TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to grant an easement deed for the installation and maintenance of electrical facilities on City of Long Beach property, south of Willow Street and east of Elm Avenue, as part of a utility undergrounding project required by the City of Long Beach Underground Utility District Number 40; and adopt and accept Categorical Exemption CE-15-106. (District 6)
DISCUSSION
Willow Street from the westerly City limits to Atlantic Avenue is a major arterial with a heavy concentration of overhead utility lines in an area of dense commercial land use. To achieve visual streetscape enhancement City staff, with the assistance of SCE, gave a high priority to undergrounding utilities along this street section. On October 10, 2006, RES No. 06-0118 was adopted creating Underground Utility District No. 40 for Willow Street between the westerly City boundary and Atlantic Avenue. In order for SCE to adhere to the underground conversion resolution, they need an easement, which gives SCE authorization to install and maintain the electrical facilities on a portion of City property located adjacent to the ten-foot alley south of Willow Street, east of Elm Avenue. The SCE facilities will be installed at no cost to the City.
Construction work will be as minimal as possible. Any disturbance to City property, caused by construction, shall be restored to as near as possible to its previous condition. The locations of the new electrical facilities are shown on the attachment.
The customary investigation was conducted involving public utilities and interested City departments, and there were no objections to the proposed Grant of Easement. In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), this project has been determined to be categorically exempt, pursuant to Title 14, California Code of Regulations Chapter 3, Article 19, Section 15301 (attached).
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Lauren Misajon on November 3, 2015 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on October 28, 2015.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this matter is not time critical.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this recommendation. Since this is a City project, a special purpose grant of easement fee was not collected. Approval of this recommendation will provide continued support to the local economy.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
ARA MALOYAN, PE
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER