HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated March 22, 2022 ITEM#: 20
DATE: 03-22-22
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: CYRIDE - ELECTRIC UTILITY EASEMENT ON STATE OF IOWA
PROPERTY
BACKGROUND:
Electric Services needs to install a pad-mounted transformer at CyRide to provide service
to the charging stations for the new electric buses scheduled to be delivered later this
year. The transformer will be placed adjacent to the CyRide building.
CyRide is located on land leased from Iowa State University. An electric utility easement
has been prepared that covers the new transformer location as well as the existing electric
facilities owned by the City of Ames, located on State of Iowa property, that provide
service to CyRide. An easement for the existing facilities has never been created until
now. ISU is willing to grant a 50-year easement.
Staff from Iowa State University Facilities Planning & Management is supportive of the
placement of the transformer on the CyRide site and recording of the easement. The
Iowa Board of Regents is expected to approve the easement at the April 2022 Board
meeting in exchange for $1 in consideration. The easement agreement does require
the City to move its facilities if ISU requests so in the future, and ISU is not
obligated to pay for the cost of relocation.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the Electric Utility Easement on State of Iowa property that covers a new
pad-mounted transformer and existing City-owned electric facilities not previously
covered by an easement.
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 transformer.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
An electric utility easement guarantees the City rights to own and maintain its facilities on
private property. This easement will ensure that Electric Services can provide reliable
service to CyRide.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative No. 1, as noted above.