Council to pursue financing for utility undergrounding

After a lengthy Council discussion Feb. 3, council members directed staff and consultants to pursue a loan from the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank, or I-Bank, to finance up to $17 million for a period of 15-years to continue undergrounding overhead electrical lines.

I-Bank is a state government lender that finances public and private projects to promote economic development in California. Previously, the City borrowed from I-Bank for construction of the Del Mar Civic Center.

The final amount to be borrowed will be based on the results of construction bidding for the Crest Canyon Utility Undergrounding District and a future Council decision about whether to include construction costs for the Stratford Court North district.

Located in a high fire risk area, the Crest Canyon district is the next to be undergrounded based on the City’s approved Project Delivery Plan for the Undergrounding Program. Following Crest Canyon, utility poles and overhead lines in the Stratford Court North district would be next in line for removal.

Construction for Crest Canyon, which hinges on the availability of financing and the securing of easements and permits, is expected to begin in the fall of 2025 and last for 18 months. The total cost of this work is estimated to be $17 million.

Project costs for the Crest Canyon and Stratford Court North districts together are estimated to total $23.3 million.

On Feb. 3, the Council ordered a pause of design work to further analyze cashflows and better understand cost implications of including Stratford Court North as part of the initial borrowing.

Del Mar's Utility Undergrounding Program is funded primarily by Measure Q, a one-cent sales tax measure approved by City voters in 2016.

Faced with escalating costs, the council and its undergrounding and finance advisory committees have explored financing options that include “pay-as-you-go,” with no financing; a “hybrid” model, with initial borrowing then pay-go, and an accelerated “finance-as-you-go” model, with periodic and strategic financing when needed.

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Council orders release of communications from Councilmember Quirk

The City Council on Feb. 3 directed the release of recent problematic communications by Councilmember Dan Quirk to City staff.

In a related action, the council voted to reaffirm the final investigative report concerning Quirk by directing the release of the following public statement:

“A complete and impartial investigation of allegations involving Councilmember Quirk concluded on Feb. 16, 2024, which was conducted by Betty P. Kelepecz and overseen by special counsel Irma Rodriguez-Moisa. We reaffirm the Council’s approval of the final investigative report. We denounce/dispraise any and all attempts by Councilmember Quirk to try to invalidate the final, complete and independent investigation that was publicly noticed and resulted in a censure of him by a unanimous Council vote on April 15, 2024. An initial investigative report was incomplete. Even so, Councilmember Quirk claimed that the initial, incomplete investigation exonerated him; that is untrue. The completed investigation found that the allegations against Councilmember Quirk were sustained, including finding that he violated the City Manager’s contract.”

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Feb. 18: SANDAG and NCTD to present on rail projects

Representatives from regional planning and transportation agencies are scheduled to present updates on Del Mar rail projects to the City Council 4:30 p.m. Feb. 18.

One presentation, from SANDAG, will cover a value analysis study and next steps for the LOSSAN Rail Realignment Project, which seeks to remove the railway off of the Del Mar bluffs.

SANDAG is expected to release the study to the public in the coming days.

Also during the Feb. 18 meeting, in a separate presentation, SANDAG and NCTD will update the public on plans for the San Dieguito Double Track and Seasonal Events Platform project.

The next day, SANDAG is scheduled to deliver the same presentation on the value analysis process during a public meeting it will host from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Del Mar Civic Center Town Hall.

Removal ordered of unpermitted garden

The City of Del Mar appreciates the public’s endearment to a longtime, unpermitted garden at North Beach, but the nonnative plants and other improvements occupy state land under the control of the California Coastal Commission and outside the authority of the City.

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PUBLIC SAFETY

Crime blotter: Jan. 30-Feb. 1

Cases: 1

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Source: San Diego County Sheriff's Department

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Good times at Del Mar Community Connections

Feb. 14: Champagne and Chocolate Open House

Del Mar Community Connections is hosting its annual Champagne and Chocolate Open House from 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 14 in the Del Mar Community Building, 225 9^th St.

Older adults, their friends and family are invited to enjoy this free event with bubbly and sweet treats served by members of the Social Good Times Committee.

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Program offers access to solar and battery systems with no upfront cost

Clean Energy Alliance, Del Mar's provider of electricity from renewable sources, invites residents to consider its Solar Plus program, which offers residents access to solar and battery systems at no upfront cost.

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