City Council
MEETING DATE: 6/26/2017
TITLE:
Title
Public Hearing and Formation of Underground Utility District 2017-01
End
FROM:
John A. Corella, P.E. - City Engineer
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends the City Council conduct a Public Hearing; receive public comments; and approve the formation of Underground Utility District 2017-01.
Body
BACKGROUND:
In 2009, the City entered into 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.
Due to the 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 using SCE established Rule 20A Tariff funds and establishing Underground Utility District 2017-1(UUD 2017-1).
DISCUSSION:
In order for UUD 2017-1 to meet the criteria for Rule 20A Tariff funds the Project must meet at least one of the following conditions: The Project is within an area of heavy concentration of overhead fac...
Click here for full text