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Department of Public Works
o Regular Agenda
Page 1 of 2
Jefferson County
Board of Commissioners
Agenda Request
From:
Board of Commissioners
Phlllp Morley, County Administrator
Frank Gifford, Public Works Director ~
To:
Agenda Date:
March 21, 2010
Subject:
Puget Sound Energy, Inc. Franchise
Public Hearing
Statement of Issue:
puget Sound Energy, Inc. (PSE) has applied to Jefferson County for a non-exclusive
franchise to construct, maintain, and operate electric power transmission and
distribution facilities In County Road rights-of-way In eastern Jefferson County. PSE's
previous franchise expired In 2007. The Public Works Department has negotiated a
franchise with PSE and submitted a Resolution to the Board granting a franchise to
PSE. The Board has scheduled a public hearing on March 21,2010 at 10:00 AM to take
comments on the franchise Resolution. Public Works has provided notice of the public
hearing as required by RCW 36.55, provided the Resolution to other County
Departments and affeCted agencies, and posted the Resolution and public hearing
notice on the County's Internet Home Page.
Analysis/Strategic Goals/Pro's & Con's:
Significant franchise terms and conditions:
. The express terms and conditions of the franchise constitute a binding contract
between Jefferson County and PSE.
. Section 2.4 sets the franchise term at 15 years with an option to renew for an
additional 1 0 years.
. Section 3 Performance of Work establishes the requirements for PSE to conduct Its
operations within County Road rights-of-way.
. Section 4 Relocation describes the process and requirements for PSE to relocate Its
facilities to accommodate County Public Improvement Projects.
. Section 16.2 requires PSE to reimburse the County for Its expenses related to
approving permits or the franchise and for plan reviews and Inspections.
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Department of Public Works
o Regular Agenda
Page 2 of 2
. Section 17 indemnifies the County against third party claims related to PSE's
negligence.
. Section 18 establishes PSE's insurance requirements.
. Section 20 establishes a dispute resolution procedure.
. Section 21 establishes standards and procedures for terminating the franchise in
the event of significant non-compliance.
. Section 22 establishes a procedure for PSE to transfer the franchise. This section
would allow PSE to transfer its franchise to the Jefferson County PUD when the
proposed sale of PSE's facilities is finalized.
. Attachment A - Franchise Territory lists the sections, townships, and ranges in
which PSE would be authorized to operate.
Fiscal Impact/Cost Benefit Analysis:
The franchise requires PSE to reimburse the Department for the expense of publishing
and posting the public hearing notice and filing the franchise with the County Auditor.
Recommendation:
Prior to the public hearing, Public Works will make a brief presentation and answer
questions regarding the franchise Resolution.
Public Works is not requesting the Board to sign the franchise Resolution on March 21_
After the close of the public comment period on March 25, Public Works will compile
comments and, if appropriate, prepare recommended revisions to the franchise
Resolution for consideration by PSE and the Board. If no significant comments are
received, Public Works will present the franchise Resolution for the Board's signature
on the Consent Agenda.
Department Contact: Jim Pearson, 385-9162
Reviewed By:
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