Laguna prepares to talk more about undergrounding utilities in the coming months

Noting necessity and community support, Laguna Beach will move forward in the coming months to investigate the feasibility of undergrounding utilities in the city.

Following a directive unanimously approved by the City Council on Tuesday, city staff will execute a second community input survey, reach out to city stakeholders like the Chamber of Commerce and further examine funding sources to relocate Laguna’s utilities.

Many residents and city officials, including police and fire department leaders, say Laguna needs to do the expensive but necessary maneuver in the interest of public safety. Of particular concern, officials say, is Laguna Canyon Road — a main arterial thoroughfare into the city that, if blocked or plagued by fires caused by downed power lines, could severely hinder aid efforts.

An independent survey conducted in January suggested Laguna residents would support undergrounding, particularly along Laguna Canyon Road.

Undergrounding could cost $90 million for Laguna Canyon Road alone and another $45 million for evacuation areas.

The process could be paid with a dedicated sales tax, bond or combination or both. Whether or not Laguna Beach residents are OK with the undergrounding bill may be asked of them in November. Taxes or a bond need a two-thirds majority to pass.

Tom Gibbs of Underground Laguna Now, a grassroots advocacy group, urged the council to bring the question before voters.

Overhead electrical utilities can be problematic, Gibbs said, and “the loss of life is irreplaceable and the loss of one’s home is unforgettable. It changes people’s lives and people.”

Others, however, were worried about the financial impact new taxes would pose to property owners, tourists and business owners.

One resident worried about the city’s handling of new revenue, saying she didn’t like giving City Hall “a blank check.”

A majority of the council members said they would approve of the effort.

Councilman Bob Whalen, who examined the issue as part of a subcommission with Councilman Rob Zur Schmiede, said the undergrounding tax may only amount to a few hundred dollars more on property tax bills.

“We’re not talking thousands of dollars,” he said. “Sometimes in life you’ve just gotta grab yourself by the boots and pull it up.”

Councilman Steve Dicterow said the community feels angry about the overall state of politics right now. He said that anger may translate into voters not approving new taxes for undergrounding.

“Anger tends to be a ‘no’ vote,” Dicterow said.

bradley.zint@latimes.com

Twitter: @BradleyZint