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The City can explore if allowing for connections to power at the City's streetlights is an <br /> option —this would allow the power to feed directly to the parklets from the City <br /> streetlights. However, this will require load calculations of the streetlights, determination <br /> of how these connections will be provided, and an in-depth review by the Operations <br /> Services Department. Retrofit or modification of the streetlights might be needed to <br /> allow for connections to be safely made. This type of evaluation may be a future Capital <br /> Improvement Project (CIP) to properly budget for the evaluation and modifications. <br /> The Planning Commission suggested that staff identify some models of solar or battery- <br /> powered lights that would be acceptable as part of the pre-approved design. The <br /> Commission generally supported further investigating the feasibility of connecting to <br /> existing streetlights, though noted the priority should be to finalize the pre-approved <br /> design and get businesses operating in parklets with the lighting project to follow <br /> (particularly since the CIP project may take several months to complete). The <br /> Commission also inquired if staff would consider adding an annual fee for use of City <br /> electricity. This approach is taken by other communities. For example, Livermore <br /> charges $40 fee for use of its City electricity in their "flex spaces" on First Street. <br /> Other Considerations <br /> In addition to location, size, and design standards, staff outlined several additional <br /> operational considerations as detailed in Attachment 1. There was not much discussion <br /> with the Planning Commission around these considerations as the provisions generally <br /> outline sections of the Code that already exist (e.g., complying with the noise ordinance, <br /> hours of operation, etc.). <br /> Maintenance <br /> The City's Operations Services Department actively maintains the public right-of-way <br /> including some utilities, the streets, and trees within the right-of-way. The City <br /> recommends several provisions be built into either the Parklet Program Guidelines <br /> and/or Parklet Agreement to address this necessary maintenance, as described in <br /> Attachment 1. Parklets would not be allowed to impede access to utility manholes and <br /> access points, and periodically would be asked to be placed out of use (though not <br /> moved) to allow for annual tree-trimming to occur.' <br /> The provisions are critical to ensure the City can properly maintain the right-of-way <br /> moving forward. The Planning Commission was supportive of the maintenance <br /> provisions and appreciated their inclusion in the program. <br /> Permit Process <br /> Staff identified a permit process (similar to the City's Outdoor Dining Permit process) <br /> that would require a Parklet Permit, Encroachment Permit, and Parklet Agreement. The <br /> Parklet Agreement would outline the expectations of the applicant regarding on-going <br /> The Operations Services Department typically conducts downtown tree maintenance over the course of <br /> approximately one month each year;the parklet program would provide a standard time during which tree trimming <br /> would occur, during which businesses would need to keep the parklet free of people and furniture to avoid damage <br /> or risk of injury. <br /> Page 5 of 8 <br />