REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
March 31, 2016
FROM: SCOTT L. MOZIER, PE, Director
Public Works Department
THROUGH: ANDREW J. BENELLI, PE, City Engineer/Assistant Director
Public Works Department, Traffic and Engineering Services Division
JILL GORMLEY, TE, City Traffic Engineer/Division Manager
Public Works Department, Traffic and Engineering Services Division
BY: JASON A. CAMIT, PLS, Chief Surveyor,
Public Works Department, Traffic and Engineering Services Division
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt Resolution of Intention No. 1104-D to vacate a public utility easement in the previously vacated E. Geary Avenue, between S. Plumas and S. Walnut Avenues (Council District 3)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council adopt Resolution of Intention No. 1104-D for the proposed vacation a public utility easement in the previously vacated East Geary Avenue, between South Plumas and South Walnut Avenues, as shown on Exhibit “A” of the attached Resolution of Intention, and set the required public hearing at 10:00 p.m. on April 28, 2016.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Edison Plaza Partners, L.P. is requesting the proposed vacation. The purpose of the vacation is to eliminate the reserved public utility easement held by the City of Fresno and replace it with a smaller specific easement held by PG&E until such time the existing PG&E facilities are relocated outside of the East Geary Avenue alignment. At that time PG&E will quitclaim their easement.
BACKGROUND
The public utility easement proposed to be vacated was reserved in the vacation of East Geary Avenue as ordered by City of Fresno Resolution 2015-203, recorded November 20, 2015, as Document No. 2015-0148678, Official Records Fresno County, to accommodate existing PG&E facilities.
The Traffic and Engineering Services Division, and PG&E have reviewed and approved the proposed vacation, subject to the dedication of a specific easement to PG&E to accommodate its facilities. The City Attorney's Office has approved the attached resolution as to form.
The vacation, if approved by the Council at the public hearing, will become effective when the vacating resolution is recorded in the office of the Fresno County Recorder.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
The proposed vacation is included in the project description of Environmental Assessment No. C-15-007 with a finding of Mitigated Negative Declaration that the proposed project will not have a significant adverse effect on the environment. The project as well as the environmental finding and assessment were approved by the Planning Commission on February 25, 2015. A Notice of Determination was filed on February 27, 2015.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference does not apply because the vacation of a public utility easement does not involve bidding or contracting.
FISCAL IMPACT
There will be no City funds involved with this vacation. Edison Plaza Partners, L.P has paid all processing fees to cover staff cost in accordance with the Master Fee Schedule.
Attachments:
Vicinity Map
Resolution of Intention No. 1104-D