City Council Minutes 2000 07 18 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Louisville City Council Meeting July 18, 2000 Page 7 would jeopardize safety, noting that traffic lights, hospitals, health related machines, telephones, refrigerators, and radios all depend on electricity. Diehl stated that upgrading this line is essential to the health, safety and well being of the community. Diehl stated that PSCo contemplated methods of making the transmission lines more aesthetically pleasing. He noted that it has been PSCo's experience that the slightly taller single steel poles have been accepted by an overwhelming majority of citizens. He stated that PSCo would take the opportunity to significantly reduce the magnetic fields associated with the line. The noise associated with the line would be reduced and there would be no decrease in property value: Diehl noted that the rebuild of this line would provide reliable electrical service to incoming industrial establishments, businesses and residents. He stated that communications have become increasingly important and the benefits would include less work related commuting miles and allow telecommuters more time with their families. As a result of people working at home, PSCo has seen an increase in the per capita demand for power. He stated that this trend has increased the demand for a reliable supply of electricity. Diehl summarized by saying that the demand for a reliable supply of electricity is growing and is anticipated to increase in order to meet the needs of telecommunications, family and home applications. Diehl stated that with respect to the Special Review Use criteria, the proposed rebuilding would directly support the general welfare and economic prosperity of the City and that of the immediate neighborhood, by providing a reliable supply of electricity. The proposed improvement of the power lines would serve to improve health, service and welfare of present and future inhabitants of the City. Diehl noted that there would be no traffic impact and no lengthy construction period. He reiterated the four main points: 1) Growth has created an unexpected increase in demand and the rebuilding of transmission lines is critical. 2) Customers expect and demand reliable electricity, and technologies have increased their dependency on electric service; 3) PSCo has 'a responsibility and commitment to provide reliable, safe electric service, however, without the new infrastructure, there is the possibility of power shortages and outages. 4) PSCo has been, and will remain, attentive, cooperative, patient and responsive to the City of Louisville and its residents. Diehl requested that Council approve PSCo's application. PUBLIC COMMENTS Stephanie Rowe, 791 West Tamarisk, Louisville, CO stated that the property values noted on the report are incorrect, as are the listed heights of the poles. She noted that 7