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2 3 4 rl 10 11 12 13 14 15 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MAY 10, 2011 CALL TO ORDER. Mayor Faust called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Mayor Faust invited the Council and audience to join him in the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL. Present: 16 Absent: 17 Also Present: 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 Mayor Faust; Councilmembers Gray, Roth, and Stille. Councilmember Jenson. City Manager Mike Mornson, Fire Chief John Malenick, Public Works Director Jay Hartman, and City Engineer Todd Hubmer. Mayor Faust advised that the Fire Chief has been asked to discuss the gas line break that occurred in the City this afternoon. Chief Malenick explained that at approximately 2:30 p.m., a CenterPoint Energy contractor performing routine work on the gas mains drilled through a 12" gas line that feeds most of Northeast Minneapolis and into Columbia Heights. He stated that the vast majority of the gas is currently blowing into Minneapolis and crews from Minneapolis and the City immediately barricaded the neighborhood and evacuated many people along Stinson Boulevard. He indicated that because the gas line is under so much pressure, the gas is shooting straight up in the air where it poses a decreased danger; CenterPoint Energy advised the City that the bulk of what is going to fall back down is the odorizer included with the gas and there is little danger it will come back down and settle into homes, etc. He stated that CenterPoint Energy is currently working on a bypass to cut off the gas to the leak itself and the bypass work should be completed by 10:30 p.m. this evening, when people can return to their homes. He added that CenterPoint Energy expects to continue working past midnight to complete all repairs. He indicated that the majority of residents affected by the leak are in the area of 30`h and Stinson and the City has welcomed residents into the fire station if they need a place to stay until they can return to their homes. Councilmember Stille asked if the potential severe weather will impact repair work. Chief Malenick replied that any rain will force the gas down to earth in a safe manner; however, lightning could create a problem and fire crews stationed in the area are prepared to deal with any severe weather. He encouraged residents to contact the Fire Department with any questions or concerns at 612- 782 -3400 or to call 911. Mayor Faust expressed the City Council's thanks on behalf of all residents to the Fire Department and other emergency workers. CONSIDERATION, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ALL OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS.