2008.11.03 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Hugo City Council Minutes for November 3, 2008 Page 4 of 6 a total of $446,835 has been received in donations with 64% of those funds distributed. Finance Director Ron Otkin explained the City tornado cost of $600,000 in expenditures, which include expense for damage to buildings and vehicles, leaving approximately $400,000 as a reimbursable expense for the MN State Legislature. Fire Chief Jim Compton informed the public the department would not be holding their Toys for Tots Drive this year but instead will collect toys for Hugo kids. Heidi Sicard said she had friends in the tornado damaged area who were told they could not get additional funding for sod replacement. Phil Klein, who is on the Long Term Disaster Committee, explained the committee tries to distribute funds based on a needs and safety standpoint and every family was considered on an individual basis. He encouraged families with unmet needs to continue to apply through their caseworker. The Committee continues to accept funding. Miron made motion, Haas seconded, to direct staff to notice November 18, 2008 as a Council Meeting to allow council attendance at the Phases of Disaster Presentation and Discussion at Oneka Elementary School at 5:45 p.m. All ayes. Motion carried. Report from Excel Enemy for Phase I Installation of New Power Poles in ROW Easement The City of Hugo was informed recently by Excel Energy officials of the desire of Excel Energy to install additional power poles and power lines to provide additional electricity to the City of Hugo from the existing power station on TH61 next to Grundhofers Old Fashioned Meat Market. At its October 6, 2008 meeting, City staff informed Hugo City Council they had met with Excel Energy officials to discuss their proposed installation project which includes City approval of the right-of-way easement application. John Wertish, Excel Energy Local Government Relations Manager, shared with Council the proposed project with details on the installation of Phase I and Phase II. John explained the main line was a distribution overhead feeder that would terminate at a smaller substation in Shoreview. This line would parallel existing transmission lines on the easement and would allow better service to the existing distribution system and support new loads. The lines in Phase I would run southwest from the substation on TH61, north of 152nd Street, and terminate approximately at Everton Avenue. Phase II would continue from Everton to I -35E. He said the area near Rosemary Way was critical, and they were looking at a design to combine lines on a single pole for more clearance and a cleaner look. John stated property owners adjacent to the easement in Phase I have been notified, and it is critical it be finished by next summer's air conditioning season. The Council discussed locating the lines underground if it had been planned for with development of the area. John explained most feeder lines were overhead because it was cheaper to locate them there, could be fixed in a more timely manner, and visually there was little difference except the poles being approximately ten feet higher. Excel Energy will share the conceptual design with the City when available. No formal action was taken. Approve Resolution Providing for the Distribution of Excess Construction Funds for Oakshore Park and 129Lhh Street Public Improvement Projects The Oakshore Park and 129th Street projects have been completed, and the final payments have been made to the respective contractors. Finance Director Ron Otkin and City Engineer Jay Kennedy have summarized all of the project expenses, and discussed with Council the recommended distribution of the excess construction funds for the public improvement projects. Council members Mike Granger and Becky Petryk excused themselves from discussion and voting because they have homes in Oakshore Park. Ron explained the project and the sources of funds. Residents assessed for the project have until