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Home My WebLink AboutPR 24462: AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ADDRESS THE CONDITION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF UTILITY POLES AND LINES WITHIN THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR City u1 i Hrt rtlrur www.PortArthurTx.gov DEPARTMENT OF TRANSIT AND EQUIPMENT SERVICES INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM Date: July 29, 2025 To: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Through: Ronald "Ron" Burton, CPM, City Manager From: Ivan Mitchell, Director of Transit and Equipment Services RE: P.R. NO. 24462 —Authorizing the City Manager to Address the Condition, Maintenance, and Repair of Utility Poles and Lines Within the City of Port Arthur Introduction: The purpose of this memorandum is to request the City Council's approval of P.R. NO. 24462, authorizing the City Manager to engage with utility companies operating within the City of Port Arthur to address deteriorating conditions of utility poles and associated infrastructure. Background: The City of Port Arthur has identified widespread deterioration of utility poles and overhead lines throughout various areas of the community. Inadequate maintenance and delayed repairs have resulted in potential electrical hazards and increased risks to public safety. To address these concerns, the City Council is being asked to authorize the City Manager to: • Collaborate and coordinate with all utility providers operating within the City's jurisdiction. • Advocate for and implement a proactive inspection and maintenance program for utility poles and related infrastructure. • Ensure that utility providers prioritize the replacement of non-serviceable poles and associated equipment. "Remember, we are here to sere the Citizens of Port Arthur" P.O.Box 1089 X Port Arthur,Texas 77641-1089 X 409.983.8101 X FAX 409.982.6743 V • Expedite necessary repairs to minimize service disruptions and protect public safety. • Develop and oversee a comprehensive remediation plan in partnership with utility providers. Budget Impact: None Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of P.R. No. 24462, authorizing the City Manager to engage with utility companies to address the deteriorating condition of utility poles and associated infrastructure in the interest of public safety and service reliability. "Remember,we are here to serve the Citizens of Port Arthur" P.O. Box 1089 X Port Arthur,Texas 77641-1089 X 409.983.8101 X FAX 409.982.6743 P.R. No. 24462 7/28/2025 IM PAGE 1 OF 3 RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENGAGE WITH UTILITY COMPANIES OPERATING WITHIN THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR TO ADDRESS THE CONDITION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF UTILITY POLES AND LINES WITHIN THE CITY'S JURISDICTION. WHEREAS, the City of Port Arthur has identified ongoing deterioration in utility poles and related infrastructure throughout its jurisdiction,creating concerns related to electrical hazards, falling materials, and risks to public safety resulting from inadequate maintenance and delayed repairs; and WHEREAS, the City seeks to collaborate with utility providers to promptly and effectively address these concerns and enhance the safety and reliability of utility services within the community; and WHEREAS, a letter to utility companies outlining the City's concerns and willingness to collaborate on proactive solutions is attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and will be issued under the City Manager's signature as part of this coordinated effort; and WHEREAS,the City Council finds it necessary and in the public interest to authorize the City Manager to coordinate with all utility companies operating within the City to implement a regular inspection and maintenance program, establish clear protocols for the immediate remediation of identified deficiencies, and ensure the timely replacement or repair of non- serviceable poles and associated equipment. NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR, TEXAS: THAT, the facts and findings set forth in the preamble of this Resolution are hereby found to be true and correct. P.R. No. 24462 7/28/2025 IM PAGE 2 OF 3 THAT, the City Manager is hereby authorized to engage, coordinate, and work in partnership with all utility companies operating within the City of Port Arthur to advocate for, develop, and implement a comprehensive infrastructure remediation plan to address deficiencies in utility poles and related infrastructure. This plan shall include regular inspection programs, prioritization of non-serviceable equipment for replacement, and the expedited completion of necessary repairs to protect public safety and ensure continuity of service. THAT, the City Manager is further authorized to transmit a formal letter, attached hereto as Exhibit "A", to utility companies communicating the City's concerns and its commitment to collaborate on corrective action. THAT a copy of the caption of this Resolution be spread upon the minutes of the City Council. READ, ADOPTED AND APPROVED this day of August, A.D. 2025, at a Regular meeting of the City of Port Arthur, Texas, by the following vote: AYES: Mayor: Councilmembers: NOES: Charlotte M. Moses, Mayor ATTEST: Sherri Bellard, TRMC, City Secretary P.R. No. 24462 7/28/2025 IM PAGE 3 OF 4 APPROVED AS TO FORM: Roxann Pais Cotroneo, City Attorney APPROVE FOR ADMINISTRATION: €11.Ltd Ronald " urt CPM Ivan Mit City Manager Transit-Fleet Director EXHIBIT "A" (Template Letter Of Engagement) CHARLOTTE M.MOSES,MAYOR RONALD BURTON,CPM HAROLD L.DOUCET,SR., City of CITY MANAGER MAYOR PRO TEM �l I_I SHERRI BELLARD,TRMC COUNCIL MEMBERS: CITY SECRETARY WILLIE BAE LEWIS,JR. or t r t h u r TIFFANY L.HAMILTON EVERFIELD Texas ROXANN PAIS COTRONEO DONEANE BECKCOM CITY ATTORNEY THOMAS KINLAW,III DONALD FRANK,SR. (Date) (Company) (Address) To Whom It May Concern: I am writing on behalf of the City of Port Arthur, Texas, to formally address an urgent matter concerning the condition of electrical utility poles and associated infrastructure within our city. Recently, we have observed growing concerns regarding the state of electrical utility poles and related equipment managed by Entergy, Spectrum, and AT&T throughout the City of Port Arthur. In numerous neighborhoods, aging or damaged poles, accumulated debris, and tangled or exposed wires contribute to unsightly conditions and, more importantly, create hazards for our residents and visitors. These concerns are not only detrimental to the appearance of our community but also raise potential safety issues, including the risk of electrical hazards and injuries resulting from falling debris. We urge your companies to prioritize cleaning and maintaining these utility poles and the surrounding areas. To that end, we specifically request the following measures: • Proactive Inspections and Preventative Upkeep: Initiate a regular inspection program to assess the condition of utility poles and associated infrastructure, with clear protocols for addressing any deficiencies as soon as they are identified. • Expedited Replacement and Repair: Prioritize the timely replacement of poles and equipment that are no longer serviceable, and ensure all repairs are completed promptly to reduce the likelihood of hazards and community disruption. • Comprehensive Debris Management: Develop and implement a systematic approach for cleaning up debris, old materials, and litter from work sites and public rights-of-way, enhancing the cleanliness and safety of our streets and shared spaces. The City of Port Arthur will partner with your companies to transform local infrastructure. Resolving these issues is imperative to ensure public safety, significantly enhance residents' quality of life, and fortify community pride. To emphasize the importance of these cleanup efforts, we propose the following provisions that the City of Port Arthur can implement to support and accelerate this initiative: 1. Collaborative Cleanup Days: The City can organize community cleanup events in partnership with your companies. At these events, volunteers, including city employees and residents, can assist with debris removal and landscaping around utility poles. 2. Streamlined Permitting Processes: The City is willing to expedite any necessary permits for repair and replacement works to facilitate timely action on your part. 3. Joint Task Force: Establish a joint task force with representatives from Entergy, Spectrum, AT&T, and the City of Port Arthur to regularly monitor, assess, and address ongoing maintenance and safety concerns regarding utility poles. 4. Regular Reporting: We propose setting up a system for regular reporting on the status of utility pole maintenance and cleanup efforts, ensuring that all parties are informed and accountable. The City of Port Arthur is eager to partner with your teams to ensure these improvements are implemented efficiently and effectively. Addressing these infrastructure challenges will protect our residents and guests and bolster civic pride and the overall quality of life within our city. Open lines of communication and precise coordination will be essential to ensure that these matters are addressed efficiently and with minimal disruption to our residents. Thank you for your attention to this pressing issue and your continued commitment to the well-being of the City of Port Arthur. We look forward to your prompt response and a collaborative effort to resolve these concerns. Together, we can ensure that Port Arthur remains a safe and beautiful place for all its residents. I appreciate your cooperation. Best Regards, Ronald "Ron" Burton, CPM City Manager City of Port Arthur, TX, a municipal corporation A