SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve an Annual General Permit, in the amount of $4,000, with Pinellas County to construct and maintain natural gas facilities and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Body
SUMMARY:
This permit will allow Clearwater Gas System (CGS) to install and maintain natural gas mains and service lines within the Pinellas County right-of-way that are placed more than five feet from the back of curb or edge of road pavement. This permit covers regular and recurring activities and specifies the construction standards for installation of our gas infrastructure. All other gas work outside the scope of this General Permit will require a Specific Utilization Permit for each job/project prior to commencement.
Pinellas County experienced delays in providing the updated General Permit to CGS, which typically starts at the beginning of the fiscal year (i.e., October). Therefore, this permit will become effective on April 17, 2025, and expire on December 31, 2025.
Section five of this General Permit contains language that indemnifies Pinellas County against any damage claims resulting from negligence caused by CGS. However, the City’s limitation and protection under Section 768.28 of the Florida Statutes is not waived.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding is available in Clearwater Gas Department cost code 4232075-543700, fees and permit. Clearwater Gas is funded by revenues from the Gas Utility Enterprise Fund.
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS:
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Deliver effective and efficient services by optimizing City Assets and Resources. 1.2, 1.3
