CCP 10-13-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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.. DRAFT ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 28, 1998 5 - Mr. Wertish noted the main issue is the cost of underground installation. Th'e overhead line can be constructed for one-fourth the cost of the underground. - . Councilmember Malone indicated he is frustrated by the fact that a line, already underground, would be replaced to above ground. He asked if this work is in conjunction with work done last year on Lexington Avenue to Femwood Road. Mr. Johnson stated NSP replaced a couple of lines which were heating up beyond capacity and confirmed this project is in conjunction with the underground line replacement. Councilmember Larson asked if the Army has said no to running overhead lines over the entire area. Mr. Johnson indicated the Army only said no to the lines over the training area and the remaining area has been purchased from the Army and will remain overhead. Councilmember Larson pointed out, in the TCAAP Land Reuse Plan, most of the development is on the west and south sides of the property. He asked ifNSP could go through the area which will be developed so the development could use the power, rather than running the line along Lexington Avenue. Mr. Johnson stated moving the existing system and replacing the lines would take an extra two weeks. Councilmember Larson asked if this option would be less expensive than underground lines. Mr. Johnson stated it would, but it would still be a lot more expensive than the current proposal, possibly one-half to two-thirds more. . Mr. Fritsinger asked if the extra load needed is to power the new development proposal in Shoreview or ifit's based on the current needs of the community. Mr. Johnson stated the line serves the current populations of Shoreview, Lino Lakes, Centerville, and Blaine and he is not familiar with any development proposals in Shoreview. Councilmember Keim stated since none of the underground line serves the City of Arden Hills, why should the City pay the extra cost while other communities reap the benefits. Mr. Johnson gave an example of a road being put in to allow for through traffic and the local residents have to pay for it even though they may not use the road as much as the commuters. He indicated this is not an unusual situation. Councilmember Keirn pointed out that the line would not be used at all by Arden Hills. Mr. Johnson stated Arden Hills would use this line as a back up in the event a storm takes out the City's lines. Mayor Probst stated this is not a technology issue, it's a cost issue with NSP trying to get the City to pick up some of the cost. He asked if there is someone at NSP the City could talk to about this issue or if it's a Public Utility Commission (PUe) issue. He restated his concern that' NSP had been denied this option in the past and the are still trying to push the issue. Mr. Wertish noted the City would be asked to pay a portion of the cost only if an underground line is installed and that it is a PUC issue. He understands the City has taken the position of not wanting overhead lines and feels NSP was asked to come back to explain their point of view. - Because of their obligations, it would not be cost effective to install an underground line, nor would it be fair to charge the communities using the line the extra cost for Arden Hill's aesthetic preferences.