Minutes - 1999/06/28 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Cooperative, who had, in good faith, chosen Minnegasco to be their service provider. He noted that although he held out hope for de-regulation, that might not be a practical possibility in the near future. He proposed inclusion of the Golf Course, if need be, the Zep Manufacturing location, and the Realife Cooperative location into the ordinance, providing they abide by the right-of--way agreement and permitting processes. Council Member Marty stated that the franchise is limited to Zep Manufacturing, which is a different situation that the Realife Cooperative. He stated that his understanding was that they would discuss the Realife location at a later date. He stated that he had no problem with Exhibit A, as it is written, and the possibility of the addition of the Golf Course, but would like further discussion before granting a blanket franchise. Mayor Coughlin clarified that he was not proposing a blanket franchise but, rather, a compromise to an agreement previously reached by the Council. He stated that a very limited amount of work and doubling of pipeline was being proposed, which would provide a development with a choice. He added that they were either going to stand for what is essentially a monopoly or not. He stated that, as a contractor and proponent of the free market, he was proposing a very limited Franchise Agreement to include no more than the three specified locations, and requested the Council's support. Council Member Thomason stated that the agreement between Reliant Energy Minnegasco and the Realife Cooperative had been signed prior to the Council's last discussion. She stated that, in • her opinion, they should not suffer the inability to obtain the service they had chosen, and that leniency was indicated. She stated that she supported Mayor Coughlin in a limited Franchise Agreement to include the Golf Course, if need be, Zep Manufacturing, and the Realife Cooperative. Council Member Marty stated that the agreement was made 24 days prior, and that the issue had come to the attention of the Council some time before that. He stated that, in effect, the agreement had not been signed until after the Council had been informed of the issue. He acknowledged that they had not had extensive discussion on the matter, however, in his opinion, the 24 day time period was not significant. Marty stated that at the last Work Session, City Attorney Long had advised that action should have been taken on the matter some time ago in regard to Zep Manufacturing, possibly one year ago. He stated that he was not in favor of monopolies, however, he did not see how the addition of another gas line would benefit any residents of the City, other than possibly the Realife Cooperative residents. He reiterated that he had no problem with accepting the ordinance as written, with the possible addition of the Golf Course, but stated that he could not support the addition of another location without further discussion and examination. He stated that before the addition of gas lines in and under the City streets, he would like more research. Mayor Coughlin reiterated that the Council and Realife Cooperative's time line may not be the same. He stated that, at this point, they had discussed the subject at great length. He stated that the Council would be considering the Right-of--Way Ordinance during the present meeting, • which provided immense control for the City and the Public Works Director in determining whether or not something is viable. He stated that Public Works Director Ulrich and others are l ON:\DATA\USERSVOANB\SHARE\M INUTES\CC\ 1999\06-28-99.CC