To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Transportation and Public Works
Staff Name and Phone Number: Johannes J. Hoevertsz, 707-565-2231
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Fourth
Title:
Title
Setting a Public Hearing to Establish the Larkfield Estates Underground Utility District No. 1
End
Recommended Action:
Recommended action
A) Adopt a resolution declaring intent to establish the Larkfield Estates Underground Utility District No. 1 and setting a public hearing thereon for March 15, 2022, at 8:30am or as soon thereafter as feasible.
B) Direct the Department of Transportation and Public Works to send notification of the public hearing by mail to all affected property owners and affected utilities in accordance with Sonoma County Code Section 25A-2.
(Fourth District)
end
Executive Summary:
Establishing an underground utility district allows for the undergrounding of existing overhead utilities. The County, by ordinance, has adopted a process for establishing underground utility districts, which is codified in Sonoma County Code Chapter 25A, and is consistent with California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) requirements for undergrounding.
The Department of Transportation and Public Works recommends the Board adopt a resolution of intention to establish the proposed Larkfield Estates Underground Utility District No. 1 and set a public hearing for any affected property owner, utility, or member of the public to be heard on the matter.
The proposed boundaries of Larkfield Estates Underground Utility District No. 1 are illustrated on the attached boundary map, which includes a list of impacted parcels.
Discussion:
Underground utility districts serve the public necessity, health, safety, and general welfare by requiring removal and underground installation of certain above-ground and overhead poles, wires, and associated structures in designated areas. The underground utility district boundary designation process, consistent with the California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) requirements, is set forth in Sonoma County Code Chapter 25A. Establishing an underground utility district requires a public hearing, and notice of the public hearing must be mailed to each parcel within the boundaries of the proposed district and utilities concerned at least 10 days prior to the date of the hearing.
The primary purpose of the proposed Larkfield Estates Underground Utility District No. 1 is to establish an area where existing above ground utilities can be removed and installed underground consistent with those in adjoining neighborhoods, thus eliminating several pockets of overhead distribution and service wires.
If the proposed underground utility district is established, undergrounding of this project in the designated area would qualify for Rule 20B credits if available through Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E). Aside from available PG&E subsidies, the proposed Rule 20B project would be funded by the County. Rule 20B projects involve areas which do not fit the Rule 20A criteria, but which involve both sides of the road for at least 600 feet.
Undergrounding costs have yet to be determined, however, TPW anticipates that funds received from the recent wildfire settlement with PG&E (Tier 2) and designated by this Board for utility undergrounding projects could be allocated for the County’s share of project costs. Assuming District formation efforts are successful, TPW anticipates returning to the Board with detailed project cost estimates and to request project approval.
Concepts for the undergrounding project have been presented to the Mark West Citizens Advisory Council and PG&E. In addition, PG&E staff and County representatives have physically inspected the proposed district in order to clarify the district boundaries. At the recommendation of PG&E, a number of adjacent parcels that were previously provided with underground service have been added to the proposed district to ensure permanency of the existing underground services. Additional utility service work is not anticipated on these parcels.
Department of Transportation and Public Works staff will mail notice of the public hearing to all affected property owners and utilities at least ten days prior to the scheduled hearing in accordance with Chapter 25A.
Establishing an underground utility district itself is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378. Future undergrounding projects that may take place within the proposed district are exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15302(d) (Class 2), which consists of conversion of overhead electric utility distribution system facilities to underground including connection to existing overhead electric utility distribution lines where the surface is restored to the condition existing prior to the undergrounding, and CEQA Guidelines section 15301(b) (Class 1) which consists of repair, maintenance and minor alteration of existing facilities.
Strategic Plan:
This item directly support the County’s Five-year Strategic Plan and is aligned with the following pillar, goal, and objective.
Pillar: Climate Action and Resiliency
Goal: Goal 1: Continue to invest in wildfire preparedness and resiliency strategies
Objective: Objective 1: Provide educational resources to the community that promote and facilitate carbon neutral and fire hardening construction for new and existing homes.
Prior Board Actions:
None.
Fiscal Summary
|
Expenditures |
FY 21-22 Adopted |
FY22-23 Projected |
FY 23-24 Projected |
|
Budgeted Expenses |
$1,000 |
|
|
|
Additional Appropriation Requested |
|
|
|
|
Total Expenditures |
$1,000 |
|
|
|
Funding Sources |
|
|
|
|
General Fund/WA GF |
|
|
|
|
State/Federal |
|
|
|
|
Fees/Other |
$1,000 |
|
|
|
Use of Fund Balance |
|
|
|
|
Contingencies |
|
|
|
|
Total Sources |
$1,000 |
|
|
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
Expenses associated with direct mail notification of property owners in the proposed underground utility district are estimated at $1,000, and will be paid from the FY 2021-22 Roads Administration budget (11051-34010101-51301) and reimbursed by the PG&E Tier 2 Fund. Roads Administration funding sources include allocations from the State Highway Users Tax (HUTA), as well as a pro-rata share of County vehicle code and parking fines.
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
No impact, engineering would be provided by a qualified consultant.
Attachments:
Resolution of Intention
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
Map of Proposed Boundaries & List of Parcels