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Planning commission approves Alliant Energy plan to place power lines underground in two municipal parking areas
Summary
The commission recommended council approval for Alliant Energy to route three‑phase power underground through portions of city parking lots at South Second Street; poles will remain to carry other utilities and Alliant must restore surfaces to preexisting condition.
The Planning Commission voted to recommend City Council approval for Alliant Energy to bury power cables under two city parking areas on South Second Street.
The motion authorizes the routing of three‑phase electrical cable through the eastern portion of the public parking lot at 105 S. Second Street and the eastern portion of the municipal building parking lot at 123 S. Second Street, subject to standard easement language and restoration of surfaces to preexisting condition.
City staff explained the work would place the electrical circuits underground while leaving poles in place to carry telephone and cable lines. Mark, city staff, said Alliant will remove the top portion of poles as the three‑phase conductors are taken underground; remaining pole sections will continue to support the other utilities until those operators relocate. Alliant remains responsible for resurfacing and restoration under standard easement terms.
Commissioners asked who owns the poles; an Alliant representative (or staff) said poles are Alliant property and other utilities lease space on the poles. Commissioners also confirmed that some poles carry street lights and that pole removal will be phased as other carriers relocate to underground service.
A motion recommending council approval carried by voice vote. The item will move to City Council for final consideration and any required easement approvals.
