(32) "Essential Services" means the erection, construction, alteration, or maintenance, by public utilities or municipal or other governmental agencies, of improved public streets and/or underground or overhead gas, electrical, steam, or water transmission or distribution systems; collection, communication, video service providers, supply, or disposal systems, including poles, wires, mains, drains, sewers, pipes, conduits, cables, traffic signals, hydrants and other similar equipment and accessories in connection therewith, reasonably necessary for the furnishing of adequate service by such public utilities or municipal or other governmental agencies or for the public health, safety, or general welfare, but not including buildings.