Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Nicholas J. Calderon, Parks Director
Subject: Grant of Easement Deed to Pacific Gas & Electric Company over specified lands at Flood County Park (APN 055-312-010) for public utility purposes
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing:
A) The County Executive Officer, or the County Executive Officer’s Designee, to execute an Easement Deed to grant a utility easement to Pacific Gas & Electric Company on County-owned property commonly known as Flood County Park, identified as Assessor's Parcel Number 055-312-010 located at 215 Bay Road, in the City of Menlo Park ("Property"); and
B) The County Executive Officer, or the County Executive Officer’s Designee, to execute any and all notices, consents, approvals, or other documents in connection with the Easement Deed.
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BACKGROUND:
Flood County Park (“Flood Park”) is a 21-acre County-owned and operated park located in the City of Menlo Park. Founded in 1937, Flood Park has served the recreational needs of residents of southern San Mateo County for over 85 years.
In 2014, the San Mateo County Parks Department (“Department”) assessed the condition of Flood Park’s amenities and determined that a complete overhaul was warranted. This led to the creation of the Realize Flood Park Project (“Project”), a multi-year public engagement process that led to the development of the Final Revised Environmental Impact Report (“EIR”) and 2022 Landscape Plan.
On February 27, 2024, the Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution No. 080189 which authorized an agreement with Jensen Landscape Contractor, LLC (“Jensen”) for the construction of Phase 1 of the Project. Phase 1 includes the small multi-use sports field, tennis/pickleball courts, sand volleyball courts, basketball court, picnic and reservation areas, landscaping, walking paths, and utilities (electrical, water, and sewer).
Currently, Flood Park receives electrical service via aboveground PG&E lines that enter the park off of Bay Road and connect to the park’s main distribution panel in the center of the park; the electrical lines and utility poles are exposed and visible to park visitors. To improve electrical service, avoid conflicts with the oak woodland, and enhance user experience the Department is undergrounding electrical lateral lines. While securing PG&E permits and approvals for the new main distribution panel, it was determined that no public utility easement over Flood Park exists, and therefore, PG&E cannot install the main distribution panel in the park. The County therefore must grant to PG&E a public utility easement in order for PG&E to install new infrastructure at the park.
DISCUSSION:
The proposed Easement Deed (Exhibit A) authorizes PG&E to construct, maintain, replace, and operate public service utilities in the defined easement area at Flood Park. PG&E will also be authorized to maintain the easement area including by removing brush, trees, and vegetation.
To minimize conflicts between PG&E facilities and park facilities, the Department had the new electrical system designed so that PG&E’s main distribution panel is on the perimeter of the park (instead of at its current location in the middle of the park). Based on the Project’s utility design and conversations with PG&E, the attached plat map and legal description were drafted. This easement area does not conflict with visitor serving amenities or sensitive natural resources.
Because the Department is requesting and initiating the re-design of Flood Park’s electrical system and the easement is required to install PG&E infrastructure, the Department recommends the Easement Deed be issued to PG&E at no cost.
County Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved the resolution as to form and content.
EQUITY IMPACT:
Granting the Easement Deed to PG&E will allow the Department to improve the electrical service, avoid conflicts with the oak woodland, and enhance user experience at Flood Park. Due to its location, Flood Park serves as the preferred local recreation destination for residents of park-deficient communities like North Fair Oaks.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact for accepting the recommendation.