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Westfield board approves Duke Energy reimbursements to bury lines on Union Street and State Route 32
Summary
The Westfield Board of Public Works and Safety unanimously approved Duke Energy utility reimbursement agreements to move overhead electric lines underground along Union Street and State Route 32, staff said, with estimated reimbursements of $509,593.94 and $1,026,332.91.
The Westfield Board of Public Works and Safety unanimously approved two Duke Energy utility reimbursement agreements to relocate overhead electric lines underground during current road projects on Union Street and State Route 32.
John Veil, director of public works, told the board the Union Street agreement is for an estimated $509,593.94 and is tied to a drainage and road reconstruction project near Union Bible College. "We're gonna pay the actual cost. That is just the estimate," Veil said, adding that staff expects the final cost to be lower after design changes. He said burying lines "helps to sort of beautify our downtown."
For State Route 32, John Nail (public works) described a longer relocation with more equipment that carries a higher estimate: $1,026,332.91. Nail said the work will take electric poles out of the corridor between the Shamrock Boulevard roundabout and E Street along the full limits of the 32 reconstruction project, while some service lines to the Wesley Drive neighborhood will remain overhead.
Both agreements were described by staff as estimates; Veil and Nail said Duke Energy provides documentation of real costs and that the city will pay actual invoices. Veil and Nail also said Duke’s initial estimates tend to be conservative and that the city has worked to maintain a cooperative relationship with the utility.
Board members asked whether Duke’s estimates typically come in high; Veil said Duke “try to be conservative” and staff would collaborate with Duke if costs varied. Both items were moved, seconded and approved on voice votes.
Why it matters: Staff told the board that undertaking the overhead-to-underground conversions during concurrent street construction reduces duplication of work and accelerates downtown aesthetic improvements.
What the board approved: Unanimous approval of both utility reimbursement agreements; staff will pay the actual documented costs under the agreements.
Funding and next steps: Staff said the figures presented were estimates and may be reduced through final design; no additional funding breakdown or timetable beyond the ongoing reconstruction projects was included in the Board’s discussion.
Sources: Staff presentation and discussion during the Board of Public Works and Safety meeting.
