City Council
MEETING DATE: 5/24/2017
TITLE:
Title
Formation of Underground Utility District 2017-01 and Setting of the Public Hearing Date.
End
FROM:
John A. Corella, P.E. - City Engineer
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends the City Council declare its intention to establish the formation of Underground Utility District 2017-01 and schedule a Public Hearing in the Council Chambers on June 14, 2017.
Body
BACKGROUND:
In 2009, the City entered an agreement to partner with the City of Palm Springs to widen the Ramon Road corridor from San Luis Rey Drive east to Candlewood Drive. The proposed improvements include widening the corridor from four lanes to six lanes, including widening the bridge over the Whitewater River. In addition, the Project will enhance pedestrian safety with new sidewalks along the north side of the road and a new multipurpose trail along the south side of the road.
Along the north side of Ramon Road between Crossley Road and San Luis Rey Drive, Southern California Edison (SCE) owns and maintains an overhead electric distribution line. Secondary to SCE, Spectrum owns and maintains an overhead cable distribution line hung on the same poles.
As a result of the proposed Ramon Road and Bridge Widening Project these overhead lines and respective poles will need to be relocated or undergrounded. Staff reviewed the cost of undergrounding vs. relocating and determined that undergrounding these lines in conjunction with the Project work is the most cost effective for the results. This will greatly improve the safety and appearance of Ramon Road in this area. Thus, Staff is recommending undergrounding the existing overhead utilities and removing the associated poles.
DISCUSSION:
Chapter 14.28 of the Cathedral City Municipal Code, establishes the procedures for the creation of underground utility districts. This Chapter includes a provision that the City Council call a Public Hearing to hear public testimony and a...
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