Council committee advances easement for Pilgrim High School utilities, amends title to reflect Narragansett Electric Company

The Public Properties Committee on Oct. 6 advanced a resolution authorizing a grant of easement to allow installation, maintenance and operation of overhead and underground electric distribution equipment for the new Pilgrim High School.

Steve Gothberg, director of capital and construction for public schools, told the committee the work will place a transformer and an access pole on school property and then run underground lines to the new building. The easement is needed so the utility can meet requirements for service to the project.

Several council members raised a housekeeping issue about the recipient's name in the resolution and exhibit: while the title referenced 'National Grid' and the exhibit listed Narragansett Electric Company, the city's records show the underlying corporate name remains Narragansett Electric Company and it has conducted business as National Grid and, more recently, Rhode Island Energy. Councilman Ricks moved an amendment to use Narragansett Electric Company in the resolution title; the amendment was seconded and approved to reduce future confusion while leaving the actual easement document (Exhibit A) intact.

Committee members said the amendment does not change the substance of the easement, which remains the grant of right for the utility to install and maintain distribution equipment. The committee recommended favorable action; the item was moved forward to the full council.