CCP 03-25-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 11, 2002 6 "v.~~ Councilmember Grant stated that if it is a local street the underground cost is picked up by the local community. He asked a what point does Xcel not assess the cost back as it progresses to the high lines. e Mr. Filla stated a city's request for an underground line triggers the discussion on how to pay for it. He noted the city would just pay the incremental cost of putting the line underground. He added if other issues make underground the only option for Xcel the cost becomes part of the rate structure, Mayor Probst asked if there were situations with distribution lines that go underground and no one pays an additional charge. Mr. Wertish responded yes and no, He stated Xcel's practice in new residential areas is to put the lines underground. He noted there is a lot revenue generated by Wispark to offset the charges, He added the developer wants to develop 100 lots so he has to pay for it. He stated everyiliing is cost justified. COllilcilmember Aplikowski asked why Wispark is not picking up the extra cost for these lines since it need them. Mr. Wertish responded Arden Hills has requested the line to be undergrollild. Councilmember Aplikowski stated the Wispark development triggered the need for this line. She asked if this line would benefit any new development in Arden Hills. Mr. Wertish responded that for additional development they would need additional feeders from Substation 10. He stated this line benefits Arden Hill because the system is tied together, e Mr. Lynch stated currently underground line YWllling in Hamlin Avenue in the TCAAP property. He noted Mr. Wertish had claimed earlier Xcel would have to replace that line in the next five years. He asked who would pay for that cost. Mr. Wertish responded general rate payers everywhere would pick that cost up. He stated if they have to upgrade or reconstruct a line, that is a cost of doing business. Mr. Lynch asked for clarification. Mr. Wertish responded it costs more to go underground. He stated they are obligated by the commission and the ratepayers to use the most cost efficient way to construct a line. He noted south of Highway 96 they have no options. Mr. Lynch asked whether it would be possible to upgrade the line through Hamline Avenue to meet these needs. Mr. Wertish responded no. He stated they needed another circuit. Councilmember Larson stated one conceivable option would have been to move up replacement of that line rather than build this line. Mr. Wertish responded the incremental increase is not enough. He stated they needed another circuit. He noted that with an upgrade of the Hamline A venue line the incremental gain is minimal. Councilmember Larson stated a double circuit could have been placed on metal poles, He noted it would not have cost more than what Xcel is doing. Mr. Wertish respondcd operations did not . want to put both lines on the same pole.