2009-12-22_PWETC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Discussion included total projected costs for the entire corridor; portions and differing costs based on the number of transformers impacted; benefits of this section on the northern end where single family homes didn't have a lot of room in their existing rights-of--way for sidewalk construction where overhead power poles were located, diminishing the ability to provide pedestrian accessibility. Further discussion included costs to individual homeowners in future segments for overhead residential services being undergrounded and potential city-participation with the homeowners for those costs, and the need to find another revenue source, with projected costs estimated at up to $2,000- $3,000 depending on how it was connected. Mr. Schwartz noted that one good thing was that, along the current project, most of the businesses have underground services to their buildings, so there would be no cost to them for this first phase. Additional discussion included any costs for relocating other underground services, with specific franchise agreements addressing their relocation; easements and right-of--way challenges for transformer equipment at an additional cost; and distribution by staff of bench handouts providing summary information from other studies available on line of benefits for a "Scenic America" by relocating and undergrounding utilities, and conclusions of an organization of electrical utilities as to cost benefits and/or aesthetics from their industry perspective. Further discussion included the reluctance of cable companies undergrounding in the immediate proximity of electrical, based on their experience with fiber and electric issues that close together. It was the PWET Commission consensus that based on comments heard in the Imagine Roseville 2025 community visioning process, this would be supported by the community and would serve to benefit the entire community in getting power lines in major corridors underground, even if at a cost. Further consensus recognized the public benefit to be realized to enhance pedestrian access and aesthetics from such undergrounding for the entire community, whether living along a major corridor such as Rice Street or elsewhere. Mr. Schwartz noted that, in his rough calculations, if Little Canada was agreeable to cost-sharing, it would reduce the cost for a residence from $0.76 to approximately $0.45 to $.50 per month for three (3) years. Member Vanderwall moved, Member Stenlund seconded, recommending to the City Council that this proposal for undergrounding along the Rice Street corridor move forward, and recommending that the City Council direct staff to seek out the interest in the cooperation and partnership of Page 6 of 7