Adopt Resolution #21-187 Approving Minimum Design Standards for Public Utilities in City Right-of-Ways and Easements

Purpose:
The purpose of this case is to adopt Resolution #21-187 approving minimum design standards for municipal utilities in City right-of-way’s and easements.

Background:
Attached is case #11602 as reviewed by the City Council at their regular meeting on January 12, 2021, a copy of executed Resolution #21-021, and the approved meeting minutes (see case 7.05 for reference).
 
Also attached is case #11641 as reviewed by the Public Works Committee at their regular meeting on January 19, 2021, and the approved meeting minutes (see case 5.06 for reference).
 
Attached is Resolution #21-187, which defines the minimum requirements for public utilities that can be installed within public right-of-way and easements to ensure City Staff can adequately maintain the utilities in perpetuity using City-owned equipment and vehicles. This resolution was developed based on input from the Public Works Committee at their January 19, 2021 meeting.  
 
Staff is requesting approval of a Resolution defining minimum design standards for municipal utilities in City right-of ways and easements because the City Council does not adopt all City design standards in code, therefore this resolution will provide the policy direction needed for Staff to adequately enforce the standards. This policy direction from the Council is helpful on the front end to prevent a situation like Riverwalk Village from occurring again.
 
It is important to note that per Resolution #21-187, the City may consider accepting smaller utilities on a case by case basis if it can be clearly demonstrated that the City will only need to maintain the smaller utilities for 10 years or less, until permanent utilities meeting the minimum design standards can be constructed, or that the smaller utilities will be maintained by a private party through an adopted maintenance agreement.   

Staff recommends approving Resolution #21-187.  

The Public Works Committee recommended approval of a resolution approving minimum design standards for municipal utilities in City right-of-way’s and easements at their regular January 19, 2021 meeting. 

Motion to adopt Resolution #21-187 approving minimum design standards for municipal utilities in City right-of-way’s and easements.