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CC - Adoption of a Resolution Calling a Public Hearing for October 26, 2015 to Determine Whether the Public Health, Safety or Welfare Requires the Formation of Underground Utility District 12 Located along La Cienega Boulevard Beginning Approximately 700 Feet North of Kenneth Hahn Bridge and Ending 650 Feet South of Wrightcrest Drive.
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Contact Person/Dept: Mate Gaspar / Public Works
Phone Number: (310) 253-5602
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [] Attachments: Yes [] No []
Commission Action Required: Yes [] No [X] Date:
Commission Name:
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (09/23/15)
Department Approval: Charles D. Herbertson, Director of Public Works/City Engineer (09/21/15)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council adopt a resolution calling a Public Hearing for October 26, 2015 to determine whether the public health, safety or welfare requires the formation of Underground Utility District 12 located along La Cienega Boulevard, beginning approximately 700 feet north of Kenneth Hahn Bridge and ending 650 feet south of Wrightcrest Drive.
BACKGROUND
The Los Angeles County Public Works Department has requested Culver City consider the formation of an underground utility district which would result in the undergrounding of existing utility poles, within the City’s jurisdiction, in order for them to construct a new pedestrian bridge over La Cienega Boulevard as part of Los Angeles County’s Park to Playa Trail Project (Trail Project).
The Trail Project is a network of approximately 13 miles of trails consisting of seven segments including the Stocker Corridor in Los Angeles County, Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area Eastern and Western and Ridge Trails, KHSRA Valley, Baldwin Hills Regional Conservation Authority (BHRCA) property, and Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. The Trail Project will provide safe and uninterrupted access for pedestrian and bicycle users.
The Blair Hills segment (BH Segment) will include a trail connecting Kenneth Hahn Park to the east, a proposed pedestrian bridge over La Cienega Boulevard, and the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook to the west. There will also be landscaping, retaining walls, and utility relocation as part of the scope of work. The BH Segment spans the jurisdictions of the City of Los Angeles, the County of Los Angeles, and the City of Culver City. Other agencies and entities involved include the State of California, BHRCA, the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA), the Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources (DOGGR), Chevron, Freeport-McMoRan Oil and Gas, and the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation.
In order to construct the proposed bridge over La Cienega, the existing above ground utility poles will have to be undergrounded. The northbound lanes of La Cienega are within the jurisdiction of the City. The southbound lanes are within the jurisdiction of the City of Los Angeles.
DISCUSSION
To initiate an Underground Utility District and utilize Rule 20A funds, Southern California Edison requires the sponsoring entity to adopt an undergrounding resolution that will, among other things, require other utilities on the poles to underground their facilities at their cost. The Rule 20A funds can only be used to underground SCE facilities. The Rule 20A funds that will be used for this project are allocated to Los Angeles County.
Culver City Municipal Code Section 5.04 details the procedures for formation of an underground utility district, removal of overhead utility facilities, and installation of underground facilities. Since 1968, 11 UUD’s have been formed in the City.
Should the City Council adopt the proposed resolution this evening, all affected utilities and property owners within 500 feet will be notified of the public hearing.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
There is no fiscal impact to the City. No City funds will be required, either for construction or future maintenance.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proposed Resolution
2. Map showing the utility poles to be undergrounded on La Cienega Avenue between Wrightcrest and Kenneth Hahn Bridge
RECOMMENDED MOTIONS
That the City Council:
Adopt a resolution calling a Public Hearing for October 26, 2015 to determine whether the public health, safety or welfare requires the formation of Underground Utility District 12 located along La Cienega Boulevard, beginning approximately 700 feet north of Kenneth Hahn Bridge and ending 650 feet south of Wrightcrest Drive.