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COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
DATE: MARCH 16, 2015
TO: MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
FROM: LES WHITE, INTERIM TOWN MANAGE
MEETING DATE: 03/17/15
ITEM NO: 4
ADDENDUM
SUBJECT: CONSIDER APPROVING THE PROPOSED PROJECT BOUNDARIES FOR
UTILITY UNDERGROUNDING ALONG LOS GATOS BOULEVARD FOR USE OF
RULE 20A FUND CREDITS ALLOCATED TO THE TOWN AND POTENTIAL
EXPANSION OF THE BOUNDARY UTILIZING ALTERNATIVE FUNDING
REMARKS:
After the staff report was prepared for distribution, the following questions from a Council Member
were received:
1) What are the advantages of undergrounding? Why do it?
There are varied reasons for undergrounding, with the two biggest being aesthetics and access. In the
project put forward as an option, the utility poles restrict use of the sidewalks in several locations
because the poles are set in the sidewalk. Typical minimum clearance on sidewalks is 36 inches to
allow for strollers, wheelchairs, etc. and that does not exist in multiple areas along Los Gatos Boulevard.
2) Is it better to do a commercial boulevard like Los Gatos Boulevard versus residential areas?
The Rule 20A funds require an area beneficial to the entire community. Residential streets do not meet
this requirement. Town funds have no such restriction.
3) By using our own funds with this project, we get more leverage because it is a bigger project making
cost economy of scale and we could get credits at a discount versus spending the full amount ourselves
for a not qualified 20A area. Correct?
You are correct. Because the Town has other options (like residential areas) for Town funds, staff
wanted the Council to have that information. The need far outweighs the funds so ultimately deciding on
which residential areas receive undergrounding is a question. Another option is to continue to reserve
the funds for combination with other capital projects or development projects. As the staff report on this
item details, the full cost for all utilities (not just PG &E) falls on the Town in these cases.
PREPARED BY:
Reviewed by:
MATT MORLEY
Director of Parks and Public Works
Town Manager MTown Attorney