HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Contract for obtaining Electric Transmission Line Franchise RESOLUTION NO.08-405
RESOLUTION APPROVING CONTRACT FOR OBTAINING
ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION LINE FRANCHISE
FOR THE CITY OF AMES
WHEREAS, the FY 2008/09 Capital Improvements Plan includes a project to install a 161-kV
interconnection with Midamerican Energy Company,and in order to improve electric service reliability for our
customers,there is the need for an additional transmission line to connect to the regional electric transmission
grid; and,
WHEREAS,following years of system impact studies,a route study,and substation and transmission
line design work,the City determined that the best route for an additional transmission line extends from Ames
to Ankeny; and,
WHEREAS, on July 2, 2008, the Iowa Utilities Board issued its final ruling effectively denying the
City's petition for a franchise to construct its 161-kV transmission line outside the City limits to NE Ankeny;
and,
WHEREAS,in its final decision,the TUB acknowledges the need for the line and does not contest the
route specifically,but rather takes issue with evidence of compliance with Code requirements as the basis for
the initial route planning; and,
WHEREAS,on August 7,2008,proposals were solicited for professional services to conduct a routing
selection study conforming to Iowa Code and franchising requirements,and the City Council will be asked to
approve a contract with Burns & McDonnell to conduct a routing study as we again begin a process for
obtaining a franchise; and,
WHEREAS,members of City staffhave interviewed representatives from two law firms that specialize
in franchise representation,and after careful consideration and discussions of availability,experience,and cost,
staff is recommending that an agreement for legal counsel be approved with the Brown Winnick Law Firm of
Des Moines,Iowa; and,
WHEREAS,staff has determined that the Brown Winnick firm's proposal is in the best overall interest
of the Utility,with the City being billed on an hourly and services-incurred basis.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Ames, Iowa, that the
professional services contract with Brown Winnick of Des Moines, Iowa, to perform legal services in
connection with the Interconnection Project is hereby approved.
ADOPTED THIS 9t'day of September,2008.
Diane R. Voss, City Clerk Ann H. Campbell, Mayor
Introduced by: Goodman
Seconded by: Doll
Voting aye: Doll, Goodman,Larson,Mahayni, Popken,Rice
Voting nay: None Absent: None
Resolution declared adopted and signed by the Mayor this 9t"day of September,2008.