05-29-1990 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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r + + MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO COUNCIL MEETING HELD MAY 29, 1990 • ATTENDANCE 7:00 P.M. The Council met on the above date with the following members present: Mayor Grabek, and Councilmembers Goetten, Nettles, Peterson, and Callahan. The following represented the City staff: City Administrator Bernhardson, Building & Zoning Administrator Mabusth, Public Works Director Gerhardson, Assistant Planning and Zoning Administrator Gaffron, City Attorney Barrett. City Engineer Cook, and City Recorder Sche f ler . NO THERN STATES POWER COMPANY FRANCHISE ADOPTION WRIGHT HENNEPIN CO -OP ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION FRANCHISE ADOPTION PUBLIC HEARING 7:00 P.M. TO 7:05 P.M. The Affidavit of Publication was duly noted. Bernhardson. explained that the purpose of this public hearing was to have Council adopt the franchise agreements for NSP and Wright /Hennepin Co -op. Bernhardson noted that City staff was waiting written confirmation of approval from Wright /Hennepin regarding a revision made to their agreement. He suggested that Council may wish to postpone their decision regarding Wright /Hennepin. Bernhardson stated that the franchise agreements do not address rate or territory regulations. He noted that a resident had recently asked whether a change could be made from Wright/Hennepin to NSP. He informed Council that • information regarding territorial changes would be provided at the next Council meeting. There were no comments from the public regarding this matter and the public hearing was continued. It was moved by Councilmember Callahan, seconded by Councilmember Peterson, to continue the public hearing regarding the Wright/Hennepin Franchise Agreements until the June 11, 1990, Council Meeting. Councilmember Goetten asked whether she would have the opportunity to ask questions about either agreement. Callahan stated that his motion was intended only to postpone the Wright /Hennepin matter, and that the I4SP Agreement had yet to be addressed. Councilmember Nettles asked whether the City had any authority to require that the power lines be buried in the ground. City Attorney Barrett had previously inquired about Nettles' questions and was informed that the City has no authority without approval of the Public Utilities Commission. He noted that it may involve a lengthy process in order to be allowed to require that the lines be buried. Nettles said that burial of power lines is something that the City should consider and asked staff to put the issue on a future agenda. Barrett noted that the Franchise Agreements presented this evening will be in effect for 20 years. Peterson asked whether the City of Orono has ever charged NSP or Wright /Hennepin a 5% franchise fee. . Bernhardson replied that the City has not imposed the fee. - 1 -