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On November 13, 2008, the Board considered a request by the City of Greensboro for a permanent utility easement affecting the western portion of the Sumner Elementary School campus for its Randleman Dam Feeder Main Project. A copy of the previously submitted easement area diagram is attached for reference. The major portion of the proposed easement is directly adjacent to an existing utility easement crossing the western portion of the Sumner Elementary School campus. The proposed easement would contain 26,024 square feet of area.
At the November 13 meeting, the Board voted to table this matter until such time as the City of Greensboro could provide assurances that Sumner Elementary School could connect to the City’s water system. Currently, Sumner Elementary is utilizing an on-site well system.
A letter was sent to the City of Greensboro on November 24, 2008 stating the Board’s requirement that Sumner Elementary School be able to connect to the Randleman Dam Feeder Main Project waterline as a condition of approval of the requested easement. The City has since provided language to be incorporated into a Deed of Easement which would allow Sumner Elementary to connect to the proposed City waterline after that water transmission line has been in place and functioning for a period of one year. One year would enable the City time to ensure the safe operation of Piedmont Triad Water Authority’s new water treatment plant and pump station. The City has also requested that GCS maintain its existing well system in case of emergency shut down or maintenance of the system.
The City has agreed to waive any connection (tap) fees for service to Sumner Elementary School and has agreed to provide a 30” x 12” tee (based upon the maximum requirement GCS should ever need) at no cost to GCS. The only payment by GCS to the City upon connection to the new City waterline would be for the cost of a meter. GCS would also have costs related to the installation of smaller sized distribution lines from the main water transmission line to the Sumner Elementary School facilities and for any required water pressure reducers.
The City of Greensboro previously submitted a compensation proposal regarding the requested easement area based upon an independent appraisal. The total amount offered is $3,900 for the permanent utility easement and $3,000 for lost spontaneous growth, for a total offer to the Board of $6,900. The Board Chairman will be required to execute the appropriate offer acceptance forms.
The City of Greensboro has also agreed that any areas disturbed during its construction of the improvements would be returned to their present condition as nearly as is possible. According to City of Greensboro staff, there would be no topographical changes to the area and upon completion of the utility improvements, the restored easement construction area would be seeded and covered with straw. A portion of the school’s fence may be within the requested easement area, but the City of Greensboro has agreed to replace any fence disturbed or damaged during the construction of the water line improvements. This work will be coordinated with the Principal to minimize any impact to ongoing instruction and other school-related activities.
GCS Facilities staff has again reviewed the City’s proposal and determined that granting the requested easement would not unduly limit potential expansion areas for Sumner Elementary School.
GCS legal counsel has reviewed this packet of materials and will prepare any Deed of Easement required to implement Board action.
RECOMMENDATION: The administration recommends that the Board accept compensation from the City of Greensboro in the amount of $6,900 for the requested permanent utility easement affecting the Sumner Elementary School campus and approve the execution and delivery of an appropriate Deed of Easement prepared by GCS counsel to include the provisions outlined above.
Attachments - Site Plans and Map
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