2009.03.02 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Hugo City Council Minutes for March 2, 2009 Page 7 of 8 Discussion on Underground Power Lines in the Downtown District Staff has had communication with the utility companies that will be affected by the 147th Street and Highway 61 improvement project. Xcel Energy will be required to relocate the overhead power lines along a portion of the road to accommodate the project. The power lines currently run north and south along the east side of Hwy 61. Xcel Energy intends to relocate the poles, so the lines will remain above ground. At its Monday, February 23 meeting, the EDA discussed the possibility of locating the power lines underground. Xcel has indicated that it could cost as much as $800,000 to relocate the power lines underground. The EDA recommended that the City spend $5,000 required by Xcel Energy to study this issue to determine a more precise cost. The Council discussed this issue and whether the cost of burying the power lines should be charged to the rate payers. Miron made motion, Haas seconded, to direct staff to research underground distribution lines. All Ayes. Motion carried. Miron made motion, Haas seconded, to direct staff to work towards locating the power lines underground at the ratepayers expense and bring the issue back at a later date. All Ayes. Motion carried. Discussion on Federal Funding for CSAH14/1-35E Interchange City Administrator Mike Ericson had received information from Anoka County Commissioner Rhonda Sivarajah that money from the stimulus package may be spent on a very large project to improve the I-494 and Highway169 interchange, overlooking smaller projects. Council discussed the efforts of the I-35W/E Coalition, including contributions from former Congressman Mark Kennedy, for the much needed improvements to the CSAH14 and I -35E interchange. Petryk made motion, Haas seconded, to direct staff to draft a letter, to be approved by the Mayor, in support of federal funding to be directed to the I -35E and CSAH14 interchange project. All Ayes. Motion carried. Discussion on Washington County Funding for 4-11 Program Mayor Fran Miron added this item to the agenda. Mayor Miron was informed the Washington County Board was proposing a reduction in funding to the 4-H Program, which provided $130,000 per year for staff to maintain the 4-H Program at Washington County. Residents have expressed to the Mayor concerns about the effect this would have on the kids, volunteer programs, and the rural character of the area among other concerns. The Mayor asked the Council to support a resolution to request the County continue funding the 4-H program for one year in hopes the 4-H Program will develop a means of becoming self supporting. Miron made motion, Petryk seconded, to approve RESOLUTION 2009-9 REQUESTING WASHINGTON COUNTY CONTINUE FUNDING THE 4-H PROGRAM THROUGH 2009, and forward the resolution to Washington County. All Ayes. Motion carried.