04-11-1994 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Elk River City Council Special Meeting April 11, 1994 Page 2 e Duitsman commended Lori Johnson and her staff for the excellent job they have done. 5. Joint Meetinq with Utilities Commission Utilities President Jim Simpson reviewed a written update of various Elk River Municipal Utilities projects and activities. President Simpson noted that the Utilities recently purchased 3 acres north of the power plant known as the Burgoyne property for $100,000. Utilities General Manager Bill Birrenkott stated that the garbage billing transition went fairly smooth. Council member Dietz questioned whether or not the garbage payments were coming in on a more timely basis. Lori Johnson stated that an in depth analysis has not been done. She noted that there is a $11.000 deficit balance in the garbage fund. partially due to the timing of how the service is now billed. She further stated that delinquent balances will. be billed through special assessments levied through the County as before. Mr. Birrenkott . stated that there probably has been improvement in paying for garbage service due to the fact that it is included on the water and electric billing. e Councilmember Holmgren asked if the Utilities planned to paint the filtration plant at the old City Hall site. President Simpson stated that he was not aware of plans to paint it and noted that once it was painted, it would have to be continually maintained by painting. Power lines alono School Street Discussion President Simpson stated that the Utilities Commission had met with Ron Bratlie. School District representative, Councilmember Holmgren, and Dr. Flannery, District #728 Superintendent. regarding the possibility of burying the power lines. President Simpson explained that aside from the cost of burying the lines ($80,000 - $100,000 minimum), it would still be necessary to install poles for street lights, at an additional cost. He estimated that there would be about the same number of poles needed for street lights as there are now for power lines. Mr. Simpson explained that the number of lines that are now on the poles will be reduced somewhere between 30 and 45 percent, thereby improving the overall appearance. President Simpson noted that the power lines in question are part of the main feeder line servicing a large number of customers. He explained that main feeder lines are rarely buried so they can be quickly accessed in case of an outage. He noted that there also is the issue of the life of underground cable -- 12 to 24 years versus 50 year life for overhead lines. In summary, President Simpson stated it is the view of the Utilities Commission and staff that it would be unfair to expect their customers to pay for such an expensive project to improve such a limited area, and still end up with poles. e The City Engineer stated that most cities will not consider moving a main feeder line and the policy is to keep the lines high and visible.