HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report - Holiday Lights XcelMAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
DATE: October 4, 2016
CONSENT
ITEM #: 14
MOTION
AGENDA ITEM: Xcel Holiday Lighting Agreement
SUBMITTED BY: Rob Weldon, Public Works Director
REVIEWED BY: Kristina Handt, Administrator
BACKGROUND:
With the recent street reconstruction and municipal utility improvements that have taken place this past
year on Lake Elmo Ave., there have also been improvements made to the overhead utilities that run
through that area. Noticeable improvements to the overhead utilities include new wooden transmission
poles and cleaner line runs. As a result of the installation of new transmission poles the city is no longer
able to hang seasonal decorations and/or flags from the poles as was done in the past, without a signed
agreement with Xcel Energy. Public Works was able to remove hardware from the poles that were
removed but is prohibited to attach said hardware to the new poles. There is also no electrical hook-up on
the new poles to allow the city to illuminate holiday decorations.
ISSUE BEFORE COUNCIL:
Council is requested to approve and sign a Holiday Lighting Agreement with Xcel Energy to continue to
hang seasonal decorations on poles owned by Xcel Energy for power transmission.
PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS:
Upon execution of the signed agreement with Xcel, power service will be reinstalled to 12 new poles
along Lake Elmo Ave that have traditionally been used for holiday lighting. The agreement will not only
allow the city use of the poles for holiday lighting but will also allow installation of hardware needed to
fly flags along the street.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is to be no charge for the reinstallation of 12 electrical services. There will be an adjusted charge
based on an estimated number of days the holiday lights are used and the amount of energy consumed by
each.
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It should be noted that in order to be more environmentally responsible the Public Works Department has
installed LED light bulbs in the holiday decorations. Additionally, this was noted when communications
with Xcel initially took place and is outlined on the 2016 Holiday Lighting form to be submitted
OPTIONS:
• Approve Holiday Lighting Agreement with Xcel Energy
• Deny Holiday Lighting Agreement with Xcel Energy
• Table Holiday Lighting Agreement with Xcel Energy
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the Holiday Lighting Agreement with Xcel Energy for Holiday Lighting and Flag Display on Lake Elmo Ave. If removed from the consent agenda: Motion to approve the Holiday Lighting Agreements with Xcel Energy for Holiday Lighting and Flag Display on Lake Elmo Ave.