W.O. 16-09 will widen Grand Avenue from 52nd Street West to 58th Street West.  With the widening, it becomes necessary to relocate the power poles on both sides of the street. The poles on the south side of the street are owned by Northwestern Energy. Typically, when the utilities are located in the right-of-way and need to be relocated, it is the responsibility of the utility company to relocate them.  Along Grand Avenue, most of the power poles are in the right-of-way, however, there is a stretch of poles that are in an easement from 56th Street West to 58th Street West. Since they are in an easement purchased by Northwestern Energy, the cost to relocate the poles becomes the responsibility of the City.  Attached is an agreement with Northwestern Energy to relocate the poles.

The Council may:

• Approve the agreement with Northwestern Energy; or
• Do not approve the agreement which would prevent the widening of Grand Avenue.

Northwestern Energy's price to relocate the power poles is $80,535.44.  The funds for the utility relocation are budgeted into the cost for the Grand Avenue project.

Staff recommends that Council approve the agreement with Northwestern Energy to relocate the utilities for the construction of Grand Avenue.