2011-01-25_PWETC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ramsey County finalized design work for that phase, even though that area had more residential properties. Discussion included aesthetic, safety and repair savings and benefits, with Xcel Energy disputing that lines were less costly to repair based on finding the location underground and access to the lines versus overhead lines; with PWET Commissioners opining that there has been evidence that buried lines were more reliable in heavy winds or ice storm events or during wet and heavy snowfalls Further discussion included the option of special assessments to facilitate the cost of undergrounding, that would require a revision to the City's current Special Assessment Policy, but requiring 100% of those being assessed to petition for such undergrounding that would be unrealistic, leaving the option for a city -wide surcharge but bringing into question whether the entire City could be done cost effectively without becoming an undue burden to utility customers and taxpayers. Additional discussion included the cost sharing of the Rice Street Project with Little Canada; expiration of the surcharge after three years based on calculations per mile and the number of street reconstruction being done annually; and greater expense of double feeder lines. Member Stenlund noted the need to develop a policy to determine what is eligible and take into consideration positive and /or negative impacts to bike or walking paths, snow plowing; road safety; and other eligible criteria and areas that may indicate a higher priority for undergrounding lines, such as to enhance green space or in those areas serving as a gateway into a recreational area. Further discussion included location of utility poles in relation to trails and streets to facilitate snow removal, with many locations creating challenges in their design; related equipment and guy wires for poles; aesthetical considerations for a community with trees and sheltered places not co- mingling with overhead wires and poorly trimmed trees near those wires. Additional discussion how to categorize streets for priority (e.g. feeder or residential streets) with the size of the street being considered as part of the criteria; with most Minnesota State Aid (MSA) streets classified as arterial. Chair DeBenedet opined that if the only criteria were that of aesthetics, the City probably couldn't afford to include every street in Roseville, and may want to consider collector and minor collector streets. Additional discussion included the reduced frequency of power companies replacing poles creating public safety concerns and potentials for significant disasters or emergencies from straight line or tornado -force winds, and the need to get emergency services through, with collector and arterial streets being of the Page 6 of 11