SP1609

Council Meeting: July 8, 2003                                                           Santa Monica, California

 

SUPPLEMENTAL STAFF REPORT – ITEM 9B

 

TO:                  Mayor and City Council                                                                                                                   

FROM:            City Staff

 

SUBJECT:     Supplemental Report for Public Hearing to Determine the Necessity of Establishing an Underground Utility District on Marine Street, Between Lincoln Boulevard and Frederick Street

 

 

Introduction

This supplemental report provides additional background information regarding the conditions by which California Public Utility Rule 20A funds may be used to underground electric utilities.    This additional information does not change staff’s recommendation.

 

Discussion

 

 

The California Public Utilities Code Rule 20A specifies conditions which must exist in order to utilize Rule 20A funds to underground overhead utility lines. These regulations are continuously reviewed and amended by actions of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). Rulings by the CPUC can result in frequent revisions. The current conditions that must be met for Southern California Edison to utilize Rule 20A funds to underground overhead lines, as amended by CPUC sheet 31867-E, currently in effect are:

1.      Such undergrounding will avoid or eliminate an unusually heavy concentration of overhead electric facilities;

2.      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;

3.      The street or road or right-of-way adjoins or passes through a civic area or public recreation area or an area of unusual scenic interest to the general public; or

4.      The street or road or right-of-way is considered an arterial street or major collector road, as defined in the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research General Plan Guidelines.

The undergrounding is considered to be eligible for rule 20A funds if one or more of these conditions exist. 

 

Recommendation

 

Staff recommends that the City Council take the actions specified in the original staff report.

 

Prepared by:       Craig Perkins, Director of Environmental and Public Works Management

                              Anthony Antich, P.E., City Engineer

            Donald Patterson, Senior Administrative Analyst