Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Acquisition Utilities topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council to approve cooperation agreement to clear option on north‑town parcel for future utilities projects
Summary
Utility staff described a cooperation agreement that would let the city proceed to acquire land north of town by asking the option holder to release their right; staff said the agreement is limited to good-faith cooperation and not a binding purchase price commitment.
The Fremont City Council considered a cooperation agreement on Jan. 27 that would let the city pursue acquisition of land north of town for future utilities infrastructure.
Jeff Shanahan, utility general manager, said the utilities have identified a parcel near a substation that would be advantageous for future electric, gas and water projects. The property currently has an option held by a development company; staff asked the mayor to sign a cooperation agreement to encourage the option-holder to release that option so the city can pursue purchase agreements.
Shanahan emphasized this is an early, "step one" procedural move. He said the agreement does not set a purchase price and does not bind the council to a particular zoning or project: "There's nothing tangible that the city's agreeing to other than we would treat them the same as we would treat any other developer — show a good faith for future consideration," a staff member said.
Council discussed infrastructure advantages of the site: proximity to an existing substation, an available natural-gas line that could support generation or gas-line improvements, and a 12-inch water main that could support future storage or booster pumps to improve western-side water pressure. Staff noted sewer service would be an exception and may need separate solutions.
Ending: Councilman Jensen moved to approve Resolution 2026-030 and the motion was seconded; the transcript records the motion and second. The cooperation agreement authorizes the mayor to sign and is intended to clear the option so staff may pursue acquisition and planning steps; further approvals and any purchase agreements would return to council for formal action.
