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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1972-093 Letters - PNB - Underground Utilities I � 0 J Pacific Northwest Bell Medford, May 23, 1972 0 Mr. Brian L. Almquist City Administrator City of Ashland City Hall Ashland, Oregon #97520 Dear Mr. Almquist: Your letter of May 15, 1972 refers to our telephone conversation of several months ago concerning the conversion of our telephone plant from aerial to underground in conjunction with the widening of Highway 66. At the time of our conversation, our plans were to convert the aerial telephone plant to an underground system along the entire improved highway section. This would have included that portion along Highway 66 from Normal Avenue east to the I-5 freeway interchange. Since our conversation, some unanticipated problems have arisen to cause a reassessment of our proposed work. We still intend to build an underground system as originally proposed from the beginning of the highway project at Normal Avenue and extending east across the Southern Pacific railroad tracks to Tolman Creek Road. For the section remaining east of Tolman Creek Road to the I-5 freeway interchange, we propose to transfer the existing aerial cable plant to the City of Ashland Municipal Power pole line. Under this plan, the telephone company would purchase 40% of each of the poles contacted as prescribed under the Joint Pole Agreement. r This change in plan has become necessary due to excessive costs not anticipated under our original proposal. Unforseen costs relating to excessive grade cuts; care necessary to avoid damage to shrubs; trees, fences, and sprinkler systems; difficulties of crossing under a creek bottom and through several service station driveways and landscaped areas have caused our plan change. At the time of our next cable relief in this section, we would hope to replace the aerial plant with an underground system. If you have further questions on this subject, I would be pleased to discuss them with ,you. Sincerely, A�W Hr�gger c�q.t�✓ Engineering Manager Pacific NW Bell Telephone 201 South Fir Street Medford, Oregon #97501 Telephone: 779-1156 AWB/nm May 15, 1972 Mr. A. W.. Brugger. Engineering Manager PACIFIC NORTHWEST BELL TELEPHONE 204 South Fir Street Medford, Oregon 97501 Re: Highway 66 Project Dear Art: Several month§ ago, I spoke with you regarding the work you will be doing on telephone facilities .in conjunction with the widening of Highway 66 . At that time , you indicated you would attempt to complete your activities by the first part Of July. We also discussed the desirability of undergro_unding these facilities , and the purpose of this .letter is to again stress our City's wish that you do so-. The City is now in the process of adopting an Ordinance requiring all new developments to pro- vide for underground utilities . As you are aware, we have also been aggresively pursuing a program of converting overhead facilities to underground, particularly in our mercantile areas . Highway 66 seems to be developing into an area of intense commercial development, and is the primary entrance into Ashland; it would be unfortunate if we did not take steps to make it as attractive as. possible. Our new high voltage line would have also been installed underground if it were not for the problem of heat dissipation, for which technology has yet. to provide an economical solution. Please give this request your utmost. consideration, since we are vitally concerned about retaining Ashland's livability and attractiveness to tourism. Sincerely, Brian L. Almquist City Administrator .. /nck cc: Mayor $ Council tadfic iL°or$ es# Bail Business Office 131 North Bartlett street Medford,Oregon 97501 Phone(503)779-6101 April 19, 1972 City Recorder 20 E. Main Street Ashland, Oregon 97520 Pacific Northwest Bell has recently had some problems in other cities regarding the relocation of our facilities because a vacation of a street or alley resulted in the property reverting to private ownership. As you know, our franchises allow us to place our facilities in, upon, over and under city streets, alleys, avenues, etc. When streets or alleys are vacated by the city and the property reverts to private ownership, our prior rights must be protected. If the new property owners want our facilities moved or removed, it should be done under tariff provisions applicable to all subscribers. With the aforementioned in mind would you please send notices of proceedings that would affect the Telephone Company to: Art Rrugger, Engineerini,, Manager 204 S. Fir Street Medford, Oregon 97501 A description of the property would also be appreciated. Cordially, Ron Allen Manager RA:db cc: A. Brut?ger �n .