Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Utilities Power topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Paragonah board hears plan for east-side power upgrade, residents raise access and easement concerns
Summary
Town power staff described a proposed power-line easement and three-phase upgrade to serve a new well and reduce reliance on a single aging transformer; residents raised questions about pole placement, fire-truck access, driveway impacts and construction staging. No final decision was made.
Town power representatives outlined a proposed project to extend three-phase distribution to the east side of Paragonah to serve a new municipal well and to reduce the town’s dependence on a single, 30-year-old transformer. Presenters said the work would require utility easements across several private parcels and typically a 15-foot public utility easement (7.5 feet from property lines) to place poles and wires.
An unidentified power-board presenter urged the board to act because the town currently relies on a transformer that, if it failed, could leave a portion of town without power and might take months to replace. “My concern is that transformer’s 30 years old, and I don’t want anybody to be without power,” the presenter said during the discussion.
Residents and board members pressed the presenters on exact pole locations, guide-wire needs, driveway and gate access during construction, and whether the project would narrow roadways or interfere with emergency-vehicle turning radii. One resident asked whether the proposed route would force poles inside existing fence lines and whether that could block large fire apparatus; staff said crews plan to avoid obstructing the roadway but acknowledged some sections will require poles close to property lines.
Staff explained alternatives considered, including upgrading Center Street (which would require extensive tree removal and reconstruction) versus routing along less-developed corridors to reach available three-phase lines. The presenters said the utility would prepare property descriptions and an easement map; if owners consent, the city attorney would prepare deeds or easements for signatures and a notary when the route is finalized.
No formal action was taken tonight. Town staff asked residents to continue discussing specific concerns with the power department and said engineers will finalize pole placement and potential minor adjustments before requesting signatures on easements.
