Title
Bellsouth (AT&T) Easement Exchange at Depot Park (B)
This item involves the exchange of utility easements with AT&T, formerly known as Bell South.
Explanation
On August 16, 1995, AT&T, formerly known as Bell South, was granted a 900 square foot perpetual utility easement by the owner of MCB Oil, Don McBride. The AT&T easement is located near the proposed entrance to Depot Park along South Main Street. Subsequently, the City acquired the MCB Oil property and the vacant easement for use in Depot Park. The City has proposed AT&T an alternate and equal utility easement area further south along Main Street in order to prevent utilities from being installed near the park entrance, in exchange for AT&T's release of their current easement to the City. Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) is requesting the use of fifteen feet adjacent to the East right of way line of South Main Street for a reclaimed water line. This requires a joint use of the fifteen feet between AT&T and GRU, with the AT&T easement located east of the fifteen feet joint use easement.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $100 for administrative costs is available in the Public Works Fiscal Year 2008 operating budget.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) approve the request to exchange an equal easement area for AT&T's, formerly known as Bell South, current utility easement; 2) authorize the Mayor to execute, and the Clerk to attest, the utility easement document for conveyance to AT&T, upon receipt of their Release of Easement for the exchange parcel.
Alternative Recommendation: The City Commission deny the request and retain the utility easement in its present location.