Agenda Item Wording:
title
Formation of Underground Utility District - Conduct public hearing and adopt resolution for the formation of an underground utility district along Goshen Avenue, east of Burke Street; Resolution No. 2024-62 required.
body
Deadline for Action: 10/21/2024
Submitting Department: Community Development
Contact Name and Phone Number: Mike Porter, Civil Engineer, Mike.porter@visalia.city <mailto:Mike.porter@visalia.city> (559) 713-4412 Chris Crawford, City Engineer, Chris.crawford@visalia.city <mailto:Chris.crawford@visalia.city> (559) 713-4331 Jason Huckleberry, Engineering & Building Director, Jason.huckleberry@visalia.city <mailto:Jason.huckleberry@visalia.city> (559) 713-4495
Department Recommendation:
City Staff recommends conducting a Public Hearing and adopting Resolution 2024-62 authorizing the formation of Underground Utility District No. 22 (UUD22) along Goshen Avenue and authorize using the current City of Visalia Rule 20A allocation to fund the utility undergrounding.
The UUD 22 boundary includes the full right of way width of Goshen Avenue, beginning at the easterly right of way line of Burke Street and extending 850 feet east. A separate underground utility district may be formed in the future that would extend all the way to Ben Maddox. Currently there are not enough Rule 20A funds available to remove more than the poles located within proposed UUD 22. The formation of Underground Utility District No. 22 is recommended to be formed under California Public Utility Commission Rule 20A program based on the following justifications:
1) The street right of way will be extensively used by the general public and will carry a heavy volume of pedestrians or vehicular traffic.
2) The street right of way adjoins or passes through a civic area.
3) The street right of way is considered an arterial street or major collector as defined
in the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research General Plan Guidelines.
Background Discussion:
The City of Visalia is moving forward with the Civic Center Project, which is partially located on Goshen Avenue east of Burke Street. As the Civic Center areas are developed, pedestrian and vehicular traffic is expected to significantly increase. Goshen Avenue is considered a collector road under the City’s current general plan circulation element.
Underground Utility District No. 22 (UUD 22) will remove four (4) existing poles and the
associated overhead low voltage lines from this area. Forming the district will also prohibit future poles and additional overhead lines along Goshen Avenue within the boundaries of the district. The conversion of overhead facilities is planned to be completed by November 1, 2026. When the underground project is completed, it will result in an area of reduced overhead lines and utility poles.
Undergrounding the utilities is safer for vehicle traffic and more aesthetically pleasing for the area. California Public Utility Commission Rule 20 sets policies and procedures for the conversion of overhead facilities to underground facilities. Within Rule 20 there are three sub-sections:
1) projects financed by utility rate payer funds (Rule 20A);
2) projects financed by groups (Rule 20B); and
3) projects financed by individuals (Rule 20C).
Public utilities each manage their own Rule 20 program under the jurisdiction of the CPUC. As authorized and required by the CPUC. Southern California Edison (“SCE”) apportions an amount from each of their rate payers that receive electrical service from an overhead line. This amount is placed in a fund earmarked for use in Rule 20A undergrounding projects in that jurisdiction. Each city or county in the public utility’s service area is responsible to direct SCE on the undergrounding projects that they would like to fund with Rule 20A funds. Rule 20B and 20C projects are similar but the costs are paid for by the group or individual interested in having the overhead lines placed underground not with the Rule 20A funds, although the public utility offsets some of the costs. District 22 will be financed by SCE under Rule 20A funds.
All affected utilities will be participating in the undergrounding of utilities. Based on SCE estimates, the cost to underground the overhead lines and services will be $989,736.00. The City of Visalia’s current Rule 20A allocation is $1,015,097.00. Staff recommends funding the proposed power line conversion from the current Rule 20A allocation. Estimated time required to complete the project is 24 months; the current estimated move-in for the Civic Center is February, 2027. Aside from staff time allocated to overseeing this program, there no estimated project costs to the City of Visalia.
There are several parcels located near the proposed UUD22 boundary. Most of the affected property is owned by the City of Visalia. Only one (1) property located along the UUD22 boundary is not owned by the City:
1. 733 N. Ben Maddox - Visalia Livestock Market
Estimated costs to the affected property owners is $0.00. SCE Rule 20A guidelines state that upon the request of the governing body (City of Visalia), SCE will pay from the existing allocation of the entity for installation of up to 100 feet of each customer’s underground electric service lateral occasioned by the undergrounding and/or the conversion of a customer’s meter panel to accept underground service occasioned by the undergrounding, excluding permit fees. The City intends to make this request. Notices to affected property owners of this hearing concerning the proposed formation of the underground utility district were sent as required by Visalia Municipal Code section13.24.020 fifteen days in advance of this hearing.
Fiscal Impact:
Minimal Project Management and Administrative costs associated with the UUD22
formation and construction.
Prior Council Action: N/A
Alternatives: Do not adopt the resolution. The power poles and overhead utility lines would be relocated to behind the new curb and gutter along Goshen Ave. and would remain overhead in front of the new civic center project.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to adopt Resolution 2024-62 authorizing the formation of Underground Utility District No. 22 along Goshen Avenue, and authorize using the current City of Visalia Rule 20A allocation to fund the utility undergrounding.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Attachments:
Resolution No. 2024-62
Exhibit A: UUD 22 District Boundary