Minutes - Council Work Session - 04/30/2013 - Joint with Anoka CC

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3.02: Great River Energy Transmission Project (115 kV Route Plan) Development Services Manager Gladhill updated the Councils on the work on the transmission line project, stating upgrades are needed especially as the cities grow. He thanked Anoka for their work on protecting Rivers Bend Park through co- locating, noting this compromise has worked out well. Planning Director Braun referred to the construction in Enterprise Park with grading and foundations beginning soon, but noted they are still working on easement acquisitions. She thanked Ramsey for their work on creating the south alignment and for crossing the Rum River, stating the line is now north of the Grey Ghost Field and will have no impact. Planning Director Braun said they are currently in negotiations for easements on 7 Avenue and are working on locating the substation on 7th Avenue and Garfield Street, which will include an under build agreement and several other easement documents sometime in May. Development Services Manager Gladhill said staff has been working with Mark Struff from Great River Energy on visual impacts trying to select the one with the least impact. He said this is Phase I of two phases that will eventually continue west. Mayor Strommen inquired about the size of the poles. Planning Director Braun said they will be monopoles but taller with hangers. Councilmember Weaver noted the poles will be at 300 -foot spacing instead of 100 -foot so there will be fewer poles but taller. He noted Anoka did not receive a lot of opposition from residents, which was surprising, adding that they selected the best route possible. Planning Director Braun said this project was difficult to do in a fully developed city. Councilmember Schmidt said site approvals are still needed from the Public Utility Commission, which is likely part of the delay. Planning Director Braun agreed, adding that this is especially true because of the route change. Councilmember Schmidt said we are spending $5 -$6 million for two substations on this line. Councilmember Riley asked if this project will provide more power. Councilmember Weaver said the project will provide more power, backup, and connectivity. Development Services Manager Gladhill said we are at capacity now and that one more data center would have surpassed capacity. Councilmember Schmidt said Enterprise Park was at full capacity last summer as well.