HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDA REPORT 2000 0202 CC REG ITEM 10ArrEM
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AGENDA REPORT
CITY OF MOORPARK
BY: = -r, or
TO: Honorable City Council of rC.y Ivo, 94,0(1 -1&93.
FROM: Mike Mathews, Senior Management Analyst �Mj2l�n
Ken Gilbert, Director of Public Works
DATE: January 21, 2000 (CC Meeting of 02/02/2000)
SUBJECT: CONSIDER RESOLUTION NO. 2000- SETTING THE DATE AND
TIME OF A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE FORMATION OF
AN UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT FOR THE PURPOSE OF
REMOVING ALL ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION LINES AND OTHER
OVERHEAD UTILITY LINES FROM CERTAIN UTILITY POLES
ALONG LOS ANGELES AVENUE
OVERVIEW
This report recommends initiation of the process necessary to
underground certain overhead utility lines along Los Angeles
Avenue between Gabbert Road and Millard Avenue.
DISCUSSION
A. Background
A brief discussion of regulations and procedures pertaining to
the "undergrounding" of utilities is set forth in Exhibit 1.
B. Rule 20A
The City of Moorpark began to accrue Rule 20A credit in 1984.
The balance through Calendar Year 2000 is $644,000. At January
1, 2001, the City will receive credit for another $58,000,
providing a working balance of $702,000.
000001
Underground Utility District: Hearing
January 21, 2000
Page 2
C. Prior Action
The City Council previously identified that portion of Los
Angeles Avenue between Moorpark Avenue and Shasta Avenue as
the primary candidate area to have the overhead utilities
placed underground. Insufficient Rule 20A accruals were
available at that time to proceed with a full undergrounding
project. The Southern California Edison Company (SCE) stated
that they would make attempts to seek approval of an advance
of future Rule 20A accruals to allow the City's undergrounding
project to proceed.
D. Pendina Edison Protect
Recently staff reinitiated efforts to seek SCE approval of the
additional funding required to proceed with an undergrounding
project. In the course of those discussions, SCE advised staff
of a planned upgrade to the their power lines along Los
Angeles Avenue. Due to increased power demand, SCE needs to
add more distribution lines. The 90 -foot poles now in place
are not large enough to handle the wind loading of the extra
lines required to be added. Therefore, SCE was planning to
replace the existing poles with larger poles to carry the
existing and proposed new power distribution lines. The limits
of that project extend from Flory Avenue to Gabbert Road. SCE
funding constraints require them to spend the monies allocated
for this project before the end of the year.
E. Alternate: Underaround Distribution Svstem
An alternative to the replacement of the poles would be to
apply the monies set aside by SCE for that project toward a
project designed to underground all of the distribution lines
within the limits of their planned project [Flory Avenue to
Gabbert Road]. Under this plan a portion of the City's Rule
20A accruals would be combined with the SCE monies set aside
for the pole replacement project to fund the undergrounding of
all of the distribution lines within the above described
"target" area.
StaffReport /UUD4 000002
Underground Utility District: Hearing
January 21, 2000
Page 3
F. Extension to Millard Street
It is recommended that the project area proposed by SCE be
expanded easterly to a point just west of Millard Street.
Staff is working with SCE on the approval of the inclusion of
this area to be funded by current and /or future Rule 20A
monies estimated to be approximately $160,000. If this funding
is not feasible, it is the intent of staff to recommend that
this added effort be funded by the City and /or the Moorpark
Redevelopment Agency.
G. District Formation
In order to use the Rule 20A accruals for this project and
require all other utilities to underground their facilities,
it will be necessary to form an Underground Utility District
covering the entire project area -- from Millard Avenue to
Gabbert Road [see map attached as Exhibit A to the
Resolution]. The purpose of this report is to initiate the
process necessary to effect that formation.
H. Transmission Lines Exempt
The Underground Utility District recommended to be established
would require the undergrounding of all overhead utility lines
except transmission lines. Not only would all of the overhead
electrical distribution lines be required to be removed, but
all telephone lines, cable television lines, fiber optic lines
and communication lines owned by SCE or any other utility
would also have to be placed underground. In addition, all
facilities attendant to the SCE power distribution system
(aerial service drops, pole mounted transformers, guy poles
and anchors required for the distribution lines, etc.) would
also have to be removed. Photos of the before and after
condition are attached as Exhibit 2.
I. Project Benefits
A summary of the project benefits are summarized as follows:
• Prevents even larger utility poles from being installed
along Los Angeles Avenue.
Staf.fReport /UUN 000003
Underground Utility District: Hearing
January 21, 2000
Page 4
• Removes most of the wires from the poles leaving only
transmission lines grouped at the top of the poles (see
Exhibit 2).
• Removes all overhead lines crossing Los Angeles Avenue in
the project area.
• Removes all pole mounted transformers.
• Expands the area of distribution system undergrounding from
what was previously anticipated (approximately 3,000 feet
to approximately 6,000 feet).
• Establishing an underground district prevents any further
overhead lines from being installed on the poles.
J. Project Cost Allocation
An estimate of the allocation of costs for this project is as
follows: [see note (g)]
Moorpark
SCE (a) Rule 20A Total
Rule 20A Funds - to date $702,000
Project 2000 (b)
Area #1 (c) $0 $660,000 $660,000
Area #2 (d) $740,000 $0 $740,000
Total Project 2000 $740,000 $660,000 $1,400,000
Rule 20A Accruals Remaining $42,000
Future Transmission Line Undergrounding
In Area #1 Only (c) $795,000 $795,000
Total Cost $740,000 $1,455,000 $2,195,000
Funding Shortfall ( f )
$(753,000)
Notes
a: Monies earmarked for pole replacement project
b: Underground all lines except transmission lines
c: Moorpark Avenue to Shasta
d: Flory to Moorpark plus Shasta to Gabbert
e: Underground Transmission lines from Moorpark to Shasta
f: To be funded by future Rule 20A accruals and /or other sources
g: These costs do not include cost to extend project easterly to Millard
StaffReport /UUD4
00000 4
Underground
January 21,
Page 5
Utility District: Hearing
2000
K. Unit Cost Estimates
Based on the above cost figures provided to the City by SCE, a
the estimated cost per linear foot to underground overhead
facilities is summarized s follows:
Description $ / LF
a. Distribution System $233
b. Transmission Lines $282
L. Street Lights
Since the electrical Distribution System is to be removed from
the poles within the District, the project will include, at no
added cost to the City, the removal of all of the street
lights mounted on the wooden poles and the installation of new
street lights on "marblite" poles. Staff will provide SCE with
a plan of where the new street lights are to be placed.
M. Other Overhead facilities
The formation of the Underground Utility District will require
all other utilities to remove their facilities from the poles.
Owners of any telephone, cable television, fiber optic or
other facilities will be required to work with SCE on the
undergrounding of their facilities.
N. Service Conversions
Due to their need to upgrade the
pay to reconnect commercial and
new underground lines. While
Angeles Avenue will be removed,
back from the street used to
homes. If the City were plann.
participation, services along I
undergrounded at City cost.
0. Project Phasing
distribution lines, SCE will
residential customers to the
the utility poles along Los
there may be some poles set
continue utility service to
Lng this project without SCE
os Angeles Avenue would be
As presently envisioned, the proposed project would implement
the first phase of the original plan to underground all of the
utilities on Los Angeles Avenue between Moorpark Avenue and
Shasta Avenue. The phasing of this work would be compatible
StaffReport /UUD4
000005
Underground Utility District: Hearing
January 21, 2000
Page 6
with the need to construct two separate undergrounding
projects: one for Distribution System and one for the
Transmission lines. Because of their high voltage,
transmission lines must be placed in a separate trench at
least ten feet (101) away from all other lines. It is likely
that the design for the undergrounding of the Transmission
lines will place those conduits on the opposite side of the
street from the location of the underground distribution
system.
When additional Rule 20A accruals become available, it is the
intent of staff to pursue the establishment of a second
Underground District for the purpose of undergrounding the
Transmission lines and the removal of the poles within the
original project area: Moorpark Avenue to Shasta Avenue.
Projecting into the future, the planning phase of
undergrounding the transmission lines could begin as early as
mid 2003. Construction might begin in 2004, with a projected
completion date of 2005. Funding for the project would come
from the accumulated Rule 20A funds, plus additional Rule 20A
funds mortgaged from a year or two in the future. The current
cost estimate for undergrounding the transmission lines
between Shasta Avenue and Flory Avenue is $795,000.
P. Options
Option #1: Approve the project as described, with the
undergrounding of the electric distribution lines, phone
lines, cable lines, and all attendant facilities between
Gabbert Road and Millard Street using $660,000 of Rule 20A
credits. [The cost does not include the additional $160,000
to extend the project to Millard.] This option would leave
only the power transmission lines on the poles.
Option #2: Undertake all of the work identified Option #1,
plus undertake the undergrounding of the transmission lines
and the removal of the poles between Shasta Avenue and
Moorpark Avenue with funding to come from sources other than
Rule 20A accruals.
Option #3: Abandon efforts to implement an undergrounding
project at this time and direct SCE to proceed with their
original plan to replace the poles from Gabbert Road to Flory
Avenue with larger poles, and add more distribution lines to
those poles as required.
StaffReport /UUN pp**/�
00000ky
Underground Utility District: Hearing
January 21, 2000
Page 7
Q. Summary
The implementation of Option #1 would be an important first
step toward the ultimate objective of removing all of the
overhead utilities and supporting poles on Los Angeles Avenue
between Moorpark Avenue and Shasta Avenue. Although
implementing the project at this time and in the form
recommended will not accomplish the ultimate goal, taking
advantage of the SCE pole replacement monies will facilitate
undergrounding efforts which will not be charged to the City's
Rule 20A accruals.
STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that the City Council take the following
actions:
1. Approve the scope of the proposed project as described in
the report.
2. Set March 1, 2000 at 6 :30 p.m. as the date and time for a
public hearing to consider the formation of Underground
Utility District No. 2000 -1.
3. Direct the City Clerk to notify the owners of the
properties within the proposed boundaries of the District
of the date, time, and purpose of said hearing, in
accordance with the requirements of Section 12.20.020 of
the Moorpark Municipal Code.
4. Direct the Director of Public Works to prepare a report
pertaining to the formation of said District in accordance
with the requirements of Section 12.20.030 of the Moorpark
Municipal Code.
Attachments:
Exhibit 1: Background
Exhibit 2: Photos of Power Poles
Exhibit 3: Resolution
StaffReport /UUD4
00000'-'
Exhibit 1: Background
Page 1
The following is a brief summary of the rules and regulations
pertaining to the establishment of Underground Utility
Districts, as well as a brief discussion of prior City actions
toward implementing an Underground project.
1. Authority: A 1968 ruling by the California Public Utilities
Commission (CPUC) set aside a portion of annual electrical
utility receipts for the purpose of undergrounding overhead
utility lines. These funds are governed by PUC Rule 20A.
2. Rule 20A: The 1968 ruling setting aside the electrical
utility receipts is called "Rule 20A." Funds began to be
credited to California public agencies in 1984. Through the
year 2000, the City of Moorpark has approximately $644,000
available for use. These funds do not accrue interest, nor
are they forwarded to the City. Instead, the amount of the
annual credit is reported to the City each year. Whenever
Moorpark elects to use its Rule 20A funds, Southern
California Edison (SCE) will use its technical support staff
to design and implement the projects.
Excerpt from Rule 20A:
Rule 20A funds can be used for any project, which is
at least 600 feet in length and found to meet one or
more of the following criteria:
a. Such undergrounding will avoid or eliminate an
unusually heavy concentration of overhead
electric facilities.
b. The street or road or right -of -way is
extensively used by the general public and
carries a heavy volume of pedestrian or
vehicular traffic.
c. The street is through a civic area or is a
scenic route.
3. Utility Pole Terminology: An overhead utility pole may carry
many types of wires at the same time:
a. "Electric transmission" lines are the main trunk lines
that carry 66,000 volts (66kv) along the main corridors of
the City. Because of the very high voltage, the wires
StaffReport /UUD4
000008
Exhibit 1: Background
Page 2
must be carried on 90 -foot tall utility poles. Poles of
this type are seen along the north side of Los Angeles
Avenue.
b. "Electric distribution" lines carry lower voltages
(typically 16,000 volts) on shorter poles throughout the
city. As the electrical lines get closer to an individual
home or business, transformers step the voltage down to
the needed level. These poles are seen in back yards and
along streets throughout the City of Moorpark.
c. "Telephone" lines and "cable television" lines may be
carried on poles that also carry transmission or
distribution lines.
d. "Line Separation" is required due to the fact that the
poles typically carry a combination of all four utility
lines. This is attained by using ninety foot tall poles
because the electric lines carrying different voltages
must be separated by at least ten feet.
3. Prior Actions: As early as 1990 the City began to identify
qualified areas within the City eligible for a Rule 20A
undergrounding project. That effort led to the identification
of that portion of Los Angeles Avenue between Moorpark Avenue
and Shasta Avenue as the areas to be designated to receive
the first Rule 20A Undergrounding project. Efforts to
implement that project were stalled due to insufficient
accruals to undertake the project.
Staff.Report /UUD4 006009
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RESOLUTION NO. 2000-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MOORPARK, CALIFORNIA, CALLING A PUBLIC HEARING TO
DETERMINE WHETHER PUBLIC NECESSITY, HEALTH,
SAFETY, OR WELFARE REQUIRE THE FORMATION OF AN
UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT
WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 187 added Chapter 12.20,
"Underground Utilities" to the Moorpark Municipal Code and
established procedures for the creation of underground
utility districts; and
WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 187 requires as the
initial step in such procedure the holding of a public
hearing to ascertain whether 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 associated
service in any such district; and
WHEREAS, it has been recommended that such an
underground utility district, hereinafter called
"District ", be formed within the boundaries of Underground
Utility District No. 2000 -1 as indicated on the attached
map.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
MOORPARK DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public
hearing will be held by the City Council of the City of
Moorpark on March 1, 2000 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council
Chambers to ascertain whether the public necessity, health,
safety, or welfare requires the removal of overhead
electrical distribution wires, and associated overhead
structures; and the underground installation of wires and
facilities for electric distribution, communication, or
similar associated service in the District hereinabove
described. Six electric transmission wires will be the
only wires allowed to remain on the poles.
0(00 -11-r:;
Resolution 2000 -
January 6, 2000
Page 2
SECTION 2. At such hearing all persons interested
shall be given an opportunity to be heard. Said hearing
may be continued from time to time as may be determined by
the City Council.
SECTION 3. The City Clerk shall notify all affected
utilities and property owners (as shown on the last
equalized assessment roll) of the time and place of such
hearing by mailing a copy of this resolution to such
utilities and property owners concerned at least ten (10)
days prior to the date thereof.
SECTION 4. The area proposed to be included in the
District is shown upon that certain map entitled "Exhibit
A" which is attached to this resolution and is on file with
the City Clerk of the City of Moorpark.
SECTION S. The City Clerk shall certify to the
adoption of this resolution and shall cause a certified
resolution to be filed in the book of original Resolutions.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 2nd day of February 2000.
Patrick Hunter, Mayor
ATTEST:
Deborah S. Traffenstedt, City Clerk
Attachment: "Exhibit A ", map of proposed Underground
Utilities District 2000 -1
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