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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - July 14, 2015 SSLODI CITY COUNCIL SHIRTSLEEVE SESSION CARNEGIE FORUM, 305 WEST PINE STREET TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2015 A. Roll Call by City Clerk An Informal Informational Meeting ("Shirtsleeve" Session) of the Lodi City Council was held Tuesday, July 14, 2015, commencing at 7:00 a.m. Present: Council Member Kuehne, Council Member Mounce, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Chandler, Mayor Johnson, and City Clerk Ferraiolo Absent: None Also Present: City Manager Schwabauer, and City Attorney Magdich B. Topic(s) B-1 Receive Presentation from Pacific Gas and Electric Regarding Community Gas Pipeline Safety (PW) Darin Cline with Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding community gas pipeline safety. Specific topics of discussion included changes in gas safety operations, Pipeline and Informed Planning Alliance (PIPA), tree -by -tree review, tree replacement and restoration (franchise and private property), community partnership and outreach, next steps, 811 service, and contact information. In response to Mayor Johnson, Mr. Cline stated that the website for both PG&E and the National Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has information on the identification of neighborhood pipeline locations. In further response, Mr. Cline stated that PG&E has inspected 167 trees, out of which 11 are unacceptable due to their location directly over a pipeline. The staff report originally pinpointed 20 trees; however, those trees identified on Hutchins Street are manageable because the pipeline is on the opposite side of the street. PG&E will be conducting a tree -by -tree review on private property as well, but that has not yet been instituted as the initial step in this process is to discuss the project with City Council. Mr. Cline stated that first responder access to the pipeline is the primary concern when determining which trees should be relocated or replaced. He indicated there were some on the General Mills property that may need to be moved, but he felt confident that PG&E can work with the City on those private property trees to make the area safe. PG&E is open to developing alternative landscaping designs to work with property owners. In response to Council Member Mounce, Mr. Cline stated that PG&E is performing this survey throughout San Joaquin County, including the cities of Tracy, Ripon, Manteca, and Escalon. The County has significantly more problematic trees than Lodi, and all of the cities, with the exception of Tracy, have moved forward on private property trees. In further response, Mr. Cline confirmed Lodi does not have a higher risk than the other cities and that statistics for Lodi are equal to the other communities; roughly 10 percent. In response to Council Member Kuehne, Mr. Cline stated that the pipeline along the General Mills property does not run in a straight line and two of the Evergreen trees are directly over the pipe. The reason for doing this study at this time is that PG&E is looking at its pipe differently in order to be responsible in ensuring safe operation of its system. In further response, Mr. Cline stated that PG&E will work with the City to determine the best replacement options, including performing site drawings prior to any restoration work. PG&E has been successful in many other communities and can provide examples of other restorations. In response to Council Member Kuehne, Public Works Director Wally Sandelin stated that the exact restoration will depend on the location and he was hoping to receive Council input on what it would like to see in certain areas. He used Cherokee Lane as an example, stating that an option could be to move the trees to the back of the sidewalk or planting larger trees on the Grape Festival property. Mr. Sandelin pointed out that, under the franchise agreement with PG&E, the City is not required to cooperate, but he encouraged Council to support this joint effort to keep the pipeline safe, while also improving City streets. In further response to Council Member Kuehne, Mr. Sandelin confirmed there are no preliminary renderings at this time because the initial step is to educate Council on this program and receive feedback. Mayor Johnson questioned if PG&E would consider the concept of removing more than only the two problematic trees at General Mills and planting uniform landscaping that would not leave gaps and be aesthetically pleasing. Mr. Cline responded that PG&E would ensure the design is compatible and appropriate along that stretch of roadway. Mayor Johnson pointed out a similar concern with Cherokee Lane, stating that both sides of the street should be uniform. Mr. Cline stated that PG&E's goal is to leave the area improved and compatible with the surrounding aesthetics and it has a record of working with other communities to meet their unique needs, including drought -tolerant landscaping in one community. In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Chandler, Mr. Cline confirmed that the pipeline is 40 to 80 inches below ground and that the driving force behind this effort is to ensure PG&E is responsible and performing at a higher standard to ensure public safety. In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Mr. Cline stated that there are no plans to build new transmission lines; therefore, this will not be an issue for future development. PG&E consistently monitors its pipelines on a regular basis and will continue to do so. Council Member Nakanishi questioned if PG&E considered other alternatives, such as inserting another pipeline into the existing pipeline. Mr. Cline responded that moving a pipeline is a three- to four-year process, can be quite costly, and still runs the risk of corrosion. He added that inserting a smaller pipe into the existing system does not eliminate the risk of tree roots damaging the pipeline. Mr. Cline agreed that trees add value, which is the reason for the company's effort to replace trees with the most appropriate species at the most appropriate location. He further stated he would inquire if other options were explored and provide that information to Council. In response to Council Member Kuehne, Mr. Cline stated that the cathodic protection around the pipe keeps it from corroding and the material in the coating varies depending on the age of the pipe, but it is never made from asbestos. Council Member Mounce expressed support for receiving information on alternatives to tree removal. In response to Mayor Johnson, Mr. Cline stated that this review represents the extent of the problem with the transmission line and that there would be no additional trees earmarked for removal. Mayor Johnson expressed concern that the trees along Hutchins Street are on narrow private properties and questioned if this would entail taking portions of these properties, to which Mr. Cline reaffirmed that the solution would be to plant an appropriate species, such as Crepe Myrtle trees, in such locations to best fit a property. Mr. Sandelin pointed out that the trees along Hutchins Street are no longer in conflict because the pipeline was moved approximately one year ago. Mr. Cline stressed that PG&E is doing everything possible to work with owners to save trees if possible or to replant with a compatible tree to best fit the location. Council Member Kuehne stated the other option is to move the pipeline instead of the trees, to which Mr. Cline reminded that the process would take years, during which time the risks from tree roots would increase. Mr. Cline stated that all attempts will be made to work with neighbors to determine the best option, while taking both sides of the street and aesthetics into account. Council Member Kuehne expressed interest in drought resistant plants on both side of Cherokee Lane to create a balanced appearance and a beautified entrance into the City. With regard to the General Mills property, he would like an alternative option considered instead of removing the Evergreen trees. Mr. Cline responded that all options will be explored. 2 Ed Miller expressed support for moving the trees on Cherokee Lane by the Grape Festival to the area behind the fence and suggested trees with some height be planted to reduce the barren appearance of the area. Mayor Johnson informed PG&E that a citizen reported an individual who was posing as a PG&E worker in their neighborhood, claiming to check meters, yet the individual was not wearing a PG&E uniform or driving a marked vehicle. Dillon George, PG&E Local Government Representative, could not confirm if this individual was representing PG&E, but he stated that the company will often hire contractors for this type of work, all of whom are required to have identification. Council Member Mounce expressed appreciation to PG&E for being proactive in this effort, but cautioned against making assumptions or decisions regarding private properties. Mr. George agreed, stating that outreach will be made to all property owners. C. Comments by Public on Non-Aaenda Items None. D. Adjournment No action was taken by the City Council. The meeting was adjourned at 7:43 a.m. ATTEST: Jennifer M. Ferraiolo City Clerk AGENDA ITEM &0• CITY OF LODI COUNCIL COMMUNICATION TM AGENDA TITLE: Receive Presentation from Pacific Gas and Electric Company Regarding Community Gas Pipeline Safety MEETING DATE: July 14, 2015 (Shirtsleeve Session) PREPARED BY: Public Works Director RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive presentation from Pacific Gas and Electric Company regarding community gas pipeline safety. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has prepared a study of the natural gas transmission pipeline system in Lodi and performed a check of the area above and around the pipes for structures, trees or bushes that could potentially interfere with the safe operation of the gas system. The focus is upon the larger diameter gas transmission pipelines and not the smaller distribution pipelines. These pipelines are located in City -owned and franchise areas as well as in private property. Three risk zones were identified in the study: 1) pipe zone (up to five feet from the sides of the pipe), 2) border zone (five to ten feet from the sides of the pipe), and 3) outer zone (ten to fourteen feet from the sides of the pipe). There are four locations where trees and bushes are within the pipe zone in City -owned and franchise areas. The locations and conditions of these are presented in Attachment 1. PG&E staff will be discussing with City staff alternative restoration, replacement and/or financial compensation for the removal of items that may interfere with the safe operation of the gas system. Suggestions from the Council on this topic are welcome. PG&E will also be discussing with private property owners in cases where the transmission pipelines are located in private property. The private property with the most conflicts is the General Mills site on Turner Road. A copy of the PG&E presentation is provided in Attachment 2. FISCAL IMPACT: Not applicable. FUNDING AVAILABLE: Not applicable. F. Wally Satdelin Public Works Director Prepared by F. Wally Sandelin, Public Works Director FWS/fws/tb Attachments APPROVED: Manager K:\WP\COUNCIL\ShirtsleevePDF's\2015\071415\CC PG&E Presentation 7/6/2015 pl f rap a L couecrlons�.:yY- 'Services y a- 1 I ; r r � -Hecrar Quenas EI Tapa[io -� �- - . - t i e EI Rancho Sports Lounge ,r , EI Rancho©4m ry t in e 114 ` r i -F Ebb 'lIwW jlt� 'I - - r� •0 i ❑e fiancho Motor Inn© U -IIaul Moving P& Storage nS Lodi �i CD . .ASS 'r i''� � �. � ,i: ■ it i r Express Smog �. � Check of Lodi i a ' a Chero to 6'o•'dy w Shady Acres ! � r MAIe Home Park y.A w si I I ou,P moTi of Tone Automotive ® rql r 4 yy s f-,Bruces Tires X gw p......__ Ar I �s r4 V . . . . . . . . ... Y. r =4_ ��po• �lG. � . r . �" __ — ate- ..� i;. Community Pipeline Safety Lodi City Council July 14, 2015 1." • PG&E's top priority is the safety of our customers and the communities we live in and serve • We have implemented important changes in our gas safety operations, including enhancing the testing and inspection of our 6,750 -mile natural gas transmission system • This includes: - Pressure -testing gas transmission pipelines - Installing automated gas valves - Replacing transmission pipelines - Leak surveying all distribution and transmission pipelines 2 1." • We are checking the area above and around the pipeline to: - Ensure firefighters and safety crews have quick and immediate access - Confirm the pipe can be properly inspected, maintained and operated - Prevent tree roots from damaging the pipe by exposing it to corrosion - Make sure the area provides a clear visual indicator of underground facilities 3 1-" • Led and supported by the United States Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) • "In the event of an emergency, a clear ROW [right-of-way] is necessary to facilitate access by both the pipeline operator and emergency response personnel. Obstructions on the ROW can prohibit their ability to respond." • "Trees should not be allowed within the boundary of the ROW. Tree roots have the potential to damage pipeline coatings which may contribute to the loss of integrity of the pipeline." (PIPA Report, November 2010, pg 41) Example of the impact tree roots can have on a gas pipeline. For more information, or to download a copy of the report, please visit www.pipa-info.com 4 1." • We understand how important trees are to you, your residents and the environment • To ensure we are only removing trees that pose a safety or access concern, an in-depth review of all franchise trees was recently completed • The review was conducted by our pipeline integrity and risk management experts and involves analyzing specific vegetation and pipeline data, such as the tree height, species and age of the pipe 41 1." • When a tree poses a safety concern and needs to be removed from city - owned or franchise areas, PG&E offers: - Restoration: Work together to develop a landscape plan that restores the area with native, drought -tolerant landscaping, such as grasses, flowers, mulch or bark - Replacement: Work together to replace any trees that need to be removed to safe locations to enhance the natural beauty of the community 'V Illustration only. Not to scale. . 11" • When a tree needs to be removed for safety reasons from private property, PG&E will work with property owners to offer the following: - Restoration: Work together to develop a landscape plan that restores the area with native, drought -tolerant landscaping, such as grasses, mulch or bark - Replacement: Provide replacement tree(s) or an in -lieu payment for each tree removed - Delivery: Coordinate with the property owner and deliver the replacement tree(s) to be planted by the property owner • We recognize every customer and yard is different, and we will address special circumstances on a case-by-case basis 7 • When a structure or tree poses a safety concern, PG&E will work together with the municipality or property owner to develop a plan that ensures public safety while preserving the unique character of the community or property • Our outreach involves: - Meeting with city officials and staff to share what we know about the safety risks and work together to plan for the gas safety work on franchise and city - owned areas - Communicating about gas pipeline safety to all residents within 500 -feet of the safety work - Reaching out to those residents who live in close proximity to the upcoming safety work - Conducting direct outreach to private property owners - Door-to-door canvassing to the residents adjacent to the gas safety work on franchise areas, as needed Rl s Answer all of your questions Begin outreach to private property owners Continue partnering with the City through the process • Damage from excavation is the most common cause of pipeline accidents. • If you plan on doing any digging, such as planting a tree or installing a fence, please call 811 before you dig. • With one free call to 811 at least two working days in advance, PG&E will send a crew that can mark our underground gas and electric facilities before you begin work, helping you plan a safe project. 10 Questions? 11 • For questions regarding the upcoming pipeline safety work, please contact Dylan George, your Local Government Relations Specialist, at 209-932-6515 or by email at dylan.george@pge.com • For more information, visit us at pge.com/GasSafety 12 Thank You 13