AGENDA DATE: 11/6/2019
TITLE:
Title
Dominion Energy’s Request for Easement on Tax Parcel 031B0-00-00-000B0
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Public hearing to receive comments from the public on Dominion Energy’s request for an underground easement on Tax Parcel 031B0-00-00-000B0.
ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Henry, Kamptner, Herrick, Stewart, Freitas
PRESENTER (S): Michael Freitas
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: Dominion Energy has requested an underground easement (Attachment A) on County owned property, tax parcel 031B0-00-00-000B0, to further its Strategic Underground Program. The goal of this program is to improve electrical service reliability by undergrounding certain overhead electric lines. The program is voluntary, and if the requisite easements are not obtained, the project will be placed on hold indefinitely. Dominion Energy will not use eminent domain to acquire easements to further the project.
Virginia Code § 15.2-1800(B) requires a public hearing for this proposed disposal of County property.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Mission: To enhance the well-being and quality of life for all citizens through the provision of the highest level of public service consistent with the prudent use of public funds.
DISCUSSION: This 8.56-acre parcel is in the Earlysville Forest subdivision and was donated to the County as a condition of a rezoning approval for the Earlysville Forest Planned Unit Development, and at one time was considered as a possible park site. An existing overhead utility easement crosses the property. Dominion Energy currently provides overhead power to Comcast equipment. If this underground easement is approved, the existing overhead service to Comcast would be relocated underground. Staff from Albemarle County Parks and Recreation, Community Development, Office of Economic Development, Albemarle County Public Schools, Albemarle County Police Department, and Albemarle County Fire Rescue have reviewed this easement request and have no issues or concerns with it.
BUDGET IMPACT: There are no budget impacts associated with this request.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
After conducting a public hearing on the proposed easement, staff recommends that the Board approve the request for easement and authorize the County Executive to sign the easement agreement.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A - Dominion Energy’s Request for Easement