Minutes - 2005/09/26 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View. City Council September 26, 2005 Regular Meeting Page 30 • Police Chief Sommer explained that declaring a local emergency is necessary in order for the City to receive financial aid, should it become available, for the cleanup. He recommended that the City Council declare a local emergency as a result of the storm of September 21, 2005. Mayor Marty stated a resident indicated that the City Forester had determined a tree was twisted off which would not happen with straight line winds so it is an indicator of tornadic activity. Mayor Marty stated he thinks there were some tornadoes that may not have touched down but did skip over the City. Mayor Marty stated Representative Bernardy's letter to the Governor is also included to seek State aid for the clean up. He requested the rest of the Council's blessing on the resolution declaring an emergency declaration. MOTION/SECOND: Marty/Flaherty. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 6646 Declaring a Local Emergency as a Result of the September 21St Storm. City Administrator Ulrich stated that City Forester Rick Wriskey has been very helpful to identify the downed trees and commended him for the great job he has done for both Mounds View and New Brighton. Mayor Many stated he and Councilmember Flaherty walked through a neighborhood where the • power lines were located in the back of the property lines. He advised that trees had grown through those power lines and it was stated that during a storm when a tree falls down, whole neighborhoods can be without power. He explained that Nextel is having a difficult time getting their truck into these areas. Mayor Marty stated he would like to raise that issue before the Council .and suggested areas of above ground power lines should be looked at to see if they can be buried. Councilmember Thomas stated he had the same conversation with that resident and asked Staff to bring forward suggestions if there are ways to make Nextel's job easier. She cautioned about the need to determine the City's responsibilities and Nextel's responsibilities. Councilmember Flaherty. agreed with the benefit of discussing this in the future because there is a lot of growth in the easement area. However, the City must first be asked by Nextel to help. Councilmember Gunn stated she has noticed that some of the streets are starting to flood and suggested residents check and clean out the storm drains. Councilmember Stigney stated a resident called him and said he would like to learn from Nextel Energy how they determine priority on which neighborhoods to first turn on electricity. David Jahnke, 8428 Eastwood Road, .stated Nextel is responsible for the lines and laid off a lot of employees to cut costs. His neighborhood only lost power for two hours because several years • ago their neighborhood got together and all called in to say they would not pay their bill if they lost power so Nextel cleaned out the trees and brush to assure they would not lose power.