HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated July 13, 2021 ITEM#: 13
DATE: 07-13-21
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: ARBOR STREET - ELECTRIC UTILITY EASEMENT ON STATE OF
IOWA PROPERTY
BACKGROUND:
Electric Services is planning to install a buried electrical line along the south side of Arbor
Street between State Avenue and S. Sheldon Avenue during summer 2021. This line will
provide an alternate circuit to serve electric customers in the area southwest of the Iowa
State University campus to stay ahead of projected electric load growth in the area.
Due to the distance between State Avenue and S. Sheldon Avenue (approx. 1,200 ft), a
pull box will need to be buried near the middle of the line. The pull box will enable Electric
Services crews to install the new line in shorter sections to avoid damaging the line.
Multiple buried telephone lines on the south side of Arbor Street prevent the placement
of the pull box in public right-of-way. The Iowa State University Arboretum is located on
the south side of the Arbor Street right-of-way and would provide a suitable location for
the installation of the pull box. To accomplish this, the City and ISU must approve an
agreement for a 15-foot by 30-foot easement.
Staff from Iowa State University Facilities Planning & Management is supportive of the
placement of the pull box in the ISU Arboretum site. On June 2, 2021, the Iowa Board of
Regents approved the easement in exchange for$1 in consideration.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the Electric Utility Easement on State of Iowa property for the installation
of an electrical pull box.
2. Do not approve the Electric Utility Easement on State of Iowa property and direct
Electric Services' staff to find an alternative location for the electrical pull box.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Electrical load is projected to increase in the area southwest of the Iowa State University
campus. The installation of a buried electric line along Arbor Street will provide Electric
Services with an alternate circuit to maintain quality of service to the area. An easement
on ISU property is required to install a pull box for the project.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1, as noted above.