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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP November 4, 1998 I CITY of ANDOVER Special City Council Meeting - Wednesday, November 4, 1998 Conference Room A Call to Order - 6:00 PM I. UP AlConnexus Energy Transmission Lines Discussion Adjournmcnt .. . I CITY of ANDOVER SPECIAL ANDOVER CITY COUNCIL MEETING - NOVEMBER 4, 1998 - MINUTES A Special Meeting of the Andover City Council was called to order by Mayor Jack McKelvey on November 4,1998,6:05 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Councilmembers present: Bonnie Dehn, Mike Knight, Ken Orttel Councilmember absent: John Kunza Also present: City Engineer, Scott Erickson Community Development Director, Dave Carlberg City Administrator, Richard Fursman Others UPAICONNEXUS ENERGY TRANSMISSION LINES DISCUSSION The folIowing representatives were present: Dave Kempf, Gary Ostrom and Pat Cairns ITom UP A; Larry Peterson, Mike Felber and Larry Nelson from Connexus Energy. Mr. Ostrom reviewed the need for the project and the location of the two transmission lines, one up Hanson Boulevard from the Bunker Lake substation and one going north from the Bunker Lake substation to the WDE site, following and across the site to Andover Boulevard, north along Crosstown Boulevard to Nightingale to the existing line about one quarter mile up Nightingale. The transmission lines will be single wood poles. Along Crosstown Boulevard, the line will be on the east side to utilize the existing right of way, then traverse to the west side to Woodland Estates, then cross back to the east side. The reason it is not on the west side all along Crosstown Boulevard is a very large stand of mature oak trees would need to be cut. On the east side, only one or two rows of pine trees will be disturbed, and it should have a minimal effect on the abutting neighbors. The line will be about 45 feet from the center of the road. Mr. Ostrom explained both lines cannot be brought up Hanson Boulevard because there is not enough room for the proper spacing to bring two more lines through there. Also, if something should happen to the south, it could take weeks and weeks to restore power if everything is concentrated through one area. They are proposing a new single wood pole line on the inside of the existing right of way approximately 55 feet from the center of Hanson Boulevard up to the existing transmission line west of Ward Lake. They will be burying the existing distributor line and putting up this new transmission line. Very limited tree work will be needed for this line with a couple exceptions. Mr. Ostrom also had pictures of what the Bunker Lake substation will look like when they have completed the project. The work is scheduled to be completed for the electrical peek next summer, though they haven't had an opportunity to talk with all of the landowners yet. He noted the City Council had discussed the possibility of freeing up the space on the south side of the substation to I Special Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - Novemher 4, 1998 Page 2 (UPAIConnexus Energy Transmission Lines Discussion, Continued) use for commercial development. Mr. Carlberg explained the project would mean acquiring some land from Connexus and relocating some equipment of the substation to the north. That is not in the TIF zone, but it could be put into one. Mr. Ostrom estimated it would cost about $1 mil1ìon to move the system. The Council felt that was worth looking into and suggested the Staff work with the UP A and Connexus Energy representatives to determine actual costs. Councilmember Orttel was concerned 'With bringing the transmission line up Crosstown Boulevard. It is one of the most beautiful areas of the City, and it will be the developing area. A transmission line would detract from the aesthetics. Plus, he anticipated Crosstown Boulevard will need to be widened in the future, thinking it is the City that will eventually have to do it. The City would not pay to move the poles. Mr. Ostrom stated with a 42-foot clear zone, they should be able to accommodate the road; but he will check on that further. They have talked to Anoka County and are planning the transmission line to accommodate the change in the curve ofCrosstoml Boulevard at Nightingale. Councilmember Orttel also felt that answers are needed as to how the line will impact the City parks, the wetland along the landfill and commercial property the City is buying south of the landfill site. Mr. Ostrom stated they are proposing to touch the comer of the City park in both areas. Some tree work will be needed. Discussion with the Council and residents present were on the factors that prompted the proposed alignnlent of the transmission line up Crosstown Boulevard, reasons for not putting both lines along H:mson Boulevard and the City's concern with aesthetics and the impact of the line on the residcnts along the Crosstown Boulevard corridor. Terry Tobiason, resident, was concerned that taking out the western two or three TOWS of pine trees will eliminate their screening because the inside trees do not have the lower branches. Then it may be just a matter of time before they are destroyed by the western winds. Mr. Ostrom stated they could talk with the landowners to mitigate some of the vegetation. Mr. Kempf anticipated this project will meet the energy needs for the area for quite some time. Without it, he estimated 5,000 to 6,000 households would be affected in any energy emergency. In response to a question about burying the transmission line, Mr. Ostrom stated it cost ten times more to go underground than overhead. Underground is also considerably more expensive to maintain, especially in the winter. The technology isn't there to have a reasonable underground transmission system yet. Several residents were frustrated with the proposal to install the transmission line along Crosstown Boulevard. They were one of the first neighborhoods in the City to have underground utilities, and they felt this project wiJI have a negative impact on their property values. They suggested the line be moved further west through the undeveloped areas. When that does develop, people will know the line is there. They built not knowing a power line would be coming through here. Mr. Ostrom I . Special Andover City Council Meeting Minutes - November 4, 1998 Page 3 (UPA/Connexus Energy Transmission Lines Discussion, Continued) cited several examples of people building right up against the transmission line easements. They have found no evidence that they reduce property values. Councilmember Dehn also noted that the open areas to the west are actively farmed and helicopters are used as well. The transmission line through that area would impact the livelihood of those property owners. Mr. Ostrom stated wherever they go, someone is impacted. They do work with the landowners to mitigate those issues. Jerry Windschitl stated the line is crossing two City parks, a City-owned drainage system and part of a wetland. One of the City parks is all oak trees. Mr. Ostrom stated they do have the permits to go through the wetland. The whole intent of the project is to keep the electrical system reliable. If something isn't done, the system will no longer be reliable because of the increasing growth in the area. Council member Orttel was against having the line cross the street two different times in that stretch of road, thinking it wìll be very unsightly. He felt it will look more like an industrial zone than a nice residential area. Mayor McKelvey stated if the line must be put on the east side of Crosstown Boulevard, he preferred that it be put underground Irom Andover Boulevard to the curve at Nightingale, which is about three-fourth of a mile. The other option would be to put it on the west side of the road where the poles already exist. Councilmember Dehn agreed with the suggestion of an undergrolmd line in this case. Mr. Ostrom stated there would be a considerable impact on trees to place the line on the west s:de of Crosstown Boulevard. To go underground, they would be looking to the City for the additional cost. Mr. Peterson anticipated the cost to bury the line would be an additional $800,000 to $900,000. The representatives stayed to discuss the project with the residents. Staff was asked to continue working with the companies on the project. The meeting was adjourned at 7:0S p.m. Respectfully submitted, ,~~ Marcella A. Peach Recording Secretary .. .. .. .-.