2020-09-14-minutes-public-works-study-session

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KITTITAS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS PUBLIC WORKS — BOARD OF COUNTY COTMMISSIONERS STUDY SESSION STAFF REPORT STUDY SESSION DATE: September 14, 2020 TOPIC: Snoqualmie Public Utility District (SPUD) Franchise Agreement ACTION REQUESTED: Waive the Application Fee for SPUD LEAD STAFF: Mark R. Cook RECONLM ENDATION: Waive the $3,225 franchise application fee for SPUD. BRIEFING SUMMARY: • Recently, staff determined that SPUD does not have a valid franchise agreement on file with Public Works (PW) for water and sewer utilities. • Franchise agreements are required by County code for all utilities seeking to utilize County right of way. • PW desires getting a franchise (water and sewer) in place for SPUD soon. BACKGROUND: SPUD is embarking on significant expansion of wastewater and water utilities in the Snoqualmie Pass Limited Area of More Intense Rural Development (LAMIRD). Recently, the utility company saw cut Yellowstone Road and PW responded to a complaint call. The incident has revealed a lack of franchise agreement allowing SPUD to maintain its infrastructure in County rights of way. DISCUSSION: PW desires assisting SPUD secure a franchise agreement with the County. To that end, PW is requesting the Board of County Commissioners consider waiving the franchise fee ($3,225). The Utility is facing significant costs associated with the pending service expansion. Last year, the Board allocated $250,000 towards utility improvements in the LAMIRD recognizing the high cost of infrastructure improvement being proposed by the district. Once in place, the franchise allows ongoing work in County right of way through its Right of Way permit process. FISCAL IMPACTS: PW is on track meeting permit revenue forecasts for 2020. ATTACHMENTS: None. Page 1 of 1 PUBLIC WORKS BOARD OF COUNTY CONMUSSIONERS WORK SESSION STAFF REPORT