02-05-2019 City Council Meeting Minutes

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City Council Minutes ' February 5,2019 ' Page 11 of 13 ----------------------------- Nancy Malecha explained the City currently has a gas franchise ordinance �� with Northem States Power/Xcel Energy that expires in April of 2019. This ordinance grants Xcel Energy permission to erect a gas distribution system in the City. Ms. Malecha noted that the City was contacted by Xcel Energy approximately finro years ago to begin the process of renewing this ordinance. At the April 4, 2017 City Council Meeting, a consensus of the Council agreed to consider including a $1-$2 per month flat franchise fee. The draft ordinances presented tonight reflect a monthly flat franchise fee of$2 to customers within the City's jurisdiction which would generate approximately$22,344 in revenue per year. The draft ordinances have been reviewed by Xcel Energy, the City Attomey, and Ms. Malecha. Ms. Malecha further noted that if the City implements a I franchise fee on Xcel Energy, the draft gas franchise ordinance states that � the City agrees to impose an equivalent franchise fee upon all other ; energy providers operating in the City and we have until April 30, 2021 to do so. Ms. Malecha requested a consensus from the Council to proceed with the draft ordinances as presented or provide direction on changes. A consensus of the Council directed Ms. Malecha to seek information from Xcel Energy as to a listing of neighboring cities who have implemented I franchise fees and report back on this at the March meeting. 10.5. Citv Facilitv& Department Tours i Nancy Malecha noted that the recent tour of the new Public Works Facility ' has prompted staff to consider providing the Council with tours of other City facilities and departments. Some suggestions for Council consideration include a water plant tour, police and fire department tours, Cole Memorial Building tour, Chamber Building and Library Building tours, and a spring road review tour. Ms. Malecha requested direction from the Council on potential tours they would like to see this year. ' A consensus of the Council agreed they would like tours of the Water Plant, Police and Fire Departments, and a Spring Road Review. 10.6. 2019 Proiect Priorities Nancy Malecha explained that since she was absent from the January 22"a Special City Council Meeting, she included the following 2019 project priorities for the Administration Department for the Council to consider. • Fill City Clerk/Treasurer positon and perform required training. • I.T. upgrades— backup system and/or exchange mail server. • City website improvements.