REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on Installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations on City-owned Land and Public Right-of-Way
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Deliver and Enhance High Quality Efficient Services and Infrastructure and Sustainability
BACKGROUND
On April 9, 2019, (RTC 19-221) Council acted on a Charging Station and Premises Agreement with EVGO Services LLC and delegated authority to the City Manager to negotiate opportunities and approve agreements and related documents to install up to an additional 30 new EV charging stations in the public right-of-way throughout the rest of the City. EVGO did not end up installing charging stations.
On April 7, 2020, the City Council took action on the Agreement with National Car Charging LLC for EV Charging Installations. Since that action, Silicon Valley Power (SVP) has been adding charging stations on City-owned properties; City Hall, parks and other City owned facilities for public and fleet use. A total of 87 charger ports have been installed.
Recently the City received additional interest for charger installations on City property, specifically City owned parking lots.
DISCUSSION
There has been expressed interest by public EV charging network providers to install public EV charging stations on City-owned properties that meet specific traffic and size criteria. EV charging network providers are proposing to install, own and operate the EV chargers, absorbing the operation and maintenance burden while providing a revenue stream to the City, in return for use of City-owned properties. Access to EV charging at key locations in the City not only supports the City’s sustainability pillar through transportation electrification, but also provides EV charging access to residents, businesses, and visitors without expense to the City. EV charging could be an amenity that has the potential to drive traffic to restaurants and shopping venues, increasing sales tax revenue to the City.
This action would expand upon the existing authority to include City-owned or managed properties and facilities, on City-owned land, in addition to the public right-of-way throughout the City and up to 100 new EV charging stations.
All the providers would need to meet the City’s requirements and complete appropriate outreach for any such installations. Staff will also inform Council of any proposed installations.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) of the following section of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations: (1) Section 15303 as the proposed action involves the licensing of land for the construction of limited numbers of new, small equipment and facilities on City-owned land and public right-of-way.
FISCAL IMPACT
No capital expenditures will result from entering into this agreement. There are no known negative economic impacts. EV charging network providers will permit, construct, and provide for any and all necessary structures and/or equipment needed to provide the EV chargers. This will go through the regular City permitting process and requirements. There is a potential for City revenue through land use/lease agreements.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Authorize the City Manager to negotiate opportunities and approve agreements, leases, and all related documents to install up to 100 new EV charging stations at City-owned or managed properties/facilities, land, and public right-of-way.
Staff
Reviewed by: Manuel Pineda, Chief Electric Utility Officer
Approved by: Rajeev Batra, City Manager