CCP 04-29-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 11,2002 5 i!, Councilmembcr Larson stated the Commerce Department told him that a 35,5 and 65 KV line could be a distribution line, He noted there is a seven-point test. Mr. Wertish responded Xce1 uses a 34.5 as a distribution line. Councilmember Larson stated it is not clear to him that this cost would fall to the residents of Arden Hills since there is not a direct gain to having that line installed. He noted if this is a transmission line, then the issue of who pays is a more complicated question, He added he does not feel he could support any option, but to require Xcel to place the line underground line, He stated that given the way this has unfolded in that the City was not given the opportunity to discuss the project ahead oftime, he is concerned. He questioned why the City should have to pay for removal of the current line when they were given no input on the project. He noted he is sorry that work has gone into line, but is not sure that this should become the City's responsibili ty. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she does not understand why part of this line is to be placed underground and some of it above ground. She noted she did not understand why Arden Hills must pay for this line, but Shoreview does not need to make any payment at all. She added she knows the electric lines benefit of all. Mr. Wertish responded he empathized with the comment that this line did not benefit Arden Hills. He stated the electricity for Arden Hills passes through other communities and Arden Hills does not pay for changes in those lines. He noted the system is integrated, He added that if there is strong winds or a storm, they could shift the load and serve the parts that are out because lines are out. He stated the system is built to be redundant. He noted there is no room in the right of way and putting the lines above ground has a much lower cost. He added Xcel must keep costs down as much as possible to protect the overall rate payers. He stated the requester of underground lines should pay for it when it is done as an aesthetic improvement only. He noted this concept has been supported for years, Mayor Probst stated there is a set of lines on the east side now. He noted Xcel is choosing to run the lines above ground ofthe wcst side, which is in Arden Hills. Mr. Wertish responded they do not want to have two feeders on the same pole, Mayor Probst stated they might be at risk from a car, but the weather would be the same on both sides of the street. Councilmember Grant stated this is a major grid and a transmission feeder. He asked if there were some voltage point above which Xcel does not transmit the cost back to a city. Mr. Lynch asked at what KV rate does the cost not come back to a city. Mr. Wertish responded that if the cost to put the line in is for the public good, it is spread out. He stated the general rate base picks up that cost. Mr. Lynch asked at what load does Xcel tap into the local community for contribution, Mr. Wertish responded 34.5 is the highest distribution voltage. He stated voltage is like pressure. He noted the more robust it is the more efficient it is.