HomeMy Public PortalAboutMay 20, 2016 - Undergrounding updateCOMMISSIONERS
SCOTT W. MORGAN, Mayor
ROBERT W. GANGER, Vice Mayor
JOAN IG ORTHWEIN
THOMAS M. STANLEY
DONNA S. WHITE
May 19, 2016
Dear Gulf Stream Residents,
TOWN OF GULF STREAM
PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA
Telephone
(561)276-5116
Fax
(561)777-0188
Town Manager
WILLIAM H. THRASHER
Town Clerk
RITA L. TAYLOR
By way of update on the undergrounding project, I am pleased to report that AT&T and
Comcast have completed the Phase 1 removal of their overhead lines. This means that Phase 1 of
the undergrounding project is complete. (The only remaining item is the replacement of the old
AlA street light poles. FPL will replace all of the AIA light -poles at one time, once the Phase 2
Al undergrounding work is finished).
Regarding Phase 2, I am also happy to report that further negotiation with Wilco
Electrical led to a significant reduction of the Phase 2 undergrounding cost by $444,178.50. The
total Phase 2 electrical undergrounding cost will now be $2,430,392.00. This number is still
$510,253.26 over -budget, but given the passage of time since the original budget estimates were
prepared, it is more in line with current market pricing, and it is significantly more manageable
to the Town. As I stated in my last letter, there is no need for a tax increase or special assessment
to finish the project.
At our meeting last Friday, the Town Commission approved Wilco's revised proposal. In
addition, the Commission approved Wilco's proposal to install new streetlights in the Town's
core area. Wilco's quote was $460,206.55, which is lower than the amount originally budgeted
for that work.
In addition to the electric lines, the Commission approved Comcast's proposal to
complete the Phase 2 undergrounding of cable wires. This will be done with fiber-optic cable
instead of the old co -axial cable, which should result in improved service. The Commission also
authorized AT&T to prepare its quote for the Phase 2 removal of the remaining telephone wires.
This will not delay our moving forward with Wilco Electrical's work. We are currently
completing the agreements with FPL so that Wilco can purchase the conduit and begin the Phase
2 undergrounding.
Finally, the Town has retained Gary Resnick, Esq., a lawyer specializing in public
utilities law to help advance the Phase 2 project. Mr. Resnick will assist in negotiating the terms
of the utilities contracts and will help ensure prompt performance by AT&T and Comcast, which
were exceptionally dilatory in completing their Phase 1 work.
100 SEA ROAD, GULF STREAM, FLORIDA 33483
I am pleased with the progress of Phase 2 at this point, and remain committed to seeing
this project completed in a timely manner.
Very truly yours,
Sco . Morgan r