Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Utilities topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Leawood approves $5.7M utility agreement with Evergy to bury overhead lines on Mission Road corridor
Summary
The governing body approved a utility agreement with Evergy Metro Inc. that will fund undergrounding of overhead power along the Mission Road–State Line corridor; the city will pay roughly $5.74 million covering the difference between full underground cost and the cost Evergy would incur to relocate overhead.
The Leawood governing body unanimously adopted a resolution on Jan. 21 authorizing the mayor to execute a utility agreement with Evergy Metro Inc. for undergrounding overhead power lines between Mission Road and State Line Road.
David (Public Works) explained the financial structure of the agreement: Evergy estimated $8.4 million to underground the corridor but would otherwise spend about $2.7 million to relocate overhead facilities. “So the total cost to underground is 8.4. So we’re only responsible for the difference between the total construction cost minus what they would have to pay to go overhead,” he said, summarizing why the city’s share is roughly $5,736,701.91 as shown in staff materials.
Council members raised concerns about cost, trees and required easements. David said the city will need approximately 15 property easements; if property owners do not grant easements staff would return to the Public Works Committee to discuss alternatives, including leaving lines overhead. He also said that leaving Evergy to relocate overhead would likely require significant tree trimming or removal along the corridor.
Council member Julie Kane moved to approve the agreement; Mary Larson seconded. The council approved the resolution by voice vote and the ayes were recorded as unanimous.
Staff said work would begin once property easements are secured and that Evergy hopes to complete relocation work in time to begin the city’s street improvements early the following year. If easements cannot be obtained, staff will return to committee for direction.
