CCP 10-13-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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'. . DRAFT ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 28,1998 3 - early stages of underground technology. At the time, underground installation was thought to be a cure-all for most distribution and transmission lines. The underground technology was not.as. advanced as it is today and, with the current understanding of the technology, there are still times when underground installation won't work. Councilmember Malone asked if the line being replaced is currently in service. Mr. Wertish stated it is, however it is just limping along. They have repaired what they can and are hoping it will last until a permanent solution is found. Councilmember Malone asked what the overhead line would look like. Mr. Wertish stated the poles will be "T" shaped with wires on either side, similar to the lines on the south side of Highway 96. Mayor Probst requested further explanation on why the line cannot be run underground. Mr. Johnson stated, although it can be underground, more money would have to be invested in the maintenance and repair of the line and the cost ofrep1acing it underground is much higher than the overhead option. He noted NSP is obligated to provide the most cost effective, reliable service possible. When it comes to main line feeders, overhead is a better operational advantage because it feeds the distribution network, not individual customers. When overhead lines are struck by lightning, they are easier and quicker to repair. Mayor Probst stated it is difficult to accept the reliability, repair and maintenance argument and . he is generally not in favor of the overhead line. He is dismayed by the fact that the Army and City had both been approached with this option and turned it down. NSP then went to Ramsey County and they gave them the go ahead. He noted communities have spent the last two to three decades trying to avoid overhead power lines and, with all the work accomplished on the proposed site, he is frustrated that NSP is coming back to the City with this proposal. Mr. Wertish expressed his understanding that this is an aesthetic issue. Mayor Probst stated during this past summer there have been storms during which many overhead lines were taken down by trees. This would seem to make underground lines more advantageous. Mr. Wertish pointed out that during the winter months, the frost and snow can make finding and repairing underground lines more difficult. Overhead lines are above ground and easier to repair. Mayor Probst noted the only problem with the current line is it was damaged by lightning. Ifit had been properly repaired or replaced at the time, there would not be a problem with it today. Mr. Wertish indicated if the line were new, it would still be susceptible to damage from lightning at any time. Mr. Johnson noted, during the last ten to fifteen years, the main feeder lines have been installed above ground due to reliability. He pointed out when the line went out in 1996 there was only one other feeder which came from Lexington A venue. All available personnel - worked on the splice area for a week to avoid losing this other feeder. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she is also in favor of an underground line. She asked if the line must be on Highway 96 or could it be installed behind the buildings. Mr. Wertish stated NSP had requested to use this area but the National Guard turned them down. The Guard -