Committee backs revised SFPUC easement terms with Sunol Glen Unified School District

The Budget and Finance Committee on Nov. 19 voted 3–0 to send to the full Board a resolution approving revised terms for a purchase‑and‑sale agreement and easement deeds between the city (through the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission) and the Sunol Glen Unified School District.

Dina Brazil, the SFPUC right‑of‑way manager, said the item updates a previously approved agreement to acquire a perpetual pipeline easement (about 4,008 square feet) and a temporary construction easement (about 34,834 square feet) for the Town of Sunol Pipeline project. The total purchase price remains $35,000 (the appraised value), with an administrative fee of $5,000 and up to $10,000 in closing costs for a total not to exceed roughly $50,000.

Brazil told the committee that most redline changes were editorial but that one revision — to section 8, the indemnification provision — materially increased the city’s obligations by converting a seller‑only indemnity into a mutual indemnity that also requires the city to indemnify the school district. "The proposed revisions narrow the seller's obligations and include a mutual obligation on the city's part to indemnify the other party," Brazil said, adding that SFPUC consulted risk management and considered the revision reasonable and within normal practice. She noted the city’s construction contractor will indemnify the city under the construction contract, which passes risk downstream.

There were no public speakers. Chair Connie Chan moved to forward the item with a positive recommendation; the committee approved the motion unanimously. The resolution will go to the full Board for final action, as the change to indemnity increases the city's contractual obligations and requires Board approval.