July 5, 2022
Public Works
DATE: July 5, 2022
TO: Mayor Butt and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Joe Leach, Public Works Director
Subject:
Public Hearing to Adopt a Resolution to Establish an
Underground Utility District on Pierce Street and San
Mateo Street Pursuant to Electric Rule 20A
FINANCIAL IMPACT: If City Council approves the Underground Utility District, the cost of undergrounding the main utility lines in the streets will be funded principally by the PG&E Rule 20A, Replacement of Underground Electric Facilities Program.
The cost associated with each customer’s service panels to convert to underground service, is estimated at
$10,000 and will be paid by the City of Richmond using
Measure J – Contra Costa Transit Authority Funding.
There are approximately 25 parcels in this proposed
Utility District for a total of $250,000. There will be no cost to the customer in the District.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
-
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
City staff recommends that a public hearing is held, and that City Council approve a resolution to establish an
Underground Utility District on Pierce Street and San
Mateo Street pursuant to Electric Rule 20A.
AGENDA
REPORT
July 5, 2022
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
CONDUCT a Public Hearing; and ADOPT a Resolution
(1) Finding that the public necessity, health, safety and/or welfare requires the removal of poles, overhead wires
and associated overhead structures and underground
installation services along Pierce Street and San Mateo Street; and (2) Establishing Underground Utility District No. 2022-1 on Pierce Street and San Mateo Street; and
(3) Approving the use of the Rule 20-A funding by Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) to pay for the cost associated with the underground of the electric distribution within the District – Public Works (Joe Leach 620-5478).
DISCUSSION:
July 5, 2022
The underground district and subsequent work is a component of the I-80/Central Ave. traffic improvement project. This undergrounding work will complement the proposed traffic improvements for the area.
Creating the undergrounding district requires the City Council to:
1. Adopt a resolution which establishes an underground district by making a finding that the public necessity, health, safety and/or welfare requires the removal of poles, overhead wires and associated overhead structures; and
2. Notify all property owners in the area, including utility companies who will be affected by the proposed underground work.
The public hearing will give property owners and other interested parties an opportunity to comment on the establishment of the underground district along Pierce Street and San Mateo Street.
City staff has also chosen to request the adoption of a resolution in addition to informing all property owners of the action. If the City Council finds that such necessity does exist, the resolution establishes the date by which property owners must be ready to receive new service.
The cost of undergrounding the main utility lines in the street will be funded principally by Pacific Gas & Electric’s (PG&E’s) Rule 20A, Replacement of Overhead with Underground Electric Program. The City of Richmond will also assist each property owner in this district by providing for costs associated with both the construction of the individual utility service line from the main line to such property owner’s premises and the conversion of the utility facilities on the premises upon termination of the replaced hardware.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Resolution
Attachment 2 – Parcel Owners List
Attachment 3 – RMC, Chapter 2.48 Underground Utilities
Attachment 4 – Notice of Public Hearing