps of basic infrastructure information, access to data in more formats and a future interactive web map of City information such as zoning, property information and infrastructure locations. Infrastructure maps have been developed for use on the web site and a future plan of more data formats and an interactive map are also currently being developed.

19) Develop new procedures and processes to take advantage of the department’s new touch and radio meter reading system. (Council Goal 1)

Identified and implemented water meter radio read technology into areas of high hazard concern and time committed locations. This has greatly improved the reading and processing time in those areas. For example, Chuckanut which was an extremely time consuming meter reading route, has shown an 85% improvement in commit time. Developed water meter radio antenna installation procedures for new services and trained staff on necessary procedures to improve meter reading accuracy and data processing time. Implemented a drive-by radio read collection system to eliminate exiting the vehicle to read water meters. This system includes a GIS map of the metered area and indicates where meters may be meeting the high/low consumption limit or malfunctioning.

20) Evaluate the Geographic Information System (GIS) services provided to other City departments and the community to ensure adequate services are provided. (Council Goal 1 and 9)

Services were evaluated for public safety and customer service over the year. Refinements in procedures for data and system interfacing with the WhatComm E-911 system were developed and implemented. Customer service use of the GIS data and City/IQ application has been reevaluated and new standards for data access and an enhanced City/IQ application have been developed.

21) Provide comprehensive coordination, analysis and reporting for the water, wastewater, stormwater, street, alley and sidewalk replacement/upgrade program. (Council Goal 1)

Developed the Replacement/Overlay Point system (ROP) to aid in the identification and coordination of infrastructure rehabilitation. The ROP assigns points to current condition, historical performance, predicted failure, attribute deficiencies, future projects and immediate needs. The points are then used to prioritize and predict needed projects.
Further developed the Pavement and Utility Replacement Viewer GIS application (PURviewer) to include automated updates of infrastructure replacement and rehabilitation recommendations lists. The PURviewer application provides color coded views of current street, sidewalk and alley conditions, current overlay, utility replacements and wheel chair ramp inventory that includes ADA compliance. The PURviewer is critical to rehabilitation coordination efforts and is currently being used by Public Works Engineering and Operations.

22) Enhance the mapping and tracking of City owned and managed properties. (Council Goal 1)

Project is 60% complete. Reviewed data from the Finance Department Asset Tracking system and evaluated corresponding mapping. Developed and implemented new procedures for mapping new or revised City transactions for purchases of property. Future work will include developing additional procedures for identifying City managed land and designating/mapping it accordingly.

Facilities Operations

23) Implement Green Clean program in custodial services. Choose new Green Seal certified cleaning products to use in cleaning for health, safety and protection of the environment. Train custodial staff in methods and use. Monitor effectiveness of the program through City employee input and by tracking cost effectiveness. (Council Goal 1)

Begun but not fully implemented. Goal was based on obtaining new FTE Lead Custodial position at the beginning of 2007. Position was not filled until October, followed by additional time to fill vacant position created by in-house promotion and training of new employee.

24) Implement an energy management Program for City facilities. Investigate options for monitoring and control of power, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Install computer based system(s) and train Facilities Maintenance staff. Set guidelines and procedures for maintaining energy efficiency. Continue energy conservation capital equipment programs and measure effectiveness. (Council Goal 1)

Ongoing. Facilities Manager attended Puget Sound Energy’s Resource Conservation Management training and purchased required software. Obtained two-year limited-term Resource Conservation Assistant approval and is currently finishing selection process. Interviewed four Building Automation System vendors for market analysis and preparation of RFP. Completed lighting retrofit of the Fleet shop building in October.

25) Increase recycling programs in all Facilities-run buildings – A test program was in place for 2006. (Council Goal 1)

Ongoing. Test program still in effect at City Hall as well as improvements at other buildings in conjunction with Environmental Resources Department and Green Team members.

Transportation Management

CCommunications

26) Re-structure 800 megahertz radios to utilize lower end of the 800 band to reduce interference with NEXTEL and comply with a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) order. (Council Goals 1 and 7)

Deferred. On hold per the FCC until treaties are signed with Canada to determine which frequencies are available for re-banding.

27) Design and install Smartlink 800 megahertz radio system upgrades to provide seamless interoperability between differing sites and channels. (Council Goal 7)

Radio infrastructure design has been completed and all communications personnel have received factory training to install and implement the system. Equipment has been specified and ordered for installation during second quarter of 2008.

Street Lighting

28) Purchase and install new street lighting along Alabama Street to replace failing standards and improve the overall appearance of the corridor. (Council Goals 1 and 7)

Initial stock of 20 poles has been installed and a new bid was awarded for remaining poles to be purchased and installed in 2008.

Signals

29) Upgrade 20 signalized intersections along major commuter routes with Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) components. (Council Goal 7)

Completed.

30) Perform a corridor study along Sunset Drive between I-5 and Orleans Street to develop and implement a signal coordination program to improve the efficiency of the City’s second busiest arterial street. (Council Goal 7)

Initial analysis completed and preliminary coordination plan has been implemented. Additional monitoring and fine tuning will occur through the first quarter of 2008.

Parking

31) Develop a merchant validation system for customer use in both on-street meters and pay stations. (Council Goal 7)

Project cancelled due to a variety of issues uncovered while investigating the feasibility of implementation. It would require complex negotiations with the City’s banking services provider, pay station and meter manufacturers and the City Finance Department.

32) Transfer to computerized billing system with web interface and point-of-sale accountability for permit sales to increase accountability, communication and customer convenience. (Council Goal 1)

Deferred. In 2007 Parking Services staff met extensively with staff from Finance and ITSD and evaluated software applications from numerous providers. A potential system was identified late in the year and we will continue program testing early in 2008 once our year-end processes are complete.

33) Develop and maintain a comprehensive website as a resource for parking issues and to facilitate contact with and communication to the Bellingham Parking Commission. (Council Goal 9)

Completed. www.cob.org/services/transportation/parking/index.aspx

34) Develop residential parking program to maximize use of City parking facilities 24 hours a day and support continued mixed-use development downtown. (Council Goals 1 and 7)

Completed. City-owned parking facilities remain open for general use after hours, on holidays and on weekends for free residential parking. Demand does not require additional programs at this time.

Engineering Services

Design and Construction

35) Manage, design, and construct two replacement utility projects, one pavement resurfacing project and at least one pedestrian/bicycle improvement project as part of the capital improvement program in a manner that preserves and enhances the quality of life for our citizens. (Council Goals 1 and 7)

Completed 2006 sewer replacement program installing about 12,000 linear feet of pipe of multiple diameters. Opened bids for 2007 replacement program on December 21, 2007. Replaced water main on W. Champion Street between Grand Avenue and Holly Street.

36) Complete first phase renovation of the Federal Building utilizing $2.61 Million of federal funds received for that purpose. (Council Goal 6)

Completed final plans and specifications. Project to be advertised for bids in early 2008.

37) Complete design and right-of-way acquisition for Phase II of the Sunset Drive project. (Council Goals 1 and 7)

Right of Way acquisition is 75% complete. Design is 90% complete.

38) Create and implement a communication plan for Public Works capital projects to engage neighborhood input and participation on upcoming projects. (Council Goal 9)

Completed.

39) Implement two traffic calming projects that improve safety of neighborhoods while maintaining City-wide circulation of vehicular traffic. (Council Goal 5 and 7)

Speed humps installed on Lakeside from Electric to City limits. li>
TrTraffic circle installed at intersection of West Street and North Street.

Development Administration

40) Identify and pursue grant and loan opportunities for priority City projects. (Council Goal 1)

Grants applied for:
- Northwest Phase II – TIB - $2,000,000
- James Street – TIB - $2,000,000
Grants received:
- Northshore Sidewalks - $175,000
- Northwest Phase I - $302,000 Fraser Street - $888,560
- Shuksan/Birchwood Safe School Routes - $780,600

41) Continue to refine the Permit Center to streamline and coordinate the permitting process by close interaction with Permit Center staff. (Council Goal 1)

Public Works has been actively working with Planning, Building Services and Fire to evaluate permitting processes in the permit center and identify options to streamline the process. Recent efforts have involved pursuing the approach of Project Management which is being led by the Planning Department.

Transportation

42) Provide annual update for the Transportation Impact Fee schedule and the 6-Year Transportation Improvement Plan. (Council Goal 7)

Completed. View at http://www.cob.org/services/neighborhoods/communityplanning/ transportation/index.aspx

43) Explore, prioritize, construct, and encourage transportation alternatives throughout the City including bike lanes, sidewalks, trails, safe school routes, and Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) facilities through ongoing coordination with WTA, Bellingham School District, Bellingham Parks and advisory commissions as well as coordination of public and private development projects. (Council Goal 7)

Ongoing through the six year transportation improvement program.

44) Implement and monitor the City concurrency policies and programs in support of Council-approved growth scenarios by individual project review, and provide annual report to Council. (Council Goal 7)

Annual report provided to Council. Analysis of Concurrency program launched, to be completed in 2008. View at above (item #42) website.

Water and Sewer Utilities

45) Develop implementation plan for recommendations contained in the updated Water Comprehensive Plan. (Council Goals 1 and 2)

Water Comprehensive Plan approved by Council. Corrections requested by the Department of Ecology are being addressed. To be completed in 2008.

46) Complete the Wastewater Comprehensive Plan and begin development of implementation plan. (Council Goal 1)

Wastewater Comprehensive Plan approved by Council.

Storm and Surface Water Utility Services

Stormwater Engineering

47) Using the updated Stormwater Master Plan, develop a 6-year and 20-year implementation plan for capital projects (50% complete in 2007). (Council Goal 1)

The Stormwater Master Plan is still undergoing final draft review. It is anticipated to be complete in January 2008. The Lake Whatcom chapter was previously brought before Council to be incorporated for final acceptance by Council.

48) Create and submit a compliance schedule for the Municipal Stormwater National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit (subject to Department of Ecology permit issuance). (Council Goal 1)

Compliance schedule was provided by DOE. Compliance submission is through annual reporting process in March. Objective was written prior to seeing the NPDES Phase II Municipal permit.

Project Development

49) Retrofit two stormwater outfalls in the Lake Whatcom Watershed to treat existing developed areas. (Council Goal 1)

In 2007, four systems were retrofitted. North Street on the east side of the lake was reconstructed with water quality swales. E. Oregon, which drains into Silver Beach Creek, was retrofitted with swales and a dispersion system. Hayward Drive was retrofitted with the first Filterra stormwater system in the State of Washington, which is designed to capture phosphorus. The reconstruction of Pullman Street was retrofitted with an alumina sand filter. This filter media has been used at Lake Tahoe as a phosphorus reduction measure. Our laboratory field tested different mixtures to determine a mix for this area.

50) Report on water quality conditions of 20% of the stormwater outfalls within the City. (Council Goals 1 and 2)

Completed review of outfalls for Whatcom Creek and tributaries.

Development Review and Inspection

51) Complete maintenance inspections on 20% of all private stormwater facilities within the City. (Council Goal 1)

Not completed. Not a requirement of NPDES as yet. There is a staffing shortfall to accomplish this task.

Stormwater Education

52) Provide one workshop for developers and engineers regarding stormwater regulations. (Council Goal 9)

Spoke on City Regulations at workshop by Contech Stormwater to developers and engineers. 53. Provide public education on at least four stormwater topics. (Council Goal 9) Completed by Public Works Education group.

Environmental Services

Policy

54) Implement the 2007 Lake Whatcom Reservoir Management Program. (Council Goals 1 and 2)

Ongoing with development of 2008 Work Plan. For copies of Lake Whatcom Management Program documents, visit the Lake Whatcom website at www.lakewhatcom.wsu.edu/

55) Conduct watershed properties land management and restoration activities on 10% of the properties. (Council Goal 2)

Basic management plans are developed for all acquisition program properties. Additional management activities have been conducted on 65% to 70% of the properties. Restoration projects have been accomplished or are nearing completion on property within the Lookout Mountain and Agate Bay Preserves as well as on the Davis property.

56) Implement Climate Protection Phase I report. Develop Phase II report. (Council Goal 1)

The Climate Action Plan was completed and adopted by Council on May 7, 2007. For more information visit www.cob.org/services/environment/climate/index.aspx Implementation of Phase II is proceeding.

57) Complete and implement Middle Fork Instream Flow negotiated agreement. (Council Goal 1)

Continuing to develop negotiation position.

58) Complete permitting and design phase, and begin reconstruction of the Nooksack Diversion Dam that continues supply of drinking water and provides safe fish passage (complete in 2008). (Council Goals 1 and 2)

Exploring optional site to reduce costs of project.

Education

59) Provide community outreach programs in the Lake Whatcom Watershed, with focus on Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) response planning, stormwater retrofit programs, and land stewardship. (Council Goal 9)

Worked closely with Silver Beach Neighborhood Association to develop and deliver stewardship programs to Watershed residents. Participated in development of the Stewards of the Lake publication. Worked closely with Stormwater staff to launch the residential retrofit project. Continuing to include TMDL messages in outreach material.

60) Produce 2007 Drinking Water Consumer Confidence Report. (Council Goal 9)

The 2006 Drinking Water Consumer Confidence Report produced in 2007 is available on line: www.cob.org/documents/pw/lw/water-brochure.pdf The 2007 report is produced in 2008 and will be posted when completed.

61) Provide public involvement and education support for Middle Fork instream flow negotiations, the Middle Fork Passage and Water Withdrawal Project, and the Middle Fork Habitat Conservation Plan. (Council Goal 9)

On hold.

Restoration

62) Implement urban stream restoration elements of the 2005 Centennial grant. (Council Goal 2)

Progress at Squalicum Fields restoration project during 2007 was final site investigation and project feasibility planning with the Parks Department.

63) Implement Whatcom Creek Restoration Settlement restoration, monitoring and maintenance projects. (Council Goal 2)

Completed monitoring plan revisions and implemented year one of the monitoring plan. Maintenance of projects is ongoing.

64) Implement year one of the 6-year restoration project plan. (Council Goal 2)

This began with the construction of the Post Point Lagoon project.

65) Identify and develop two habitat restoration projects in Bellingham Bay through the Bellingham Bay Action Team. (Council Goal 2)

This task is underway, working with the Whatcom Marine Resources Committee on site selection and project scopes of work for two projects in Chuckanut Bay. Also continuing to support development of a project at the mouth of Squalicum Creek with the Port of Bellingham and a current flow model with members of the Bellingham Bay Action Team.

Watershed Acquisition and Property Management Services

Lake Whatcom Land Acquisition

66) Identify, prioritize, and purchase watershed properties utilizing at least 80% of the available budget. (Council Goal 2)

Watershed properties have been purchased to the near the maximum amount of available budget (96% of budget has been used).

Additional Accomplishment

Commercial Leasing is currently at a 100% occupancy rate.