Northwestern Energy (NWE) needs to replace aging underground electrical cables within the Harvest and Olympic Subdivisions and has requested utility easements within the parkland throughout these subdivisions.  See Easement Documents in Attachments A and B. NWE has worked with staff to locate these easements along the perimeter of the parkland to avoid potential conflicts with park use.  NWE is installing a conduit  system throughout the parkland to facilitate future replacement and repair operations and to avoid future excavation.    

City Council may:

• Approve the requested utility easements within the parkland in the Harvest and Olympic Subdivisions or;
• Disapprove the easements and provide staff with additional direction.

Northwestern Energy has agreed to reimburse the City for Staff time related to inspections and coordination of this project on parkland.  It also agrees to pay for all repairs for damage caused by their work in the parkland.  There will be no financial impact to the City.

Staff recommends that Council approve the utility easements for Harvest and Olympic Subdivisions to allow Northwestern Energy to replace existing electric cables with conduit and new cables.