Minutes 2004 1115 - Laserfiche WebLink

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lVIINUTES Page 5 City of San Leandro City Council and San Leandro Redevelopment Agency Joint Meeting~November 15,2004 raised by Councilmember Glaze that the City would be setting a precedent. Councilmenlber Nardine asked about the possibility of offering loans to the property owners. Mr. Jermanis stated that loans could have been considered as an alternative. Mr. Udenlezue added that the strict project timeline made offering loans a less viable alternative. Councilmember N ardine asked if the proj ect boundaries included Clarke and Carpentier Streets. Mr. Udemezue clarified that the undergrounding would occur on West Estudillo between Hays and San Leandro Boulevard. Councilnlember Grant stated that she appreciates the efficiencies the City is trying to achieve through this action and supports the improved pedestrian experience that will be created. She asked if any conlmunity outreach has been done to the affected property owners to inform thelll of the possible costs they could incur. Councilnlelnber Grant pointed to a recent public meeting that was held to discuss inlprovelnents to Walnut A venue. Mr. Udemezue indicated that property owners are aware that they are in an underground district, and there is a formal notification process that will be followed as the process gets underway. Councilmember Glaze comlnented on Councilmember Nardine's question regarding the project boundaries. He noted that the property on the corner of Clarke Street and West Estudillo uses utility poles on the Clarke Street side which would need to be undergrounded. Councihnember Glaze cOlllmented that the City is almost 15 years behind on its Utility Underground Master Plan and asked if use of Rule 20A funds for this project would affect the City's ability to complete other projects listed in the Master Plan. Mr. Udemezue noted that the number of streets that are approved to be undergrounded are limited by the amount of available Rule 20A funds and by the time required for the utilities to be undergrounded. Mr. Udemezue noted that the City was able to expedite this project because it took the lead and performed the design work, and staff will propose to do the sanle for East 14th Street. He indicated that the relllaining Rule 20A funds will only cover the East 14th Street project, and future projects Inust wait until more funds are accumulated. Councilnlelnber Glaze pointed out to the Council that the Utility Underground Master Plan contains an extensive list of streets identified for utility undergrounding. He noted that in the past, a proj ect came before the Council for which an exemption was requested, and the Council abandoned the underground project due to its high cost. Councilmelnber Glaze commented that this is a proj ect that the Council wants to see conlpleted, but expressed concern that the City may be creating a problem by granting an exception for this project and for East 14th Street. Councilnlenlber Nardine echoed Councilmember Glaze's concern regarding setting a precedent through the granting of this exception. She asked that Councilmember Glaze's concerns be noted for the record.