2014.04.16 Council Agenda Item 05

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.

Earlier this year, the Town Council approved a change in the Street Opening permit fee schedule for the natural gas expansion project (a copy of that order is attached). The fee schedule was based on estimates of construction limits that are no longer applicable and the corresponding rates are higher than deemed necessary.

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. Staff recommends that the Town Council further amend the street excavations fee schedule to establish a lump sum fee in the amount of $100,000. A staff memo and order is attached.