AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Consider approval of Resolution 2022-104R, amending an amendment to Electric Line Easement and Right-of-Way Agreement with the Lower Colorado River Authority (“LCRA”) granting an easement across city property located between Old Bastrop Highway and the future FM 110, and north of State Highway 80 for the purposes of enabling the replacement of electric transmission lines poles with new upgraded poles and limiting the areas of LCRA’s access to the easement; authorizing the City Manager, or her designee, to execute this amendment on behalf of the city; and declaring an effective date.
Body
Meeting date: May 17, 2022
Department: Utilities, Tyler J. Hjorth - Director
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Funds Required: N/A
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Fiscal Note:
Prior Council Action: None
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Background Information:
The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) has had an easement across this property since at least 1925 and owns and maintains a high voltage transmission in this easement that terminates in the San Marcos Substation on River Road, supplying power to the City’s distribution system. LCRA is rebuilding and upgrading the existing line and discovered that the current easement specified a certain type of structure is allowed, specifically “10 H-frame structures”, which are not the current design standard and will not support the new line size and capacity. LCRA and the City negotiated an upgraded easement which allows LCRA to use current design standards, provides locations for accessing the easement, etc. each of which are beneficial to the City.
LCRA has offered compensation to the City in exchange for the right to upgrade its existing support structures in the amount of $8,252.00. City staff has reviewed the appraisal provided by LCRA and recommends acceptance of the amount offered. The existing easement already encumbers the property. The amendment merely allows for a modernization of support structures will not result in any change to the current purposes of the easement and does not enlarge the rights of LCRA. The amount offered fairly represents the limited impact of the amendment. Moreover, City staff was able to negotiate to restrict the points of access onto City property as the original 1920’s easement allowed access across any location.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
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Alternatives:
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Recommendation:
Staff recommends execution of the amended, upgraded easement as attached.