Minutes - 1999/05/24 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Administrator Whiting stated this ordinance warrants more discussion which can occur at the next work session. City Attorney Long stated the ordinance contained in the meeting packet was presented by Reliant Energy Minnegasco but tonight he has distributed an ordinance his firm prepared for Council consideration based on the standard LMC format. He stated this is called an ordinance but a franchise agreement must be agreed on by both parties. City Attorney Long explained that over a year ago an existing customer of Minnegasco opened a business in Mounds View and asked if Minnegasco could continue providing service. At that time, staff began to prepare a franchise agreement but, since there was a lot of discussion about a model ordinance, it was placed on hold. However, the City did allow Minnegasco to extend a line to that one customer so Minnegasco has been operating in Mounds View (for that one business) for some time. Staff recommends the City consider a franchise ordinance that incorporates the newest provisions including a franchise fee at the same level as NSP. Council Member Marty asked if Minnegasco is running their own lines in or using NSP lines with a Minnegasco meter. Peter Melander, representing Reliant Energy Minnegasco, explained that Zeff Manufacturing is being serviced by their own line and they are now working on an account that would require a new line. He stated Minnegasco could handle that under the permitting process but needs the • franchise agreement to address the Zeff Manufacturing account and any new accounts would be handled mdlvidually. Council Member Marty stated this is first reading so the technical issues do not need to be addressed tonight and can be discussed during the work session. City Attorney Long stated the meeting agenda tonight should have included an item on the LMC prepared model right-of--way ordinance dealing with digging in public rights-of--way for utilities. He stated it might not be a bad idea to think about the right-of--way ordinance so it is in place for any utility company that wants to dig lines in those areas. City Attorney Long suggested that issue also be discussed at the workshop meeting. MOTION/SECOND: Quick/Marty. To waive the reading and approve first reading of Ordinance 625, an Ordinance Granting to Reliant Energy Minnegasco, a Natural Gas Utility, a Division of Reliant Resources Corporation, a Delaware Corporation, its Successors and Assigns, a Nonexclusive Franchise to Construct, Operate, Repair and Maintain Facilities and Equipment for the Transportation, Distribution, Manufacture and Sale of Gas Energy for Public and Private Use and to Use Public Ways and Public Grounds of the City for Such Purposes and Prescribing Certain Terms and Conditions Thereof. Ayes - 4. Nays - 0 Motion carried. 6 C:\ADMIN\MINUTES\CC\5-24-99.CC