402 Tacoma 1019 Pacific Avenue, Avenue S., Suite Suite 1216 200 PO Box 1303, TACOMA, WA TACOMA, 98402 WA 98401 PHONE (253) 627-4853 FAX (253) 627-2253
TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2014
Vol. CXXIII, No. 82
OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE CITY OF TACOMA Devoted to the Courts, Real Estate, Finance, Industrial Activities, and Publication of Legal Notices
Published Published Since Since 1890 1890
Tacoma Totem Pole 2 contractors emerge in stabilization project re-bid
Posted online Mon., April 28 By Todd Matthews, Editor Two contractors have submitted bids to stabilize the 110-year-old historic Tacoma Totem Pole in Fireman's Park in downtown Tacoma. The $50,000 project was originally put out for bid in late-February, and one contractor responded before the deadline expired on March 31: MVG, LLC (Maple Valley, Wash.)—$63,100. Earlier this month, however, the City put the project back out for bid, and two contractors submitted bids before the deadline expired on April 16: T. Miller Construction (Auburn, Wash.)—$58,500; and MVG, LLC (Maple Valley, Wash.)—$63,100. The pole, which stands 82-feet-six-inches tall, was carved by Alaskan Indians on Vashon Island and installed in Tacoma in 1903. According to Metro Parks Tacoma, it stood for decades near South 10th and A Streets, but was moved to Fireman's Park, located at South 9th and A Streets, in 1953. The pole includes carved images of an eagle, killer whale, raven, grizzly bear, and wolf. It was designated an historic landmark in 1975 and is now part of the city's collection of public art. Last year, City of Tacoma engineers raised safety concerns over the structural integrity of the totem pole after two engineers with PCS Structural Solutions, a firm contracted by the City of Tacoma, found enough "soft wet deteriorated wood" and "significant deterioration" that the pole's seismic stability has been compromised by at least 50 per cent. As a result, Tacoma's public works director ordered the totem pole be stabilized immediately and the surrounding park area to be fenced off. "This is a historic structure and the work is extremely sensitive," wrote City of Tacoma staff in bid documents prepared for the project. "Caution will be required to avoid damaging the pole while trying to install bracing and a steel pole behind the existing Totem Pole. The pole is compromised due to natural aging, wet conditions, and past infestations of carpenter ants. The pole was treated and there are currently no carpenter ants believed to be present. The pole has significant void spaces and wood rot in at least the first 15' (ground up). Additional void space and wood rot may be present at higher elevations as well. The work preformed should be by an experienced crane operator with maximum protection provided."
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Prairie Line Trail
Tacoma, BNSF reach agreement
Posted online Mon., April 28 Image Courtesy City of Tacoma The City of Tacoma and BNSF Railway officials announced Monday they have reached right-of-way agreements on two transportation corridors in Tacoma. The first set of agreements involves the Prairie Line railroad right-of-way, which traverses downtown Tacoma between approximately South 15th and South 26th streets. The City and the University of Washington Tacoma envision a Prairie Line Trail that serves as a non-motorized path connecting Dock Street and Thea Foss Waterway with the University of Washington Tacoma and downtown amenities. There will also be a future opportunity to connect to the Water Ditch Trail along South Tacoma Way. Under the Prairie Line agreement, BNSF will donate to the City a strip of property—generally 20 feet wide—between South 15th Street and South 26th Street. There will be a right of way 80 feet wide between South 23rd Street and South 25th Street and at street intersections. The City will in the future permanently close the crossing of BNSF's right of way on A Street, East 22nd Street and Dock Street, while BNSF authorizes the expansion of an existing bridge structure at South 15th Street and the construction of a future pedestrian overpass in a mutually agreed upon location between A Street and East D Street. BNSF will also explore potential future exchanges of its remnant properties for City streetscapes and other park-like amenities in the vicinity of South 17th Street, Hood Street, and Pacific Avenue. BNSF has obtained final approval from the U.S. Surface Transportation Board to cease rail operations, and abandon and convey the Prairie Line property. "We are really excited about this next step in the Prairie Line Trail," said University of Washington Tacoma Finance and Administration Vice Chancellor Harlan Patterson. "With the university and the City both moving forward on developing the trail, the project will quickly have a transformative impact downtown." The second set of agreements involves the future North Access Road, which will connect South Tacoma over 1.83 acres of City-owned land located south of South 35th Street and east of Windom Avenue abutting Tacoma Public Utilities' Water Operations Center to approximately 157 acres of developable property that BNSF owns. Under the agreement, BNSF will build the North Access Road within eight years (plus one additional
year if proper notice is provided to the City) and donate approximately 5.94 acres of land to the City for Tacoma Water's use once the road is built. A letter of understanding between General Government and Tacoma Public Utilities at the City indicates that Tacoma Water would receive $398,575 from the City's Public Works Department as compensation for use of the strip of property where the road is built should BNSF not donate the 5.94 acres of land to the City. Tacoma Public Utilities would also receive an amount equal to $8,000 per year (less revenues received) from General Government while the road is being built. "The North Access Road project is a win for both the City and BNSF," said Tacoma City Councilmember Joe Lonergan. "The lack of access to this large manufacturing and industrial use center has limited interest and even halted plans for this property. This creative solution eliminates those obstacles to progress and should allow us to successfully attract quality employers to this South Tacoma location, providing more local job options for the people of Tacoma." "BNSF is pleased to work with the City of Tacoma to help facilitate economic growth and enhance public access to the waterfront," said BNSF Northwest Division General Manager Daryl Ness. "Washington is one of the most trade-dependent states in the nation, and projects like this will not only help Tacoma’s economy, but the state's as well." "These agreements will enhance Tacoma's economic growth and set the stage to complete one of the most unique public amenities in the region," added Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland.