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<br /> ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 28, 1998 3
<br /> . early stages of underground technology, At the time, underground installation was thought to be
<br /> a cure-all for most distribution and transmission lines, The underground technology was not as
<br /> advanced as it is today and, with the current understanding ofthe technology, there are still times
<br /> when underground installation won't work,
<br /> Councilmember Malone asked if the line being replaced is currently in service. Mr. Wertish
<br /> stated it is, however it is just limping along, They have repaired what they can and are hoping it
<br /> will last until a permanent solution is found.
<br /> Councilmember Malone asked what the overhead line would look like, Mr. Wertish stated the
<br /> poles will be "Too shaped with wires on either side, similar to the lines on the south side of
<br /> Highway 96,
<br /> Mayor Probst requested further explanation on why the line cannot be run underground, Mr,
<br /> Johnson stated, although it can be underground, more money would have to be invested in the
<br /> maintenance and repair of the line and the cost of replacing it underground is much higher than
<br /> the overhead option. He noted NSP is obligated to provide the most cost effective, reliable
<br /> service possible, When it comes to main line feeders, overhead is a better operational advantage
<br /> because it feeds the distribution network, not individual customers, When overhead lines are
<br /> struck by lightning, they are easier and quicker to repair,
<br /> Mayor Probst stated it is difficult to accept the reliability, repair and maintenance argument and
<br /> . he is generally not in favor of the overhead line, He is dismayed by the fact that the Army and
<br /> City had both been approached with this option and turned it down, NSP then went to Ramsey
<br /> County and they gave them the go ahead, He noted communities have spent the last two to three
<br /> decades trying to avoid overhead power lines and, with all the work accomplished on the
<br /> proposed site, he is frustrated that NSP is coming back to the City with this proposal.
<br /> Mr, Wertish expressed his understanding that this is an aesthetic issue,
<br /> Mayor Probst stated during this past summer there have been storms during which many
<br /> overhead lines were taken down by trees, This would seem to make underground lines more
<br /> advantageous.
<br /> Mr, Wertish pointed out that during the winter months, the frost and snow can make finding and
<br /> repairing underground lines more difficult, Overhead lines are above ground and easier to repair.
<br /> Mayor Probst noted the only problem with the current line is it was damaged by lightning, If it
<br /> had been properly repaired or replaced at the time, there would not be a problem with it today,
<br /> Mr, Wertish indicated if the line were new, it would still be susceptible to damage from lightning
<br /> at any time, Mr. Johnson noted, during the last ten to fifteen years, the main feeder lines have
<br /> been installed above ground due to reliability, He pointed out when the line went out in 1996
<br /> there was only one other feeder which came from Lexington A venue, All available persOlmel
<br /> . worked on the splice area for a week to avoid losing this other feeder.
<br /> Councilmember Aplikowski stated she is also in favor of an underground line, She asked if tbe
<br /> line must be on Highway 96 or could it be installed behind the buildings, Mr. Wertish stated
<br /> NSP had requested to use this area but the National Guard turned them down, The Guard
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