04-11-1994 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Elk River City Council Special Meeting April 11, 1994 Page 3 e Discussion followed regarding whether or not it would be feasible to bury a main feeder line. methods of burying cable. number of poles that would be needed for street lights, and the cable company's arid phone company's use of poles. Trustee Tralle suggested that they may consider alternatives to using the standard wood poles. Bill Birrenkott stated that he felt white concrete poles are more noticeable, and that fiberglass poles break very easily if hit by a vehicle. Mr. Birrenkott suggested that the Council take a look at the new green poles on Main Street near the Handke School. Discussion followed regarding the number of utility poles and street lights on School Street and the number of poles that will be needed in the future. Discussion was also given to the need for more lighting on School Street. Trustee Zabee explained that more street lights would probably be added when School Street is widened since the poles will have to be moved at that time. Council member Farber stated that he felt that street lights are needed at Meadowvale and County Road 1. The City Administrator stated that one light is on the Committee's list and that Chief Zerwas would be working with Glen Sundeen and Trustee Zabee as a committee to review the lighting situation at that location to determine if another light is needed. e The City Administrator questioned whether or not the City could request that Jones Intercable take their lines off the poles on School Street. The Utilities Superintendent stated that they have a contract with Jones Intercable to use the lines. but that if the power poles were taken down, the cable would have to be run underground. The City Administrator asked if there were also pole alternatives for residential and commercial subdivisions. The Utilities Superintendent stated that a developer is required to pay for the light poles in a new subdivision. He noted that a new green-treated pole costs approximately $500 - $600, by the time the underground wiring is put in. and a fiberglass pole costs approximately $500 more. The Utilities Superintendent explained that a fiberglass pole will break off if bumped by a vehicle, whereas a wood pole normally would not. He further explained that the cost for replacing the fiberglass pole would be about $1,000 and could not be recovered from the developer. He stated that only about one-third of the costs associated with pole damage is recovered from insurance companies. Trustee Tralle asked if there were alternatives to using wood poles in subdivisions. Mr. Birrenkott stated that he was not in favor of fiberglass poles because of the high replacement cost. He further stated that there is a pole made from spun aluminum and steel which costs about $1,500 per pole. Mr. Birrenkott explained that the green wood poles placed on Main Street are an attractive alternative to the plain wood poles and the color is long lasting. President Simpson stated that underground lines are being placed in nearly all the new subdivisions and there will be some maintenance required 15 to 20 years from now, due to the limited life of underground service. e The City Engineer explained that there is a private sewer line which extends across from the schools to the administration building. He stated that the new