Laserfiche WebLink
John Enstrom, 8702 - 181st Avenue NW, expressed concern with his land being abused with <br />utilities and easements. He said he would like to bring up some points regarding power lines. <br />Mr. Enstrom said the City wants to expand one power line from 80 feet to 150 feet. As a <br />member of the Environmental Policy Board, he would like to save the environment. The trees <br />that would be taken down are more than the City has planted in the last 20 years. He is <br />concerned about trees being needlessly cut down, feeling that a tree 75 feet away and 10 feet tall <br />will never reach the power line so it is ridiculous to cut it down. Mr. Enstrom was also <br />concerned that herbicides are being used to kill the trees since they are carcinogens and found to <br />cause cancer in people. He believes the intention is to get this area cleared out to 150 feet wide <br />and when this line was put in 40 years ago, the landowners were told they would only claim 80. <br />Mr. Enstrom noted that electricity hasn't changed in that time and asked why the width would be <br />doubled now. He pointed out that if a developer comes in they have to replace any trees they <br />take down but for this project, no trees are being replaced. He thinks the City should be working <br />with the community to make it better instead of getting electric the cheapest way they can. There <br />are alternatives to having cheaper electricity and wires. <br />Mayor Ramsey stated this would be discussed at public hearings for the utilities companies. <br />Councilmember Backous left the Chambers at 7:27 p.m. <br />Councilmember Strommen questioned if Mr. Enstrom was given a chance to opt out of <br />herbicide. <br />Mr. Enstrom confirmed he has been asked and there are several companies that do this. He said <br />he makes them sign a contract to not use herbicide. <br />City Administrator Ulrich advised staff could work with Mr. Enstrom on a draft resolution to the <br />City requesting that utility companies minimize the damage they do when putting in utilities. <br />They could address the EPB when they come into the community and work on the policy to meet <br />standards. <br />Councilmember McGlone stated he has a concern with that option since this is a private matter <br />between the property easement seller and the City. <br />Mayor Ramsey said all the Council can do is ask the utilities to not clear cut. <br />Councilmember McGlone stated he has two properties that go on the same line as Mr. Enstrom. <br />He noted the utilities company asked him if they could cut trees, but they could have done it <br />anyway. He cautioned against directing staff and a Board to move ahead with this. <br />Mayor Ramsey stated staff will work on this matter. <br />4. CONSENT AGENDA <br />Motion by Councilmember Elvig, seconded by Councilmember Wise, to approve the following <br />items on the Consent Agenda: <br />City Council / October 11, 2011 <br />Page 4 of 17 <br />