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Mounds View City Council September 10, 2007 Regular Meeting Page 7 • indicated he would like to see further information on the feasibility of installing automatic valves. Mr. Woehrle said that they have gas service men on duty 24/7 in the metro area. Mr. Woehrle indicated that their response time is less than 20 minutes anywhere in the metro area and they respond to hundreds of calls a year. He indicated that there are time constraints with this project and, they would be concerned about installing the new technology in this location without the time to test and review it. Mr. Woehrle indicated that they do not believe that there is a need for automatic shutoff valves in this location. He said that their competitors do not use this type of new technology. Ken Glidden, 5240 Edgewood, said that Xcel would be concerned about cosfis, but as a resident in the imrnediate location of the pipeline, this is important to him for safety. Mr. Glidden suggested having the automatic valve, and then a manual valve,upstream 6 inches that can be shut off by the service man, if the automatic vaive were #o faiL Council asked that the information on automatic valves be brought to Council for consideration. Mr. Worlie asked to be allowed to work with Staff rather than having to go before Council again as that will hold up their project, and they wanted: to be up and running by Thanksgiving. • Mayor Marty indicated that Xcel is free to work with Staff, however, the Council makes the decision whether this goes or not. 1Vlayor Marty indicated that this would need to be presented to Council at the next meeting in two weeks. Council Member Stigney said that h~ likes filie idea of two valves, one automatic and one manual. He asked that #he, suggestion b~ followed up on and provide information to Council on it. Council Member Mueller said that she understands deadlines, however, first and foremost is the safety of those that live in this community. Jennifer Thu~lien-Smith, General Council for Xcel Energy, said that it is the position of Xcel that they do have the right to excavate and replace their pipeline. She agreed that Xcel is subject to the permit requirements of the City, however, the City may not arbitrarily deny the permit. The technical experts have addressed all of the concerns raised by City Staff. Neighborhood concern or expression of concern for public safety is not a valid reason for denial. • Ms. Thulien-Smith explained that this is just an expansion of the existing pipe in the public right of way. The City must consent to pipeline maintenance, and aesthetics are not necessary to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public. She then said that Xcel would work with City Staff on the screening issue. Ms. Thulien-Smith indicated that, if the permit is not approved, they will pursue their rights under Minnesota Law, including relief in district court.