LAKE COUNTY — Pacific Gas & Electric representatives told the Lake County Board of Supervisors chair it would speed up relocation of 17 utility poles blocking the bike lanes along State Street in Kelseyville.
However, spokeswoman Brandi Ehlers told the Record-Bee that PG&E needs to acquire land rights from 13 property owners in order to relocate the poles. She said the relocation process could take two to six months. “We”re in the process,” Ehlers said. “Along with other projects, it takes time.” The county finished road and sidewalk construction in January on State Street to Gaddy Lane, leaving the poles in the road for PG&E to relocate. Ehlers said PG&E staff is working this week to reach out to property owners.
Supervisor Chairman Anthony Farrington said two weeks ago a PG&E government contact called him to say the utility would meet as soon as possible to expedite the relocation. It had been more than a week since the board sent a letter requesting PG&E to move forward with the project.
“Timing is of the essence,” Farrington said. “The county is ready to do what it needs to do to expedite the relocation of the poles.” He thinks the poles pose a health and safety risk to the public.
“It concerns me,” he said. “That concern won”t go away until the project is finished.”
Supervisor Rob Brown, who represents the Kelseyville district, said he thinks PG&E is now motivated to move forward.
“I think they”re making a mountain out of a mole hill,” Brown said. “They”ve been working on this a long time.” He said the “huge risk” is why he and Farrington agreed to write a letter. Brown thinks having poles in the bike lane defeats the purpose.
“There”s no good reason for PG&E to still be sitting on this project,” Brown said. He thinks PG&E staff isn”t the problem, it”s the administrators. “They make the government look good. So I guess we should be thankful.”
