HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-12-06 City CouncilCity of Palo Alto
City Manager’s te.
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY MANAGER
DECEMBER 6, 2004
DEPARTMENT: UTILITIES
CMR:489:04
PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING
UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 44 - 2500 BLOCK OF
EMBARCADERO (HARBOR) ROAD IN BYXBEE PARK AND CITY-
OWNED BAYLANDS
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that Council adopt the attached Ordinance to create Underground Utility
District No. 44 and thereby amend section 12.16.020 of Chapter 12.16 of Title 12 of the Palo
Alto Municipal Code.
BACKGROUND
At its meeting of October 25, 2004, the Council passed Resolution of Intent No.8466 to establish
Underground Utility District No. 44. The Council meeting of December 6, 2004, has been set as
the date of the public hearing on the matter. Notices announcing the meeting with a description
of the project were published on November 3, 2004.
The electric utility’s undergrounding project areas are selected and recommended to SBC and
Comcast based on the age and maintainability of the existing overhead electric system. SBC and
Comcast determine whether the recommended area meets the criteria for undergrounding, based
on the guidelines established by the California Public Utility Commission (CPUC). The attached
Exhibit C shows the existing and planned underground districts. Underground Utility District
No. 44 meets both the City and CPUC’s guidelines for undergrounding overhead utility lines.
DISCUSSION
This underground project will result in the removal of nine poles all located along rear lot
easements. Completion of this project will result in higher reliability and improved aesthetics.
CMR:489:04 Page 1 of 3
This project was first budgeted in 2003 as a system improvement project because of the prop~;sed
improvements at the Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Interpretive Center Parking lot, and the
improvement of Embarcadero Road between the entrance to the duck pond area and the
Baylands Nature Center to accommodate on-road bicycle lanes. To avoid construction conflicts
with the proposed improvements in the area, the Utilities Department has completed the
substructure, (cable and equipment installation) for the new electric underground system. In
order for the telephone lines and cable TV lines to be undergrounded, CPUC requires that an
underground district be established. Adopting the ordinance creating this district will fulfill the
requirement for SBC and Comcast to underground their lines.
RESOURCE IMPACT
The total cost of the project is estimated at $200,000. The majority of the cost, about $125,000,
was used for the substructure installation required for the underground facilities. The remaining
money will be utilized for engineering design ($10,000), electric equipment & cables ($50,000),
and removal of overhead facilities ($10,000). SBC and Comcast will reimburse approximately
$44,000 to the City for the installation of telephone and CATV conduits and boxes in accordance
with the three-party agreement with the three parties. Funds for the construction and installation
of this project were budgeted in the 2003-2005 Electric Fund Capital Improvement Program.
Cost-sharing of underground utility district projects has been determined by agreement between
the City, SBC, and Comcast
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
This recommendation is consistent with the Council-approved Utilities Strategic Plan to invest in
utility infrastructure to deliver reliable service. The project furthers Program L-80 (the
continuation of City-wide undergrounding of utility wires) and L-8 l(the use of compact and
well-designed utility elements) of the Comprehensive Plan.
TIMELINE
Once the public hearing’ is completed and Council adopts the Ordinance establishing
Underground District No. 44, then the following will occur:
Action
1.Introduction and first reading of Ordinance Establishing
Project Area as Underground Utility District No. 44
2.Second reading and adoption of Ordinance.
3.Substructure (conduits, vaults, etc.) installation by
Contractor
4.Installation of underground facilities (cable, switches, etc.)
5.Service conversion work
6.Pole removal and project completion
Date
December 6, 2004*
December 20, 2004*
July.2003 through September 2003
July 2004 through September 2004
October 2004
January 2005 through March 2005
*DenotesCouncilAction
CMR:489:04 Page 2 of 3
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under
Section 15302.
ATTACHMENTS
A: Ordinance
B: Underground Utility District No. 44 Boundary Map
C: Underground Conversion Projects
D: CMR:443:04 Resolution of Intent To Establish Underground Utility District No.44 - 2500
¯ Block of Embarcadero (Harbor) Road in Byxbee Park and City-Owned Baylands
PREPARED BY:
DEPARTMENT HEAD:
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
Assistant City Manager
CMR:489:04 Page 3 of 3
*NOT YET APPROVED*
ORDINANCE NO.
ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
AMENDING SECTION 12.16.020 OF CHAPTER 12.16OF
TITLE 12 OF THE PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE BY
ESTABLISHING UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT NO.44
The Council of the City Of Palo Alto does ORDAIN as
follows:
SECTION i. Findings and Declarations.
finds and declares as follows:
The City Council
(a) This Council, on October 25, 2004, adopted
Resolution No. 8466, declaring its intention to amend Section
12.16.020 of Chapter 12.16 of Title 12 of the Palo Alto Municipal
Code by establishing Underground Utility District No. 44 in the
City and by such Resolution appointed Monday, December 6, 2004, at
the hour of 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers, City Hall, at 250
Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, California, as the time and place of
hearing protests and receiving evidence for and against the
proposed action and notice of direction.
(b) Notice was given of the tim~ and place therein
stated in the manner provided by law, as appears from the
affidavits on file in the office of the City Clerk.
(c) This matter came on regularly for hearing at the
time therein fixed.
(d) All written protests and other written
communications were publicly read at this meeting and evidence duly
taken and all persons desiring to be heard were fully heard.
(e) The public necessity, health and safety requlre the
removal of poles and overhead lines and associated overhead
structures from that certain area described in Resolution No. 8393.
SECTION 2. Section 12.16.020 of Chapter 12.16 of Title 12
of the Palo Alto Municipal Code is hereby amended by adding
Subsection (44) thereto to read as follows:
4(44) District No. 44. All of the area in the County
of Santa Clara, City of Palo Alto, encompassing the
areas contiguous with portions of 2500 block of
Embarcadero Road and City owned Baylands. All as
more particularly described as Bayland Underground
Utility District Number 44, on file in the office of
the City Clerk."
041122 c10072467
* * * NOT YET APPROVED*
SECTION 3. The "Underground Utility District Maps" referred
to in Section 12.16.020 shall be amended to add to the areas shown
on the map those referred to in Resolution No. 8466.
SECTION 4. The City Council hereby finds that the adoption
of this ordinance constitutes the approval of a project that is
categorically exempt from environmental review under the California
Environmental QualityAct.
SECTION 5. This ordinance shall become effective upon the
expiration of thirty (30) days from its passage.
INTRODUCED:
PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT:
ATTEST:
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Mayor
APPROVED:
Senior Asst. City Attorney City Manager
Director of Utilities
041122 c10072467
ATTACHMENT B
U"
PROJECT
¯ATTACHMENT C
Legend
APPROVED
Patrick Valath
SR. ENGINEER / MANAGER
ENGR.PEV
DRWN PDD
CHKD.PEV
B ayla n d REV. DATE APP..DESCRIPTION
Underground District No. 44
~X\I/~.~. Boundary MapCity of’ Palo Alto MAP, CKT, SCALE W.O.#/DRAWlNG,
UTILITIES, ELECTRIC ENGINEERING SHEET 1 OF 1
Attachment D
City of Palo Alto
City Manager’s Report
TO:HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: UTILITIES
DATE:
SUBJECT:
OCTOBER 25, 2004 CMR:443:04
RESOLUTION OF INTENT TO ESTABLISH UNDERGROUND
UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 44 - 2500 BLOCK OF EMBARCADERO
(HARBOR)ROAD IN BYXBEE PAR_K AND CITY-OWNED
BAYLANDS
RECOMMENDATION
Staff reconm~ends that Council adopt the attached Resolution of Intent to amend Section
12.16.02, of Chapter 12.16 of Title 12 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code by establishing
Underground Utility District No. 44.
BACKGROUND
The Electric Utility’s undergrounding project areas are selected and recommended to
SBC and Comcast based on the age and maintainability of the existing overhead electric
system. SBC and Comcast determine whether the recommended area meets their criteria
for undergrounding based on guidelines established by the California Public Utility
Con~nission (CPUC). The attached exhibit "A" .shows the existing, current, and filture
Lmderground districts. The area now proposed as Underground Utility District No. 44
meets the City and CPUC guidelines for undergrounding overhead utility lines.
DISCUSSION
This underground project will result in the removal of 9 poles and provide underground
service to Baylands Ranger Station, the Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Interpretive Center
and the Duck Pond area. Completion of this project will eliminate overhead distribution
lines in an area bordered by existing underground systems and enhance reliability.of the
electric distribution system while improving aesthetics.
This project was first budgeted in 2003, as a system improvement project because of the
proposed improvements at the Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Interpretive Center Parking
lot, the improvemel~t of Embarcadero Road between the entrance to the Duck Pond area
and the Baylands Nature Center to accon~nodate on-road bicycle lanes. To avoid
construction conflicts with the proposed improvements in the area, Utilities completed
CMR:443:04 Page 1 of 3
the substructure installations and is in the process of installing the cable and equipment
for the. new electric maderground system. In order for the telephone lines and cable TV
lines to be undergrounded, it a CPUC requirement that’an underground district be
establishedl Adopting the Resolution of Intent will begin the first step in establishing the
underground district.
RESOURCE IMPACT
Funds for this project are included
Department Electric CIP budget.
in the FY 2003/04 and FY2004/05 Utilities
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
The undergrounding of the overhead lines does not represent any changes to existing City
policy and is consistent with the Council-approved Utilities Strategic Plan to invest in
utility infrastructure to deliver reliable service.
TIMELINE
The first step in the establishment of the district is Council adoption of a Resolution of
Intent to establish Underground Utility District No. 44. The Resolution defines the
district boundaries and sets a time and place for a public hearing on the matter. The
public hearing has been tentatively scheduled for the City Council lneeting on November
29, 2004. At the public hearing, anyone interested in this project will have an
oppormnit3, to con:m~ent on the project. The adoption of the Resolution of Intent will also
serve as a formal action that is required by SBC and Comcast.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This project is categorically exempt from CEQA under Section 15302.
ATTACHMENTS
A: Resolution
B: Underground Conversion Projects
C: Ul-~del’ground Utility District No. 44 Bo~_mdary Map
PREPARED BY:Patrick Valath
CMR:443:04 Page 2 of 3
DEPARTMENT HEAD:
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
D~ii" of Utilities
Eh~III2YHARRIS ON
Assistant City Manager
CMR:443:04 Page 3 of 3
***NOT YET APPROVED***
RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO
ALTO APPROVING THE TRANSMISSION AGENCY OF
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA PROJECT AGREEMENT NO. 5FOR
THE PARTICIPATION IN AN OPEN ACCESS SAME
TIME INFORMATION SYSTEM
WHEREAS, the City of Palo Alto ("City"), a municipal
utility and a chartered city, is a Member of the Transmission
Agency of Northern California ("TANC"), a joint power agency
engaged in interstate transmission of power;
WHEREAS, TANC owns Transfer Capability on the California
Oregon Transmission Project ("COTP") that is not under the
control of the California Independent System Operator
Corporation ("CAISO");
WHEREAS, TANC, and the Cities of Alameda, Healdsburg,
Lodi, Lompoc, Palo Alto, Redding, Roseville, Santa Clara, and
Ukiah; the Modesto Irrigation District; the Turlock Irrigation
District; and the Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative (the
"Participating Members") desire to enhance transmission
availability in California by making the Participating Members’
unused and unencumbered Transfer Capability availabl.e for use by
other entities in an open and efficient manner and in accordance
with the TANC Open Access Transmission Tariff;
WHEREAS, on March 31, 2004, a volunta~ry coalition of
transmission-providing entities in the Western Interconnection
began offering access to their transmission systems on a single
OASIS site, known as. the wesTTrans OASIS;
WHEREAS, TANC and its Participating Members have
concluded that it is in their interest and the interest of
electricity customers in the state for TANC to participate as a
Transmission Provider in the wesTTrans OASIS; and
WHEREAS, based on discussions with Open Access
Technologies, Inc., the operator of the wesTTrans OASIS, TANC "
has concluded that TANC’s designation of a TANC OASIS
Administrator will be necessary to facilitate Participating
Members’ sales of available Transfer Capability on wesTTrans
OASIS;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of the City of Palo Alto
does RESOLVE as follows:
041007 cl 0072453
***NOT YET APPROVED***
SECTION I. The Council hereby approves the City of Palo
A!to’s execution of the "Transmission Agency of Northern
California Project Agreement No. 5 for the Participation in an
OpenAccess Same Time Information System". The City Manager is
hereby authorized to s.ign the agreement on behalf of the City of
Palo Alto.
SECTION 2. The Council finds that this is not a project
under the ’California Environmental Quality Act and, therefore,
no environmental impact assessment is necessary.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST"
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Senior Asst. City Attorney
Mayor
APPROVED:
City Manager
Director of Utilities
Direotor of Administrative
Services
041007 cl 0072453 2
ATTACHMENT B
ATTACHMENT C
APPROVED
Patrick Valath
SR. ENGINEER / MANAGER
ENGR. I PEV
DRWN!PDD
CHKD.PEV
Bayland .Ev. DATE APPR.DESCRIPTION
Underground District No. 44
Boundary Map
City of" Pato Alto ~AP~ c~, SCALE
"California
UTILITIES, ELECTRIC ENGINEERING
W.O.#/DRAWlNG#
21994
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