Title
Library Department recommending the Board:
1) Find that the attached license Agreement 9720 granted to Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) is in the public interest and will not substantially conflict or interfere with the County's use of the property (Gov. Code 25526.6); and
2) Approve and authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to sign License Agreement 9720 with PG&E and with Richard and Cheryl Anderson for the purpose of establishing and operating customer resource centers in the event of a Public Safety Power Shutoff at the Georgetown Library, with a term of October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2028, compensating the County $750 per day of use; and
3) Approve and authorize the Purchasing Agent to sign Lease Agreement 9716 with Richard F. and Cheryl L. Anderson, Trustee(s) of the Richard F. Anderson and Cheryl L. Anderson Living Trust in the amount of $2,500 per month for the term of October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2028, for 3,200 square feet of space located at 6680 Orleans Street, Georgetown for the Georgetown Library; and
4) Authorize the Purchasing Agent, or designee, to execute further documents relating to Lease Agreement 9716 including amendments, contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management, and to exercise options extend the lease term for two additional three-year periods through September 30, 2034.
FUNDING: 50% Library taxes and 50% General Fund.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
Currently El Dorado County leases the Georgetown Library from Richard and Cheryl Anderson. The Georgetown Library has occupied this leased space since 1993. Patrons borrowed 29,536 items last year and over 3,366 card holders list the Georgetown Library as their 'home' library location, indicating they likely receive and return all of their library materials there.
Staff are recommending the Board approve Lease Agreement 9716 to ensure the continued use 6680 Orleans Street, Georgetown for the Georgetown Library. The current lease is $2,130.74 per month expiring October 1, 2025, for 3200 square feet (0.67 per square foot). The proposed increase is $2,500 per month for the term of October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2028, for the same square footage resulting in (0.78 per square foot), a 17% increase. Lease Agreement 9716 provides for two options to extend the lease for a maximum term ending September 30, 2034.
In 2022, PG&E reached out to the County with the desire to use the Georgetown Library and partner in connection with Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events. License agreement 6953 allows PG&E use of the Georgetown Library to establish and operate a customer resource center (CRC) in the case of a PSPS event. Under License Agreement 6953, PG&E made improvements to the facility, adding a generator transfer switch as well as implementing ADA improvements to the parking area.
During PSPS events, PG&E provides the generator to run the facility. Generally, the generator remains on site from approximately June 1 until December 31 each year. The transfer switch installed by PG&E was a permanent addition to the building. As a result, the County is able to bring a portable generator to the site during the times that the PG&E generator is not on site.
Like the Georgetown Library lease (Agreement 9716), the license agreement would be effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2028. If the County renews the library lease, staff will request the license agreement with PG&E will be renewed to extend the date to match the County's most recent lease expiration date. The Georgetown Library has occupied this leased space since 1993.
The Department is recommending that the Board find that this license agreement is in the public interest due to the valuable service offered to the public in the event of a Public Safety Power Shutdown and that the agreement will not substantially conflict with the County's use of the property.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could not approve the license agreement and PG&E would be unable to open a CRC at this site. The Board could not authorize the Chair to sign the lease agreement and move the Georgetown Library.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
October 11, 2022, Legistar file 22-1746: Board authorized License Agreement #6953 for PG&E’s use of the Georgetown Library as a CRC in PSPS situations.
September 13, 2016, Legistar file 08-1308: Board authorized Lease Agreement 088-L1711 with Richard F. and Cheryl L. Anderson, Trustee(s) of the Richard F. Anderson and Cheryl L. Anderson Living Trust.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel
Procurement & Contracts
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The license agreement requires PG&E to pay the County a license fee of $750 per day for each day of use. Funding for the lease is included in the FY 2025-26 Budget.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Bryce Lovell, Director of Library Services