1987-12-22 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I I Council Meeting Minutes December 22, 1987 Benke stated residents on Long Lake Road were divided; with regard to the question of what it would cost the city, we would not have to pay NSP the cost as they would absorb the cost of existing lines; would be hard pressed to prove a dollar value to the com- munity; and the discussion has been that if we are going to do it, now is the opportune time to do it. In response to Gary Nystrom's, 519 Inca Lane, questions of safety, Benke stated that storms can bring down the dangerous lines which could prevent emergency vehicles from getting through; and although we have had no related accidents in New Brighton, Sinda stated we did have a lot of lines down during the tornado. In addition to safety, Benke indicated undergrounding is also for aesthetic value and, therefore, is a city-wide project. Steve Bucko, 510 Inca Lane, stated aerial power lines have been in existence for a long time and council should consider the pedes- tals and transformers which would be placed on the front of resi- dents. property which would be susceptible to damage (perhaps hit bya car). Bucko believes the residents are getting nothing from the project; and stated he had an opportunity to bury his utili- ties but elected not to because of the continuing $2.00 user fee. Schwartz stated the costs making up the $2.00 are for the cost of running the service in addition to continued maintenance. NSP changed the policy of running lines to homes because that would include continued maintenance on the service. Benke stated the city is absorbing the cost of changing to indi- vidual homes. Schwartz stated they are only talking about the inside Wlrlng to accept the underground service which is completely different than burying the lines from the pedestal to the house. Schwartz fur- ther stated the Public Utilities Commission adopted the $2.00 as a standard fee. Benke suggested asking the Suburban Rate Authority to review that standard fee. Bill Lewis, 1933 Fifth Avenue N.W., stated he is not opposed to the Long Lake Road underground project; his biggest concern is that residents are being asked to pay for something from which they do not benefit, and noted that undergrounding the utilities on Seventh Street was turned down. Lewis also stated the city will have to get easements for the process. Benke stated over a period of time, there will be benefits all over the city and a general benefit receives a general assessment. In response to Benke's yet seen any detailed noted the plans would before the agreement is question, Proper stated the city has not plans from NSP regarding the process and have to be presented in February or March finalized. Page 6