Agenda Date: 12/16/2014
Subject:
Title
Ordinance on second reading granting two easements to Xcel Energy
Body
Presented By: |
Charles Blosten, Director of Public Works |
POLICY QUESTION:
Does city council support granting two easements to Xcel Energy?
BACKGROUND:
Xcel Energy operates gas and electric utility facilities in Littleton under a franchise agreement. The franchise allows Xcel Energy to utilize street right of way to construct, operate, maintain, repair and replace its pipes, cables, wires, transformers and other facilities.
Littleton Village Subdivision, located east of South Broadway and north of East Dry Creek Road, was platted this year. Xcel Energy needs to extend their facilities to serve Littleton Village from a substation located on SouthPark Lane near the intersection at West County Line Road. The proposed alignment of these facilities will run along and across city open space properties at West Jamison Avenue and also Horseshoe Park, just west of South Broadway. Xcel Energy has requested the city grant easements across these parcels. Xcel Energy does real estate transactions as the Public Service Company of Colorado.
STAFF ANALYSIS:
The easements are located in both irrigated turf and natural open space parcels. Most of the construction of gas and electric facilities will be done by directional drilling to minimize impacts to the vegetation. Any disturbed areas will be restored to a condition equal to or better than presently exists. Upon completion of construction, no impact to public use of these parcels as open space is anticipated.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
Granting of the easements are at no cost to Xcel Energy and no cost to the city.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the city grant the easements.
PROPOSED MOTION:
Proposed Motion
I move to approve on second reading the ordinance granting two easements to Xcel Energy.