Memorandum
Date: November 18, 2025
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Lars Ewing, Interim Public Works Director
Subject: Consideration of Resolution Amending Resolution No. 2001-73 Establishing an Underground Utilities District for South Main Street and Soda Bay Road
Executive Summary:
In 2001, the Board of Supervisors approved the formation of the South Main Street - Soda Bay Road Underground Utility District (District) in the unincorporated area south of Lakeport. The intent of this District, which was to be implemented in conjunction with the planned South Main Street and Soda Bay Road Improvement Project in the same area, was to relocate all existing overhead utilities into a single underground “joint trench.” In consideration of the concurrent roadway improvements project, the County assumed the role of Joint Trench Lead, with PG&E, AT&T, and Mediacom participating as utility partners.
As the planning and design have progressed for both the roadway and utility undergrounding elements, staff identified two specific locations where undergrounding presents substantial practical and financial challenges. After careful evaluation, staff recommends issuing exceptions from the requirement to place facilities underground at these locations, as described below:
1. APN 008-003-05 (2590 South Main Street) - Service Line Exception
• Due to the existing site development and the presence of a sensitive archeological resource, trenching for this service line would be cost prohibitive and carries a high risk of construction delay during excavation
(See Attachment A)
2. APN 082-092-04 (53 Soda Bay Road), - Service Line Exception to Leased Billboard
• The parcel has undergone recent development that includes mature tree plantings, drainage infrastructure, and a detention pond. Undergrounding the existing service line would require extensive rock excavation, tree removal, and disruption of established drainage features, resulting in significant additional cost and potential funding delays related to land rights acquisition.
(See Attachment B)
In light of these circumstances, staff recommends approval of the attached Resolution authorizing an exception to the District for two poles to remain in place with overhead service. A marked-up version of the joint trench plan is attached for reference, showing the proposed overhead service exceptions. Previous resolutions for the District are also attached.
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Recommended Action:
Approve Resolution Amending Resolution No. 2001-73 Establishing an Underground Utilities District for South Main Street and Soda Bay Road, and authorize the Chair to sign