Placement: Second Reading of Ordinances / Public Hearing
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Ordinance 23-67, Public Hearing, Authorizing the Conveyance of a Utility Easement to Florida Power & Light Company as part of the Storm Secure Underground Program at 613 SE Chapman Avenue.
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Submitted By: Kevin R. Matyjaszek, Utility Systems Director
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal of high-quality infrastructure and facilities.
Executive Summary (General Business): The City of Port St. Lucie, by and through its Utility Systems Department (“USD”) owns the real property lying in Section Ten, Township 37 South, Range 40 East, in St. Lucie County, Florida, otherwise known as 613 SE Chapman Avenue (the “Property”). The Property is occupied and used as a sanitary sewer lift station. Florida Power & Light Company (“FPL”) requested the City grant an easement over a portion of the Property (“Utility Easement”) for the FPL lateral hardening program otherwise known as the Storm Secure Underground Program.
Presentation Information: N/A
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council approve Ordinance 23-67, authorizing the Mayor or her designee to execute the Utility Easement.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and approve Ordinance 23-67, authorizing the Mayor or her designee to execute the Utility Easement.
2. Move that the Council not approve Ordinance 23-67 and provide staff with direction.
Background: The number one cause of power outages when Hurricane Irma hit Florida in 2017 was trees, vegetation and wind-blown debris coming into contact with neighborhood overhead power lines and equipment. FPL’s Storm Secure Underground Program, launched in 2018, is one of the ways FPL is continuously working to enhance the reliability of service to its customers in good weather and bad. The Program replaces overhead neighborhood power lines with underground lines to improve resiliency during hurricanes and severe weather and also enhance reliability during day-to-day conditions.
Issues/Analysis: FPL is requesting a 10’ x 15’ easement over a portion of the Property used by the USD as a lift station.
Financial Information: There is no cost to the City for this easement.
Special Consideration: The FPL Storm Secure Project will benefit the City and the USD by providing underground power to various sites. FPL provided their form easement document, which is broad in scope and potentially requires removal of obstructions within the easement area, which could potentially include City infrastructure, if there is such infrastructure, within the easement area.
Location of Project: 613 SE Chapman Avenue
Attachments:
1. Ordinance Granting FPL Easement;
2. Underground Utility Easement;
3. Sketch and Legal Description of Easement Area; and
4. Deed.
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: 23174-03
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Elizabeth L. Hertz, Senior Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by James D. Stokes, City Attorney.