HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-09-10 - AGENDA REPORTS - SOLEDAD UNDERGROUND UTILITY (4)CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
PUBLIC HEARING City Manager Approva
Item to be presented by: Christopher Price
DATE: September 10, 2002
SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF ENGINEER'S REPORT AND CONFIRMING
CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT(S) FOR THE FORMATION OF
SOLEDAD CANYON ROAD UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT
NO. 3 (2002-01) — PROJECT NO. 54001
DEPARTMENT: Transportation & Engineering Services
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council conduct a public hearing and adopt a resolution to approve the
Engineer's Report and confirming contractual agreements for the formation of
Soledad Canyon Road Underground Utility District No. 3 (2002-01).
BACKGROUND
The City desires to underground all existing overhead utilities along Soledad Canyon Road
from Camp Plenty Road east to Sierra Highway. Currently, the majority of commercial and
residential services are already provided underground. What remains are the main
transmission lines along either side of Soledad Canyon Road within City rights-of-way, in
addition to a small number of existing commercial services.
In discussions with Southern California Edison (Edison), project estimates indicate that
sufficient Rule 20A funds to complete the undergrounding are available. Based on the final
design and construction bids received by Edison, there is a potential need for a modest future
contribution of City funds. However, before Edison will begin the engineering design, the City
must initiate and establish an underground utility district covering the area. This District
will reinforce the current City ordinance by preventing other utilities from constructing
overhead lines in the future.
Originally, the District was numbered as 2002-01. However, to match the City's Municipal
Code, the District has been renumbered as District No. 3 as reflected in the attached
resolution.
On June 25, 2002, the City initiated procedures calling for an Engineer's Report on the
formation of the District and called for a public hearing on the Engineer's Report. The City
Council also directed staff to prepare and execute contractual agreements with all property
owners, requiring their current utility service connection to be converted to underground
service.
Agenda Item :�Q
SOLEDAD CANYON ROAD UNDERGROUND
UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 3 (2002-01)
September 10, 2002 — Page 2
At this time, Edison will perform all work necessary for the individual conversions to private
businesses and residences through the use of the Rule 20A funds. This will require no
additional funds from the individual owners for the conversion work. All other services, such
as telephone and cable television, are handled by the respective utility companies at their
own expense. It is anticipated that the undergrounding of the utilities can commence, after
design and approvals by the Public Utilities Commission, within two years. Edison
anticipates a design time of eight months to one year, with a construction timeline of one year
to one and one-half years.
Establishment of this District will encumber the City's current balance of Rule 20A funds,
as well as its entitlement through the year 2006.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS
1. Do not approve the Engineer's Report for the District formation.
2. Other action as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City currently has a balance of $1,757,551.00 in the Rule 20A fund. There is a current
deficit of approximately $1.1 million, and Edison has informed staff that the City may take
an advance on its yearly allocation of Rule 20A funds up to three years to cover the
shortfall. In Fiscal Year 2003/04, the City will need to budget approximately $100,000.00,
currently unidentified, to cover some of the necessary streetlight conversions and possible
conversions at property owner meter locations. The total cost of the project is estimated to
be $2.85 million.
ATTACHMENTS
Resolution Approving the Engineer's Report
Exhibit "A!'— Location Map
Engineer's Report/Contractual Agreement (available in the City Clerk's reading file)
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CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN:
A Public Hearing will be held before the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita in the City
Hall Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Blvd., 1" Floor, Santa Clarita, California, on the 10"
day of September, 2002, at or after 6:00 p.m. to consider utility line undergrounding and
removal of poles along Soledad Canyon Road from Camp Plenty to Sierra Highway, in the City
of Santa Clarita, CA. The City has agreed in concept to underground these utilities at no cost
to the property owners. This will be a substantial improvement to the area.
Proponents, opponents, and any interested persons may appear and be heard on this matter
at that time. Further information may be obtained by contacting the Transportation and
Engineering Department, Santa Clarita City Hall, 23920 Valencia Blvd., Third Floor, Santa
Clarita, CA. 91355, (661) 286-4139 - Juan Ramirez, Project Development Coordinator.
If you wish to challenge this action in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you
or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written
correspondence delivered to the City Council, at, or prior to, the public hearing.
Dated: July 23, 2002
Sharon L. Dawson, CMC
City Clerk
Publish Date: July 27, 2002
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