Members of the public may address the City Council on any item shown on the agenda or matter of the Council’s authority after completion of “Request to Address the Council Form” available in the lobby of the Council Chambers or in the City Clerk’s office. This form must be completed 15 minutes prior to the scheduled meeting time. Pursuant to Section 54957.5 of the California Government Code, Any writings (Except for those writings which are exempt from disclosure) which are distributed to all or a majority of the members of the City Council are available for public inspection in the lobby of the City Council Chambers and in the office of the City Clerk during regular business hours.
COMPTON CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA
05/13/2025
4:30 PM – BUDGET WORKSHOP
5:00 PM – CLOSED SESSION
5:30 PM – PUBLIC MEETING
5:30 PM – PUBLIC HEARING
205 S. WILLOWBROOK AVE
COMPTON, CA 90220
WORKSHOP(S)
BUDGET WORKSHOP - FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 @ 4:30PM
HEARING(S)
PUBLIC HEARING:
SCE RULE 20 A on Tuesday, May 13th, 2025 @ 5:30PM
OPENING
ROLL CALL
MOMENT OF SILENCE
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
-2- City Council Agenda
5/13/2025 5:30 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
CLOSED SESSION
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956(d)(1): One (1) case Compton Property Group v. City of Compton; Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No. 24STCP00386
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - (Anticipated Litigation) (Significant exposure to litigation) Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d) & (e): Two (2) cases.
Lloyd Ramirez Lopez v. City of Compton, Case No.: 21STCV29368 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – (EXISTING LITIGATION)
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2: Six (6) cases City of Compton v. San Pedro Mo et. al.
Case number: 22CMCV00340
City of Compton v. Mehdi Javadiaghdam et. al.
Case number: 23CMCV00796
City of Compton v. High End Healing et. al
Case number: 23CMCV00859
City of Compton v. Nova Zakarian
Case number: 23CMCV00413
City of Compton v. Kalvin Cressel
Case number: 22CMCV00345
City of Compton v. Timela Inc. et.al.
Case number: 22CMCV00339
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Eric J. Perrodin vs. Compton City Council, et al.
LASC Case No. 24STCP02047
City of Compton vs. Eric J. Perrodin, et al.
LASC Case No. 25STCP00911
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4)
Initiation of litigation in two potential cases
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS AND NON-AGENDA MATTERS
REGULAR AGENDA
-3- City Council Agenda
5/13/2025 5:30 PM
NEW BUSINESS
2. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COMPTON MAKING
A FINDING THAT THE OVERHEAD UTILITY LINES AND FACILITIES SHOULD
BE INSTALLED UNDERGROUND AND DECLARING THE FORMATION OF UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 1, AND ORDERING THE
INSTALLATION OF UTILITIES UNDERGROUND
COUNCIL COMMENTS
ADJOURNMENT
NEXT REGULAR MEETING: 5/20/2025 5:30 PM
Visit our website at http://www.comptoncity.org
May 13, 2025
TO: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
COMPTON MAKING A FINDING THAT THE OVERHEAD UTILITY
LINES AND FACILITIES SHOULD BE INSTALLED
UNDERGROUND AND DECLARING THE FORMATION OF
UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 1, AND ORDERING
THE INSTALLATION OF UTILITIES UNDERGROUND
SUMMARY
Adoption of this Resolution makes a finding that the overhead utility lines and facilities should be installed underground and declaring the formation of Underground Utility District No. 1., and ordering the installation of utilities underground.
BACKGROUND
The California Public Utilities Commission (“CPUC”) has authorized electric utilities to convert overhead utility lines and facilities to underground pursuant to CPUC Rule 20A (“Rule 20A”);
Rule 20A allows Southern California Edison (“SCE”) to remove poles, overhead wires and associated overhead structures, and the underground installation of wire and facilities for supplying electric, communication, and similar services in the area designated as an Underground Utility District.
Chapter 26-4 of the Compton Municipal Code permits the City of Compton (“City”) to form an Underground Utility District if the City Council finds, after holding a public hearing, that the public necessity, health, safety or welfare requires the removal of poles, overhead wires and associated overhead structures and the underground installation of wires and facilities for supplying electric, communication, or similar or associated service in the area designated as an Underground Utility District.
The City Clerk notified all affected property owners of the holding of a public hearing for the proposed Underground Utility District, at least 10 days prior to the date thereof, in the form and manner required by Chapter 26-2 of the City’s Municipal Code.
2. Staff Report – Authorizing the Formation of the Underground Utility District No. 1 May 13, 2025
The City Engineer consulted with the affected utilities and prepared a report for submission at the public hearing in the form described in, and containing the information required by Chapter 26-3 of the City’s Municipal Code.
On May 13, 2025, the City Council held a public hearing to consider the formation of Underground Utility District No. 1 pursuant to Chapter 26-4 of the City’s Municipal Code to determine whether or not the public necessity, health, safety and welfare requires that the City should continue with the proceedings to create and implement an Underground Utility District for the conversion of overhead utilities to underground facilities, and the City Council received and heard oral and written reviews of persons interested in the formation of said district California Streets and Highways Code
In anticipation of making such a finding, on March 11, 2025, pursuant to Resolution No. 26,212, City Council adopted a resolution of intention, pursuant to Section 5896.8 of the Streets and Highways Code, declaring its intention to order the conversion of overhead utility wires and related facilities to designated underground locations.
Pursuant to the California Streets and Highways Code and the Compton Municipal Code, the City of Compton is authorized to establish an Underground Utility District in order to facilitate the underground installation of overhead utility wires and related facilities. It has been recommended that an Underground Utility District be established in an area of the City more specifically described below and hereinafter referred to as the “Designated Area.
Designated Area
The City of Compton has identified Myrrh Street (from Oleander Avenue to Acacia Avenue) and Acacia Avenue (from Myrrh Street to Alondra Boulevard) as a priority location for undergrounding utilities due to undergrounding will avoid or eliminate an unusually heavy concentration of overhead distribution facilities and lines, the street or road right-of-way is extensively used by the general public and carries a heavy volume of pedestrians or vehicular traffic, and the street adjoins or passes through a school campus, civic area, or a public recreation area, or an area of unusual scenic interest to the general public.
The City Council has determined that a public hearing was necessary to provide an opportunity to hear comments from all interested persons, including the utility companies and residents affected by the proposed plan to establish an Underground Utility District in the Designated Area.
Staff Report – Authorizing the Formation of the Underground Utility District No. 1 May 13, 2025
Compton Municipal Code Section 26-4
The Compton Municipal Code Section 26-4 empowers the City Council to designate areas as Underground Utility Districts upon finding that the public necessity, health, safety, or welfare requires such action. The formal designation of a District follows a public hearing, at which time, the Council may adopt a resolution describing the boundaries and setting a timeline for the removal and underground installation of utilities.
In connection with establishing an Undergrounding Utility District and pursuant to the Compton Municipal Code Section 26-4, the City Council has call for a public hearing to determine whether the public necessity, health, safety or welfare requires: (1) the removal of utility poles, overhead wires and associated overhead structures within designated areas, and (2) the underground installation of wires and facilities supplying electricity, communication, or similar or associated service.
STATEMENT OF ISSUE
In order for the City of Compton to make a finding that the overhead utility lines and facilities should be installed underground and declaring the formation of Underground Utility District No. 1. and ordering the installation of utilities underground in accordance with the Southern California Edison’s (SCE) Rule 20A, Section 5896.8 of the California Streets and Highways Code and the Compton Municipal Code Section 26-4, City Council’s authorization is necessary.
ALTERNATIVE
The Rule 20A work credits in the amount of $5,668,365 will expired in June 2025.
Therefore, no other alternative is being proposed at this time.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council adopt the attached Resolution.
JOHN D. STRICKLAND, JR.
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED FOR FORWARDING:
WILLIE A. HOPKINS, JR.
CITY MANAGER
RESOLUTION NO.____________________
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COMPTON MAKING A
FINDING THAT THE OVERHEAD UTILITY LINES AND FACILITIES SHOULD BE
INSTALLED UNDERGROUND AND DECLARING THE FORMATION OF
UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT NO 1. AND ORDERING THE INSTALLATION OF
UTILITIES UNDERGROUND
WHEREAS, the California Public Utilities Commission (“CPUC”) has authorized electric utilities to convert overhead utility lines and facilities to underground pursuant to CPUC Rule 20A (“Rule 20A”); and
WHEREAS, Rule 20A allows Southern California Edison (“SCE”) to remove poles, overhead wires and associated overhead structures, and the underground installation of wire and facilities for supplying electric, communication, and similar services in the area designated as an Underground Utility District; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 26-4 of the Compton Municipal Code permits the City of Compton (“City”) to form an Underground Utility District if the City Council finds, after holding a public hearing, that the public necessity, health, safety or welfare requires the removal of poles, overhead wires and associated overhead structures and the underground installation of wires and facilities for supplying electric, communication, or similar or associated service in the area designated as an Underground Utility District; and WHEREAS, the City Clerk notified all affected property owners of the holding of a public hearing for the proposed Underground Utility District, at least 10 days prior to the date thereof, in the form and manner required by Chapter 26-2 of the City’s Municipal Code; and WHEREAS, the City Engineer consulted with the affected utilities and prepared a report for submission at the public hearing in the form described in, and containing the information required by Chapter 26-3 of the City’s Municipal Code; and WHEREAS, on May 13, 2025, the City Council held a public hearing to consider the formation of Underground Utility District No. 1 pursuant to Chapter 26 of the City’s Municipal Code to determine whether or not the public necessity, health, safety and welfare requires that the City should continue with the proceedings to create and implement an Underground Utility District for the conversion of overhead utilities to underground facilities, and the City Council received and heard oral and written reviews of persons interested in the formation of said district; and
WHEREAS, the area of the Underground Utility District No. 1 is described and depicted in Exhibit “A” to this Resolution.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COMPTON DOES HEREBY FIND, DETERMINE AND DECLARE AS FOLLOWS:
RESOLUTION NO.______________
PAGE TWO
SECTION 1. That the above recitals, and each of them, are true and correct.
SECTION 2. That the public necessity, health, safety and welfare requires formation of Underground Utility District No. 1 for the removal of poles, overhead wires and associated overhead structures, and to underground the installation of wires and facilities for supplying electric, communication or similar or associated service, within the area described and depicted in Exhibit “A.” SECTION 3. That the undergrounding utility lines and facilities within the area described and depicted in Exhibit “A” is in the general public interest for one or more of the following reasons:
a) Underground will avoid or eliminate an unusually heavy concentration of overhead distribution facilities and lines; b) The street or road right-of-way is extensively used by the general public and carries a heavy volume of pedestrians or vehicular traffic;
c) The street adjoins or passes through a school campus, civic area, or a public recreation area, or an area of unusual scenic interest, to the general public.
SECTION 4. That the Underground Utility District No. 1 is hereby declared and described and depicted in Exhibit “A,” both attached to this resolution and incorporated in it by this reference.
SECTION 5. That the City Council hereby orders the removal of all existing poles, overhead wires and associated overhead facilities within Underground Utility District No. 1 for supplying electric, communication, or similar or associated service. The City Council orders installed underground all poles, overhead wires and associated overhead structures as defined in Chapter 26 of the City’s Municipal Code that are located within Underground Utility District No. 1.
SECTION 6. That all affected utilities are hereby authorized to discontinue overhead service in Underground Utility District No. 1, subject to the provision of underground service as specified in this resolution.
RESOLUTION NO.______________
PAGE THREE
SECTION 7. That pursuant to SCE Rule 20 Tariff, Rule 20A funds will be used for the installation of no more than 100 feet of each customer’s underground electric service lateral on private property, as well as the conversion of affected property owners’ meter panels from overhead to underground service. The cost of such meter conversions using Rule 20A funds shall be limited to existing meters, and shall not include permit fees and any upgrades requested by affected owners.
Each affected telecommunications provider will also provide the necessary underground facilities on private property including underground service laterals and associated wiring and connections.
SECTION 8. That the Property owners shall grant each utility the necessary easements or land rights when it is necessary by the utilities to place their facilities on private property to complete the occasioned undergrounding.
SECTION 9. That the work of removal of all existing poles, overhead wires, and associated overhead facilities and the installation of underground lines and facilities must be completed by each utility within Underground Utility District No. 1 not later than May 13, 2032.
SECTION 10. That within ten (10) days after the adoption of the resolution, the City Clerk is hereby directed to notify all affected utilities and all persons owning real property within Underground Utility District No. 1 of the adoption of this resolution, and further notify such affected property owners of the information required, in the form and manner required, by Chapter 26 of the City’s Municipal Code.
SECTION 11. That this Resolution adopted hereby shall take immediate effect and be in full force after the date of its final passage and adoption by the City Council.
SECTION 12. That a copy of this Resolution shall be filed in the offices of the City Attorney, City Clerk, City Manager, and Public Works Engineering Department.
SECTION 13. That the Mayor shall sign and the City Clerk shall attest to the adoption of this Resolution.
RESOLUTION NO.______________
PAGE FOUR
ADOPTED this _____________ day of _________________, 2025.
_________________________________
EMMA SHARIF
MAYOR OF THE CITY OF COMPTON
ATTEST:
_________________________________
SATRA D. ZURITA
CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF COMPTON
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS
CITY OF COMPTON )
I, Satra D. Zurita, City Clerk of the City of Compton, California, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Compton at a Regular Meeting held on this ___________ day of ____________, 2025, and that it was so adopted as follows:
AYES: Council Members -
NOES: Council Members -
ABSENT: Council Members -
ABSTAIN: Council Members -
___________________________________
SATRA D. ZURITA
CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF COMPTON
EXHIBIT A
Designated Area For Underground Utility District No. 1
Engineer’s Report for Underground Utility District No. 1 In the City of Compton, California
May 13, 2025
I. INTRODUCTION
This report is prepared in accordance with the requirements of Rule 20A of the Southern California Edison (SCE), Chapter 26 of the Compton Municipal Code (CMC), and Section 5896.8 of the California Streets and Highways Code. It sets forth the justification, scope, estimated cost, and boundaries of the proposed project to convert overhead utility lines to underground facilities within the City of Compton.
II. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Project Title: Underground Utility District No. 1
Location: Myrrh Street (from Oleander Avenue to Acacia Avenue) and Acacia Avenue (from Myrrh Street to Alondra Boulevard) as a priority location for undergrounding utilities to avoid or eliminate an unusually heavy concentration of overhead distribution facilities and lines, the street or road right-of-way is extensively used by the general public and carries a heavy volume of pedestrians or vehicular traffic, and the streets adjoins or passes through a school campus, civic area, or a public recreation area, or an area of unusual scenic interest to the general public.
Scope of Work: The project involves the undergrounding of overhead electrical and communication lines and the removal of associated poles and overhead equipment. New underground conduit and related infrastructure will be installed to provide uninterrupted services. The work includes, but is not limited to:
Excavation and trenching
Installation of underground conduit systems
Construction of transformer vaults and service boxes
Conversion of existing services to underground
Street restoration and associated improvements
Engineers Report – Underground Utility District No. 1
Page Two
III. RULE 20A ELIGIBILITY (SCE)
Pursuant to SCE Rule 20A, the project meets the eligibility requirements as follows:
It is located along a major thoroughfare or collector street; It serves a public benefit by enhancing aesthetics and public safety; It is in an area with a concentration of overhead facilities; It is supported by the community and public agencies; It meets the minimum cost threshold for SCE Rule 20A funding.
IV. COMPLIANCE WITH COMPTON MUNICIPAL CODE (CMC)
Pursuant to the Compton Municipal Code, Chapter 26, the City Council has the authority to establish Underground Utility Districts and require utility companies and property owners to underground their respective facilities. The following requirements are met:
Notice has been provided accordance with CMC 26-4 and 26-5; A public hearing was held as required to establish the Underground Utility District; Utility Providers have been notified and coordination is ongoing; Conversion of private services will be facilitated accordingly.
V. LEGAL AUTHORITY (STREET AND HIGHWAYS CODE 5896.8)
In accordance with Section 5896.8 of the California Streets and Highways Code, this report includes:
A description of the improvements;
A detail boundary map of the proposed assessment or project area; A statement of estimated cost
The proposed improvements fall within the scope of a municipal underground utility conversion project and may be funded through public sources, including Rule 20A allocations, and are exempt from assessment unless otherwise authorized by a separate district formation.
VI. PROJECT PHASES
Rule 20A underground projects typically have five distinct phases. Projects will vary in duration depending on many factors including size, location, scope of work, complexity, and third-party participation. Projects will take a minimum of two to seven years to complete excluding any project delays. The five phases along with a brief description of activities included within each are provided below:
Engineers Report – Underground Utility District No. 1
Page Three
Planning Phase: (3 to12 months)
The Planning Phase includes all activities necessary to deliver a city approved project to the affected utilities. Included are the initial qualification and Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) estimate prepared by the SCE Rule 20A Project Manager, consultation with the affected utilities, formation of the Underground Utility District, and preparation and approval of the Underground Utilities Resolution.
Design Phase: (6 to 18 months)
The Design Phase includes all engineering and design work necessary to construct a new underground system and remove existing overhead facilities.
Included for SCE are construction drawings for SCE’s distribution and telecommunication facilities, as well as sub-transmission facilities if included in the Underground Utility District.
Pre-Construction Phase: (6 to 24 months)
Also called the “Requirements Phase”, the Pre-construction Phase includes all activities necessary to prepare for the start of construction. Included are SCE obtaining any necessary easements, permits such as those required from the California Department of Transportation, railroads, and local government agencies, as well as any environmental clearances. Also included is a coordinated joint bid process for the civil work (underground duct and structures) to a single contractor for all affected utilities.
Construction Phase: (3 to 18 months)
The Construction Phase includes all construction activities necessary to install a new underground electrical system and place in-service. Included are the civil construction for the installation of underground ducts and structures, electrical construction for the installation of underground cable and all necessary electrical equipment, service laterals on private property including all necessary wiring, and panel conversion work to accept underground service at each electrical meter/panel.
Closing Phase: (6 to 12 months)
The Closing Phase includes activities necessary to complete and close-out the project. Included are the removal of the existing overhead facilities, updating of SCE’s mapping and inventory systems, determination of final costs and updating of work credit balances, and administrative close-out of SCE’s work orders and accounting.
Engineers Report – Underground Utility District No. 1
Page Four
VII. COST OF WORK
Rule 20A project cost can vary significantly depending upon the size and length of the project and the number of customers and services included in the project that must be converted to underground service, in addition to the overall scope of the project, the location of the project, soil type and condition, permit conditions and work hour restrictions can also have an impact on the project schedule and cost.
SCE has prepared a rough order of magnitude cost of the project in the amount of $3,300,000, which includes the costs for design and construction as follows:
Component Estimated % Estimated Cost
Mainline Trenching/Conduit Installation 40% $1,320,000
Crossings (intersection, vaults, etc.) 15% $ 495,000
Service Laterals (private and public) 15% $ 495,000
Design, Engineering, Construction Mgt. 15% $ 495,000
Street Restoration 10% $ 330,000
Contingency (10%) 10% $ 330,000
Total 100% $3,300,000
A more detail cost estimate will be prepared by SCE and the City after the construction drawings are developed.
Engineers Report – Underground Utility District No. 1
Page Five
VIII. SCHEDULE OF WORK
Planning Phase 12 months
Design Phase 18 months
Pre-Construction Phase 24 months
Construction Phase 18 months
Closing Phase 12 months
Total 84 months
IX. RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution establishing the Underground Utility District and authorize staff to proceed with coordination, detail design, and implementation in compliance with all applicable codes, rules, and policies.
Prepared By:_____________________________
Public Works Director/City Engineer
EXHIBIT A
Designated Area For Underground Utility District No. 1