HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016/05/16 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session11ISt. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES
MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL STUDY SESSION
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
MAY 16, 2016
The meeting convened at 6:45 p.m
Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin, Gregg Lindberg,
Anne Mavity, Thom Miller, and Susan Sanger.
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Engineering Director (Ms. Heiser), City Attorney
(Mr. Mattick), Deputy City Manager/I-Iuman Resources Director (Ms. Deno), and Recording
Secretary (Ms. Pappas).
Guest: None
1. Boards and Commissions Appointments Discussion
The City Council discussed in detail the proposed appointments to the city's boards and
commissions. It was pointed out by staff that the commissioners serve at the pleasure of the
council and can be removed at any time.
The full list of appointees will be read by Mayor Spano during the City Council meeting.
2. Xcel and CenterPoint Franchise Agreement Renewal
Mr. Harmening noted the purpose of the report is to inform the City Council of the need and
process associated with the renewal of two franchise agreements with CenterPoint Energy and
Xcel Energy.
The extensions on both agreements expire on December 31, 2016. Staff has been working with
both entities to reach new agreements and approvals through the City Council and Public
Utilities Commission, which takes approximately 5 months.
Mr. Mattick noted he has been in conversation with Xcel since March on the terms of the
franchise renewal. He added that the two utilities are currently considering city staff and city
attorney comments on the draft agreements. Staff will discuss the following issues with Xcel
with the expectation that these are satisfactorily addressed either in the new agreement or
separately outside the agreement:
1. Poor responsiveness associated with utility coordination and relocation needs on city
infrastructure projects.
2. Permit fees for work in the city right of way.
3. Reducing the term of the agreement from 20 to 10 years.
Mr. Mattick noted that permit fees are difficult to negotiate.
Councilmember Sanger asked if the city has the ability to impose time lines. Ms. Heiser stated
the city is setting expectations with the utility companies. She added that the meetings have been
going well, and a process is in place to address issues.
Staff will bring feedback obtained from Xcel and CenterPoint Energy back to the council for
further discussion at the July 25`h study session.
Special Study Session Minutes -2- May 16, 2016
The meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only:
3 Outdoor Recreation Facility Project and Rec Center Refrigeration Replacement
Construction Update _
J ()()iUMelissa Kennedy, ity Clerk