HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES2024-043 Overstory SoftwareSponsored by: Taylor Crocker
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2024-043
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO PURCHASE
REMOTE SENSING SOFTWARE FROM OVERSTORY FOR $50,000 FOR
VEGETATION MANAGEMENT IN THE CITY'S POWER LINE RIGHT
OF WAY
WHEREAS, the City of Seward is committed to modernizing its electric utility department
and enhancing the safety and reliability of its power distribution network; and
WHEREAS, the current vegetation management practices in the City's power line right of
way are insufficient, with some areas not being trimmed in over thirty years; and
WHEREAS, the Electric Department will utilize remote sensing software to implement a
data -driven vegetation management program that will optimize resources and improve decision -
making processes; and
WHEREAS, the Electric Department requested quotes for remote sensing software and
data services from Overstory, Frontier Precision and Alaska Remote Imaging and found Overstory
to offer the best value within the department's budget; and
WHEREAS, Overstory's software will allow the City to create a detailed heat map of
vegetation within the power line right of way, allowing the City to identify high -risk areas and
prioritize them for trimming or other preventive measures.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEWARD, ALASKA, that:
Section 1. The City Council hereby authorizes the City Manager to purchase remote
sensing software from Overstory for vegetation management in the City's power line right of way.
Section 2. Funding in the amount of $50,000 is hereby transferred and appropriated from
the 15000-0000-3710 Transfers Out Electric Fund to 15310-0000-3700 Transfers in Transmission
Line Fund to 15310-0000-7009 Transmission line Fund contracted services.
Section 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska, this 26th
day of the August 2024.
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2024-043
Page 2 of 2
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
Sue McClure, Mayor
AYES: Osenga, Calhoon, Finch, Barnwell, Crites, Wells, McClure
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
Kris Peck
City Clerk
(City Seal)
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1
Resolution 2024-043
City Council Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: August 26, 2024
To: City Council
Through: Kat Sorensen, City Manager
From: Taylor Crocker, Electric Operations Supervisor
Subject: Resolution 2024-043: Authorizing the City Manager to Purchase Remote
Sensing Software from Overstory for $50,000 for Vegetation Management
in the City's Power Line Right of Way
Background and justification:
The Electric Utility Department is modernizing its infrastructure and operations to enhance the
safety, reliability, and efficiency of its power distribution network. A critical aspect of this
modernization effort is the collection and use of accurate data for the management of vegetation
within the City's power line right of way. Remote sensing data is an effective tool for vegetation
mapping, which will allow the City to address vegetation overgrowth and begin regular
maintenance.
Overgrown vegetation poses significant risks, including potential power outages, a heightened risk
of wildfires, and increased maintenance costs, especially in areas where vegetation has not been
properly maintained for several decades. Some sections of the power line right of way in Seward
have not been trimmed or maintained for over thirty years. This lack of regular maintenance has
created vulnerabilities in the network, which need to be addressed to prevent potential hazards and
to maintain service reliability.
The Electric Department reached out to Overstory, Frontier Precision, and Alaska Remote Imaging
for quotes. Frontier Precision provided a quote of $214,500 for managing the transmission line
vegetation alone, while no response was received from Alaska Remote Imaging. Overstory offered
the best value within the City's budget at a cost of $50,000 for one year. Overstory software
provides remote sensing data to create detailed heat maps of vegetation within the power line right
of way. Overstory also offers a subscription service for their software if the City would like to
continue using their product in the future.
Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consistency Information
This legislation is consistent with (citation listed):
Comprehensive Plan: 3.7.1.3, 3.8.1
Strategic Plan:
Other:
Resolution 2024-043
x
Total amount of funds listed in this legislation: $ 50,000
This legislation (✓):
Creates revenue in the amount of:
Creates expenditure in amount of: $ 50,000
Creates a savings in the amount of: $
Has no fiscal impact
Funds are (✓):
Budgeted Line item(s): 15310 0000 7009 0000 00000
x
Not budgeted
Not applicable
Fund Balance Information
Affected Fund (✓):
General
Boat Harbor
Motor Pool
Available Fund Balance
SMIC
Parking
Other
x
Electric
Water
Wastewater
Healthcare
Note: amounts are unaudited
Finance Director Signature:
5"44t
Yes
Attorney Signature:
Not applicable Comments:
Administration Recommendation
Adopt Resolution
Other: