HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-09-26-minutes-public-works-study-sessionKITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Public Works Study Session
Regular Meeting
Monday September 26, 2022 - 1:30 PM
Commissioners' Auditorium
205 West 5th Room 109 - Ellensburg
1. Call to Order
2. Citizen Comments (1 min. time limit)
3. Flood Control Zone District Flood Mapping Services
4. Upper County Road Maintenance Shop Air Leakage Assessment
5. Other business
6. Concluded
Created on 9/23/2022 8:22:33 AM
KITTITAS COUNTY
PUBLIC WORKS STUDY SESSION MINUTES
In -Person and Webex
Regular Meeting
MONDAY 1:30 PM September 26, 2022
Board Members Present: Chairman Laura Osiadacz, Vice -Chairman Cory
Wright, and Commissioner Brett Wachsmith.
Others: Darren Case, Josh Fredrickson, Rebecca Cruse, Arden Thomas,
Samantha Cox, Candie Leader, Public Works
At 1:30 pm Chairman Laura Osiadacz opened the Public Works Study
Session.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
No Comments
FLOOD CONTROL ZONE DISTRICT FLOOD MAPPING SERVICES
Arden Thomas, Water Resource Program Manager, briefed the Board of
County Commissioners on Kittitas County's participation in the
Community Rating System (CRS). Arden Thomas stated that participation
provides County residents a 20% discount on flood insurance rates and
the program requires that District staff provide mapping services to
residents. The Board of County Commissioners supports the press release
as presented.
UPPER COUNTY ROAD MAINTENANCE SHOP AIR LEAKAGE ASSESSMENT
Darren Case requested the Board of County Commissioners support to
submit a request for qualification to repair the air leakages in the
newly built Upper County Road Maintenance Shop. Discussion pursued. The
Board of County Commissioners supports staff soliciting for
qualifications.
Meeting concluded at 1:37 pm.
NAgmu CAS
Rebecca Cruse
Administrative Assistant
2022-9-26 Minutes
KITTITAS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Laura Osiadacz, Chairman
KITTITAS COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
PUBLIC WORKS — BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
STUDY SESSION STAFF REPORT
STUDY SESSION DATE: September 26, 2022
TOPIC: Flood Control Zone District Flood Mapping Services
ACTION REQUESTED: Support Issuing a Press Release Noticing of Availability
of Flood Map Services
LEAD STAFF:
Arden Thomas
RECOMMENDATION:
Support issuance of a press release noticing Kittitas County residents of availability of
flood map services.
BRIEFING SUMMARY:
• The Kittitas County Flood Control Zone District provides flood risk information
for properties located within Kittitas County. This service is provided upon
request for no charge.
• The primary source of flood risk information is from the Federal Emergency
Management Agency flood risk maps. If we have additional information about
flood risk for a parcel, we also share it.
• Kittitas County participates in the Community Rating System (CRS), a voluntary
program that discounts flood insurance based on credits earned for voluntary
actions. Kittitas County earns CRS credit for providing this flood map
information services and promoting its availability annually.
• If other jurisdictions within Kittitas County chose to participate in CRS, they
could also earn credit for the mapping service Kittitas County provides.
BACKGROUND:
Under the CRS, flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reward community
actions encourage a comprehensive approach to floodplain management.
One voluntary action that Kittitas County takes is to provide flood risk information for
properties located with Kittitas County. This service is provided upon request at no cost.
Types of information we provide include whether a property is located within a FEMA
identified special flood hazard area and, if available, information about flood depth and
flood elevations. The primary source of information we provide is the information we
obtain from FEMA, but if we have additional information, we provide this as well.
Page 1 of 3
PUBLIC WORKS BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSION STAFF REPORT
DISCUSSION:
One source of additional information is Flood Control Zone District led studies before the
results are incorporated into FEMA maps.
Kittitas County Flood Control Zone District staff provides flood map information for
properties in both incorporated and unincorporated Kittitas County. Should one of the
incorporated cities or town elect to join the Community Rating System, a voluntary
program that discounts flood insurance, that community would get credit for the service
we provide.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
Staff time is necessary provide flood mapping services is budgeted annually in the Flood
Control Zone District work program.
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit 1: Press Release
Page 2 of 3
PUBLIC WORKS BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSION STAFF REPORT
EXHIBIT 1: PRESS RELEASE
Page 3 of 3
PUBLIC WORKS BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSION STAFF REPORT
PRESS RELEASE
Date: September 26, 2022
Contact: Arden Thomas, Water Resources Program Manager, 509-962-7690
Flood Risk Map Information Available to County Residents
The Kittitas County Flood Control Zone District provides flood risk information for properties
located within Kittitas County. This service is provided upon request for no charge. We are
available to provide this information to all requestors, for properties both in unincorporated
Kittitas County and within cities and town.
The primary source of flood risk information is from the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA). FEMA flood maps identify Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA). Local
jurisdictions have special requirements for development within SFHAs. SFHAs are also used for
mandatory flood insurance requirements, which are lender requirements.
Our notice of availability, which provides additional information about the mapping information
services we provide is available online at:
httls://www co.kittitas.wa us/uploads/documents/public-works/flood/documents/2020-
services -notification. ndf.
For more information, please contact Kittitas County Public Works Floodplain Manager Ms.
Arden Thomas at 509-962-7523.
494
KITTITAS COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
PUBLIC WORKS — BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
STUDY SESSION STAFF REPORT
STUDY SESSION DATE: September 26, 2022
TOPIC: Upper County Road Maintenance Shop Air Leakage Assessment
ACTION REQUESTED: Direct Staff
LEAD STAFF:
Mark R. Cook and Darren Case.
RECOMMENDATION:
Authorize a request for qualifications repairing air leakage at the Upper County Road
Maintenance Shop.
BRIEFING SUMMARY:
• At the end of 2021, Public Works (PW) settled construction claims with Blews
Construction at the Upper County Road Maintenance Shop.
• The settlement avoided an anticipated costly lawsuit.
• Public Works settled the construction claim knowing significant deficiencies in
building construction were likely to manifest during startup operations.
• In June 2022, PW conducted an air leakage assessment at the new shop facility.
• PW desires hiring a qualified architectural firm to manage building repairs.
BACKGROUND:
PW settled with Blews Construction avoiding a lawsuit late in 2021. During the winter,
significant problems manifested themselves with the Heating Ventilating and Cooling
(HVAC) system. In June 2022, I directed Construction Manager Case to hire a specialty
firm to evaluate the metal skin building defining the extent of the air leakage problem.
The evaluation is complete, and we now need to implement repairs.
DISCUSSION:
PW knew we were likely facing significant post construction repairs to the newly
constructed Upper County Maintenance Shop when we settled our lawsuit with Blews
Construction late 2021. The extent of necessary repairs is consistent with our suspicions
of poor metal building construction allowing significant air leakage in the building. PW
does not possess the experience or expertise to attract repair consultants or to manage
building repairs. PW desires hiring an architectural firm with metal skin building
experience to manage the repair project for us. Once the architectural firm is in place, a
separate solicitation to qualified contractors will be issued.
PW will begin working with the Prosecuting Attomey's Office in October developing an
Ordinance enabling the Board to place qualifying contractors on a "Not eligible to bid"
Page 1 of 3
Public Works "Work Session Staff Report", 2022
list. Staff has gathered a similar ordinance from King County and anticipates having a
draft for Board consideration in mid-November 2022.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
The required building repairs, and associated improvements to the HVAC system
including architectural oversight, will likely run into the $500,000 - $750,000 range.
ATTACHMENTS:
EXHIBIT 1: NEXUS AIR LEAKAGE ASSESSMENT JUNE 2022
Page 2 of 3
Public Works "Work Session Staff Report", 2022
EXHIBIT 1: NEXUS AIR LEAKAGE ASSESSMENT JUNE 2022
Page 3 of 3
Public Works "Work Session Staff Report", 2022
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FIELD REPORT 01 - AIR LEAKAGE ASSESSMENT
Project: Kittitas County Maintenance Assessment
Address: State Route 903 at No. 5 Mine Road, Cie Elum, WA
Client: Kittitas County Public Works
Date: June 10, 2022
Weather: Partly Cloudy
Report Prepared By: Michael Drexler
Report Reviewed By: Todd Wolf
Present During Inspection:
Michael Drexler NEXUS
Jonathan Rowan NEXUS
Jared Jacobs NEXUS
OVERVIEW
747 ramCeU Ave. Swtc C
Tacmna. WA -6402
1253! 025-1090 Olfce
Report No: 01
NEXUS Project No: 22069NX
Time: 09:45 - 12:30
Temp. Range: 60°F - 680F
Purpose:
Perform a post -construction assessment of Kittitas County Public Works Maintenance Building A
(Administration/Shop) for voids in the air/water barrier using blower door fans, infrared (IR)
thermographic imaging, and theatrical smoke.
Reference Documents:
• LNS Mechanical Field Test Report - Dated January 28, 2022
• Revised Bid Set Drawings - Dated 09/12/2018
• Neudorfer TAB Report - Certification Dated May 4, 2021
Background
The Kittitas County Public Works (KCPW) Department had a new maintenance pre -fabricated metal
shop and administration facility constructed within the last couple of years and since its completion
have been experiencing poor thermal performance. The building is in an area of strong to severe
winter weather and occupants have complained of difficulty maintaining consistent interior
temperatures and drafts within the building. KCPW engaged Nexus to assist in determining whether
the air barrier had been properly installed and was functioning properly, as well as provide
recommendations on how best to deal with the current air infiltration.
Kittitas County - Maintenance Building Page 1 of 19
OBSERVATIONS & DISCUSSIONS
T47 Famcetl Avc, Suite C
Tacoma WA 90402
(253) 625-TO90 Ot0[e
Image 01:
Overview of Building A or the Administration/Shop Building.
Image 02:
The building is clad with vertical metal siding around the shop area and offices (Arrow 1). A horizontal metal
siding is present around the administration area In a wainscot application (Arrow 2).
Kittitas County - Maintenance Building Page 2 of 19
NYS
747 farvc el l Ave Suite C
wa 9840
11531 G25-1090 Office
1.01 - AIR LEAKAGE TESTING AND INFRARED (IR)
In order to determine where air leakage is occurring, two (2) blower door fans were setup in the main
entrance to the administration offices. Each blower door fan can produce up to 8,000 cfm. The fans
are used to pressurize and depressurize the building, and then using IR and theatrical smoke identify
air leaks. This test was not used to determine a leakage rate and was only used for diagnostic
purposes. During testing three (3) primary locations were found to have substantial air leakage
occurring. First is the concrete slab to wall connection, second is roof to wall connections, and the
third is penetrations through the exterior walls. In section 1.02 the specific causes of air infiltration will
be discussed.
Note:
Interior images are taken while the building is under de -pressurization with warmer (brighter) areas indicating
potential pathways of air infiltration, thermal bridging, etc. Infrared (IR) thermographic images are shown on the
left side of the page with the corresponding visible light image of the same area to the right.
Image 03:
Overview of the blower door fan setup in the main
entrance doorway.
Image 04:
Overview of the control center for the blower door
fans.
Kittitas County - Maintenance Building Page 3 of 19
6)
NS
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Ll
Image 05: Image 06:
A large volume of air was observed entering at the Visible light image of IR to left.
building northeast corner from an access hatch.
The yellow (bright) is air entering from the exterior
during de -pressurization.
Image 07:
Using theatrical smoke air infiltration was
observed entering at structural columns. The
arrow shows the direction of the smoke observed.
747 Fawcett Ave, Suite C
iaccma, WA 90402
12531 624090 Office
Image 08:
At the hatch shown in Image 05, air was entering
quickly as shown with theatrical smoke.
Kittitas County - Maintenance Building Page 4 of 19
Image 09:
Air movement was felt from both the bottom of
column and from above the hatch as well.
Image 11:
IR image of the ceiling where air infiltration was
observed at holes, penetrations and unsealed
seams.
747 Fannon Ave SuM- �
Tacema, W�19&-0Oi
125 31 62 5-1690 Office
Image 10:
Air infiltration was observed at electrical outlets.
t t t t
Image 12:
Visible light image of the same area shown in
Image 11.
Kittitas County - Maintenance Building Page 5 of 19
N 6WS
747 F.I%vcoti Ave. Suite
Tacoma. WA 98402
(253i 525-'i 090 Ottice
Image 13:
Showing air infiltration at the brace connection.
Image 14:
Visible light image of IR to left.
Image 15:
Multiple locations of air infiltration with a few
specific locations indicated. This image is a roof to
wall connection at a larger roll -up door.
Image 16:
Visible light image of IR to left.
Kittitas County - Maintenance Building Page 6 of 19
747 Fawcett An, Suite C
Tamnw. WA 98402
12531 62--.090 Otflce
Image 17:
Multiple locations of air infiltration observed at the
roof to wall and seams in the roof membrane in
the attic area.
Image 18:
Visible light image of IR to left.
Image 19:
Air infiltration observed at HVAC penetration.
Image 20:
Visible light image of IR to left.
Kittitas County - Maintenance Building Page 7 of 19
NNS
T47 FAwcct, Ao , Satic C
Tamm.. WA 98407
!2 5 31 &25-'.090 OBice
Image 21:
At the interior of the boot wash, air infiltration was
lleavy'through the access hatch.
Image 22:
From the exterior theatrical smoke was observed
entering the building from the exterior of the boot
wash between the concrete and metal framing.
Image 23:
Air infiltration present at base of wall due to
unsealed air/vapor barrier.
Image 24:
Air infiltration was observed between framing and
air/vapor barrier throughout the attic area.
Kittitas County - Maintenance Building Page 8 of 19
N'YS
,
1.02 - AIR LEAKAGE CAUSES
The air leakage throughout the building at all three primary leak locations is occurring due to improper
application and sealing of the air/vapor barrier scrim to the concrete or metal structure. The air/air/
vapor barrier system is also not properly sealed to penetrations through the exterior walls such as
ducts/louvers, electrical penetrations, and plumbing penetrations. The lack of proper termination of
the air/vapor barrier material to the concrete slab or the metal framing components is allowing bulk air
to pass through the structure. This is especially problematic during the winter when the warm moist
air meets the cold air from outside and condenses leaving liquid water to form and cause
deterioration of the structure. The images shown below outline examples of locations where the white
air/vapor barrier membrane is not attached/sealed to the concrete slabs, metal framing, roof to walls,
and penetrations. It could not be determined, without destructive testing, if the insulation is applied on
the exterior side of the metal columns; if the insulation is not continuous around the metal columns
the condensation risk is 'highly elevated'. If the insulation and air/vapor barrier scrim are not properly
surrounding the metal structure, condensation will occur rapidly and cause accelerated deterioration
of the building.
Recommendations:
All repairs recommended below should be performed in accordance with the manufacturer's
installation instructions and with materials by the original manufacturer wherever possible.
• Remove metal panels at base of wall as need to properly seal the air/vapor barrier to the
concrete (wainscot horizontal panels). While the panels are off, inspect insulation to ensure
the proper thickness is present and it is continuous. Note: in the shop area, the scrim can
be accessed from the interior to seal to the concrete.
• Remove metal panels as needed from all vertical structural columns in the administration
area to allow access to seal the air/vapor barrier and add insulation as needed.
• At the shop area, the air/vapor barrier scrim is visible from the interior and can likely be
sealed/repaired without panel removal.
• At the roof to wall connections, seal all air/vapor barrier materials to eliminate all voids and
holes.
• In attic area, Install new sheets of airtvapor barrier to replace `taped' sections. Seal all
seams and transitions. Note: this issue was listed in the LNS Engineering report; however,
was not properly repaired.
• In all locations that are opened for repair, inspect the insulation to ensure that no voids are
present.
• In all locations that are opened for repair, inspect air/vapor barrier scrim for holes or
damage and seal per manufacturer's installation instructions.
• Once all repairs are complete re -install the metal panels. Panels are to be re -sealed at
seams with manufacturer required sealant and new gasketed screws.
Kittitas County - Maintenance Building Page 9 of 19
947 Fawcett Ave. Suue C
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) G25-1090 OBke
Image 25:
Evidence of air infiltration was observed at all
metal columns throughout the building.
Image 27:
Insulation is not present on the interior of the
metal column, but could not be confirmed if
insulation was applied to the exterior.
Image 26:
Images 27 - 30 are taken within the access hatch
at the northeast corner of the building.
Image 28:
The air/vapor barrier was observed unsealed at
the side of the column.
Kittitas County - Maintenance Building Page 10 of 19
N 6WS
747 Fawcett Ave, Suite [
7amma. WA 40402
1253! G25-(090 Otflce
Image 29:
The air/vapor barrier was cut and missing around
the plumbing penetration.
Image 30:
Looking up the column the air/vapor barrier was
found to not be sealed to the column.
Image 31:
Images 32 - 34 are taken at the exterior wall of
the locker room just inside the boot wash station.
Image 32:
A `large volume' of air was observed entering at
the plumbing access hatch using theatrical smoke.
Kittitas County - Maintenance Building Page 11 of 19
747 Farocml Av1, 5m1c C
Ta roma, V;A 98402
(253) 625-T990 OtOce
Image 33:
There was no air/vapor barrier present at the
hatch location and the insulation is `overstuffed'
making it ineffective.
Image 35:
Overview of the attic area along the north
elevation. Images 36 - 43 were taken within this
area.
Image 34:
Air/vapor barrier is nowhere within the visible area
of the access hatch as far as can be seen.
�I 1
Image 36:
Air/vapor barrier was observed improperly taped
with generic masking tape instead of the air/vapor
barrier tape used elsewhere (arrow 1). The
majority of the air/vapor barrier was left untaped
allowing air infiltration (arrow 2).
Kittitas County - Maintenance Building Page 12 of 19
N WS
A y
Image 3T
View of unsealed air/vapor barrier at the metal
columns.
Image 39:
Another example of air/vapor barrier unsealed
leaving insulation visible and allowing air
infiltration.
947 F.lflCOtt AM SUIW C
Ticumr, WA 40402
1253; 625-TD90 Office
Image 38:
Air/vapor barrier unsealed at metal columns.
-70!
Image 40:
Large sections of missing air/vapor barrier were
`taped' with generic masking tape that is not
approved for air/vapor barrier sealing.
Kittitas County - Maintenance Building Page 13 of 19
NiS
Image 41:
Large sections of of the air/vapor barrier were
taped; however, holes are present.
Image 43:
Air/vapor barrier was `stuffed'to the side of a
metal column instead of taping to the metal
column as required.
747 Faacetl Ave Suitc C
bcmna. VOA 98407
Q531 625-7.090 Office
Image 42:
Air infiltration observed through all of the unsealed
air/vapor barrier or areas of missing air/vapor
barrier.
Image 44:
Air/vapor barrier is not sealed to the concrete wall
leaving a void for air infiltration.
Kittitas County - Maintenance Building Page 14 of 19
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Image 45:
Water was observed pooling around the metal
columns which will result in corrosion of the metal
over time.
Image 46:
Overview of roof penetration. See Image 47 for
further information.
Image 47:
The air/vapor barrier was not taped to
penetrations through the roof.
Image 48:
Various holes or damage to the air/vapor barrier
were observed throughout the shop area.
Kittitas County - Maintenance Building Page 15 of 19
N 6 S
AF
1.03 - ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS
�4iF n Sr.rF�
In addition to the air leak investigation other items were identified throughout the investigation that are
recommended to be repaired.
A. Garage roll up doors leak where they meet the concrete structure which allows water to pass
directly under the doors to the interior. Although the roll up doors are in the shop area, the
consistent presence of water on the interior structure will cause premature deterioration over time.
See Images 49 and 50.
• Recommendation: Adjust the garage doors and add gaskets as needed to stop water
intrusion.
B. Roof penetration flashings are not properly sealed to the metal roof and gaps were observed
between the flashing and roofing which facilitates water intrusion. See Images 51 - 53.
• Recommendation: Remove all improperly sealed roof flashings. Install new penetration
flashings set in sealant and fastened in accordance with the roofing manufacturer's
installation instructions.
C. Sealant was observed to have failed in various locations around the exterior wall areas. Failed
sealant leaves voids through which water intrusion can occur. Sealants were not well installed and
does not appear to have been tooled into place resulting in premature failure. See Images 55 - 57.
• Recommendation: Remove all failed sealant on the exterior. Install new sealant to
replace existing. Use of a 100% silicone is recommended for this application. Ensure
sealant is applied to prevent 3 -sided adhesion and is tooled into place to promote
adhesion to the substrate.
D. Entry roof framing is not sealed at the metal deck level to the main building leaving a large
opening through which air infiltration and condensation to occur causing deterioration of the
structure. See Images 58 - 59.
• Recommendation: Remove roof panel along building line to access roof deck. Install
closed cell spray foam at all openings into the main building to provide insulation and
air sealing. Re -install the metal roof panels with new gasketed screws.
E. Exposed column plates at entry overhangs are rusting where they are in contact with the
concrete. The plates do not appear to be sealed in any way to prevent water intrusion. Overtime
the metal will corrode if not sealed. See Image 60.
• Recommendation: Clean concrete and metal of all loose material and install fillet bead of
sealant surrounding the plate to concrete connections to prevent water intrusion.
Kittitas County - Maintenance Building Page 16 of 19
741 Fiwcen Ave, Suite C
iamma. WA 96407
)253) 6.15-l090 Ottice
Image 49:
Garage doors do not fully seat onto the concrete
allowing water to enter the shop area. As the
water pools around the column, corrosion is likely
to occur.
Image 50:
Light visible at the top of multiple garage doors
indicating a poor seal which allows air infiltration.
Image 51:
Overview of the west elevation with penetration
indicated. See Image 52.
Image 52:
Overview of improperly sealed penetration
flashing. See Image 53 for further information.
Kittitas County - Maintenance Building Page 17 of 19
Image 53:
Penetration boot flashing is not set in sealant as
required, which leaves a void for water intrusion.
147 famcutt An, 5mla C
Tocome, WA 99402
1253! G25 -i 090 Offlre
I
T
Image 54:
No roof to wall flashing was installed and the
seam of the wall panel was peeled back.
Image 55:
Sealant at penetrations through the exterior wall
panel have failed which provides an avenue for
water intrusion.
Image 56:
Overview of sealant joint between entry overhang
and main building.
Kittitas County - Maintenance Building Page 18 of 19
N6'
S
iLi r,.' .I I n.:.r bL;lt t.
T.,,111111. WA U6407
, '. Q,40�11 C„l,r
Image 57:
Voids are present in the sealant due to improper
installation and premature failure.
:V
Image 59:
At the roof to wall line the entry metal roof voids
are not sealed and are allowing air infiltration.
Image 58:
Image 59 is taken under the flashing at the entry
overhang to main building line.
Image 60:
The metal entry columns are not sealed and water
appears to be pooling around and corroding the
metal.
END OF REPORT
Kittitas County - Maintenance Building Page 19 of 19