2014.01.13 Council Agenda Item 07

The Town prepared and distributed an update via electronic brochure last month. A copy of the brochure is attached and offers an update regarding the status of this project. Of particular interest is a map that depicts a tentative annual schedule of the project and shows the anticipated location of natural gas lines during the four year construction project.

As part of the initiative to provide natural gas service to Yarmouth, Cumberland, and Falmouth, the three Municipalities have been working on consolidating and streamlining the street excavation requirements. This initiative was originally outlined in the 3-Town/Summit Natural Gas memorandum of understanding that was entered into in the Spring of 2013.

Over the last 6 months, Town Managers, Public Works Directors, and Town Engineers from the three Towns have all been collaborating on developing the framework for managing and overseeing this major utility expansion. Further details are provided in the attached staff memo.

Staff recommends that the Town amend the street excavations fee schedule to add the enclosed fee rate that would be specific to the natural gas expansion project, due to the nature, size, and complexity of this initiative.

A staff memo, order, multi-municipal permit, and ordinance reference are attached.