City Council Minutes 2000 08 15 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Louisville City Council Meeting August 15, 2000 Page 5. Ray Schlott, 647 Manorwood Lane, Louisville, CO, stated that he did not live within the power line area, but is in favor of having the lines buried. He offered several suggestions for the City Council on the funding for the burial of power lines. Those suggestions included a special tax district, use of the school enhancement fund, use of open space funds, sell City property within power line area back to PSCo, and an increase in the sales tax. Janet Sanchez, 800 Trail Ridge, Louisville, CO, stated that she lives in a neighborhood north of Via Appia. She read and submitted a petition signed by citizens who want the power lines buried. She stated that 61 of the 67 signatures are from citizens who do not live in the vicinity of the power lines. She urged the Council to negotiate with PSCo to have the power lines buried. COUNCIL COMMENTS: Mayer explained that the type of cable discussed for burying the power lines is less expensive than the other burial options but that all options would be addressed. He agreed with most of Mr. Schlott's suggestions, however, stated that State law prohibits the City from requiring PSCo to bury the line. He stated that he had suggested the city- wide public meeting and hoped that all of the information would be available on the issues. He noted that there is a very tight time frame for the November election. Brown stated that he has heard a very strong mandate for burying the power lines and the need to spread out the cost city-wide. He hoped for more funding options. Howard addressed the public comments. He stated that those who live closest to the power lines would benefit by having the poles buried and should pay a share. Howard noted that with one of the funding options, there would be an assessment of properties and a sliding scale of taxation. He agreed that the City should notify as many people as rd possible of the August 23 city-wide meeting. With regard to the two different burial methods discussed, Howard explained that the pipe method in question is far less expensive. Howard addressed the comment that Superior and Broomfield should help bear the cost. He stated that the City did not have the authority to require Superior and Broomfield to pay for a portion of the power lines. As for earmarking some or all the funds, including open space, under-grounding and the beautification funds, Howard stated that would be unfair to all the citizens in Louisville. Howard voiced his concern over an increase in sales tax, explaining that by law, the City can only increase sales tax by a certain amount. In summation, Howard stated that he understands the issues, and is willing to work toward a resolution, but unwilling to put the City at risk, or commit all funds without a vote of the citizenry.