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Town of Ocean Ridge |
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UTILITIES INFRASTRUCTURE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING FOR THE TOWN OF OCEAN RIDGE, FLORIDA, HELD IN THE TOWN HALL ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 1999, AT 6:00 P.M. The meeting was attended by Town Manager Gregory Dunham, Town Clerk Hancsak and the following members: Barry Essig, Sandy Foster, and Peggy Smith. It was noted that Greg Zink, Craig Baskin and Michael Nevins were absent with notice and Chairman Willens would try to attend the meeting after another meeting he was currently attending in Boynton Beach. II. The May 19, 1999 minutes could not be approved due to the lack of a quorum.
Town Manager Dunham commented that due to the fact there were only three members present they could not actually discuss or make any decisions, however, Mr. Newbold could relay some highlights and useful information regarding underground utilities. Mr. Newbold commented that Florida Power and Light (FPL) is governed by Florida State Statutes and the Public Service Commission who determine certain criteria that utility companies must meet which include no cost for overhead lighting. He added that older communities have mainly overhead lighting, however, some new developments have underground utilities. He stated there is a differential cost which is commonly absorbed by the developer during construction of the infrastructure at approximately $300-$350 per lot with increased tariff rates every 2–3 years. Mr. Essig questioned whether an analysis has been completed on servicing costs between underground and overhead lighting considering storm damage, etc. Mr. Newbold stated that underground utilities remain out of service longer because it takes longer to locate the problem and there is also more salt corrosion in underground because the equipment can’t clean itself with rainfall as with overhead lighting. He added that the life expectancy is shorter for underground utilities because the equipment does not dry out as quick as overhead. He also stated that Camino Real’s underground equipment has deteriorated and now replacement will be at a tremendous cost to the homeowners. Mr. Newbold commented that overall overhead is the best and most efficient method. At this point Mr. Newbold showed a map with overhead lines and two areas (Waterways and Pelican Cove) that have underground utilities. Mr. Newbold reminded the members that the telephone and cable companies are also affected with an added cost. Mr. Newbold then outlined some of the responsibilities of the municipality should they wish to convert to underground utilities. They included: providing an easement adjacent to roadways, trenching of the facilities (foliage may present a large problem) which is extremely labor extensive, any overhead to the customer due to the changeover, and traffic control when necessary. He added that it would be necessary for the individual customers to change out the meter cans at an approximate cost of $500 per resident in addition to providing easements to the town on the street side of the property. Mr. Newbold commented that the baseline price from FPL, not including the above referenced costs, would be approximately $100 - $150 per linear foot or approximately $800,000 per linear mile. He then briefly explained the switches, feeders, encasings and transformers. He did state that the conversion could be accomplished in stages. Mrs. Smith questioned if the lines could be installed at the same time sewer lines were installed to which Mr. Newbold advised that double trenching would be required because underground lines must be at a certain distance from sewer lines. Mr. Essig stated that the members had to keep in mind these costs still did not include the relocation of the cable and telephone lines, which will certainly be costly. Chairman Willens arrived at approximately 7:00 PM. He questioned if the monthly billing would decrease because the town should not be required to pay the overhead tariff if it converted to underground lines. Mr. Newbold commented that the tariff would still be required in addition to increased maintenance costs for underground lines. Mr. Newbold gave Town Manager Dunham a conversion form to review. He added that if the town was truly interested in proceeding with underground lines, FPL would provide an Estimate of Magnitude and then a percentage of engineering fees would be required as a deposit. Mr. Newbold stated that Manalapan had requested an estimate several years and decided it was too costly to complete. The members all concurred that this project would be too costly and thanked Mr. Newbold for his time and assistance. Town Manager Dunham requested any of the completed research assignments. Mr. Essig questioned whether Complete Pest Control had contacted the staff to which he was advised that they had, however, they were on vacation at the time of this meeting. The board requested that No Seeums be the main item for the next agenda and that a representative be present to discuss the issue. ADJOURNMENT The informal meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:30 P.M. |
