5. NSP Franchise
CITY OF
CHANHASSEH
:)
-
690 COULTER DRIVE. P.O. BOX 147. CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA 55317
(612) 937-1900 . FAX (612) 937-5739
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Mayor and City Council
FROM:
Don Ashworth, City Manager
DA TE:
December 2, 1997
SUBJ:
NSP Franchise
Given its length, I sent a copy of the proposed franchise agreement to council members this past
week. As I stated at that time, the city attorney and I have been negotiating this contract with
NSP for approximately six months. At this point, we believe that the proposed franchise
conforms to the franchises previously negotiated with Minnegasco and Minnesota Valley
Electric.
Approval of the attached franchise is recommended.
g: \mgr\nspfranc h i se .doc
Northern States Power Company
Law Department
October 13, 1997
Altom,ys
Harold J. Baeley
Jack F. Sjoholm
Stephen C. Lapadat
James L. Alunan
Michael C. Connelly
James P. Johnson
Jeffrey C. Paulson
Bruce A. Colt
Peter M. Glass
John'P. Moore,Jr.
Corporate Secrelllr)'
414 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis. Minnesota 55401
Telephone (612) 330-6600
Fax No. (612) 330.5827
Gary R. johnsnn
Vice President and General Counsel
Writer's Direct Dial Number
330-6603
Roger N. Knutson, Esq.
Campbell, Knutson, Scott & Fuchs, P.A.
Eagandale Office Center, Suite 317
1380 Corporate Center Curve
Eagan, MN 55121
Re: Proposed Electric Franchise for the City of Chanhassen
Dear Roger:
I am enclosing herewith a marked version of a proposed franchise for the City of
Chanhassen which continues the markings that were previously made in the draft which
you reviewed before. The only changes which I have made, at your request, is to insert
a new Section 9 Franchise Fee, based on the "Stillwater" model, but retaining the special
exception at the end to permit undergrounding without imposing a similar fee on other
franchise holders in the city. This is now set forth as Section 9.7. In addition, at your
request, I inserted a new Section 10 allowing the franchise to be reopened after 10 years
if the city refuses to amend it at that time to incorporate provisions that the Company
has agreed to in at least two other franchises agreed to by the Company with other cities
after the date of this franchise agreement. Section 10 was renumbered as Section 11 and
Section 11 restated as Section 12.
If these changes are acceptable, we can quite quickly on our word processor send
out a clean copy for adoption by the City. Please let me know at your earliest
convenience if the enclosure is acceptable.
Very truly yours,
Jfa~1fl f3(i44--
Harold J. ~~ey 1./
Senior Attorney' v'
HJB/J AG
cc: Joyce Gutkowski
Lou Howard
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ORDINANCE NO.
CITY OF CHANHASSEN
CARVER AND HENNEPIN COUNTIES, MINNESOTA
AN ORDINANCE GRANTING TO NORTHERN STATES POWER
COMPANY, A MINNESOTA CORPORATION, ITS SUCCESSORS AND
ASSIGNS, PERMISSION TO CONSTRUCT, OPERATE, REPAIR AND
MAINTAIN IN THE CITY OF CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA, AN
ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND TRANSMISSION LINES,
INCLUDING NECESSARY POLES, LINES, FIXTURES AND
APPURTENANCES, FOR THE FURNISHING OF ELECTRIC ENERGY
TO THE CITY, ITS INHABITANTS, AND OTHERS, AND TO USE THE
PUBLIC WAYS AND PUBLIC GROUNDS OF THE CITY FOR SUCH
PURPOSES.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHANHASSEN, CARVER AND
HENNEPIN COUNTIES, MINNESOTA, ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Ordinance, the following capitalized terms listed in
alphabetical order shall have the following meanings:
1.1 City. The City of Chanhassen, Counties of Carver and Hennepin,
State of Minnesota.
1.2 City Utility System. Facilities used for providing non-energy related
sewer, water, or any other public utility service owned or operated by City or
agency thereof including sewer and water service. but excluding facilities for
providing heating. lighting or other forms of energy.
1.3 Commission. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, or any
successor agency or agencies, including an agency of the federal government
which preempts all or part of the authority to regulate electric retail rates now
vested in the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.
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1.4 Company. Northern States Power Company, a Minnesota
corporation, its successors and assigns.
1.5 Electric Facilities. Electric transmission and distribution towers,
poles, lines, guys, anchors, conduits, fixtures, and necessary appurtenances owned
or operated by Company for the purpose of providing electric energy for public
use.
1.6 Non-Betterment Costs. Costs incurred by Company from relocation,
removal or rearrangement of Electric Facilities that do not result in an
improvement to the Electric Facilities.
1.7 Notice. A writing served by any party or parties on any other party
or parties. Notice to Company shall be mailed to the General Counsel, Law
Department, 414 NicolletMall, Minneapolis, MN 55401. Notice to City shall be
mailed to the City Manager/Clerk at 690 Coulter Drive, Chanhassen, MN 55317.
Either party may change its respective address for the purpose of this Ordinance
by written notice to the other party.
1.8 Public Ground. Land owned by the City for park, open space or
similar purpose, which is held for use in common by the public.
1.9 Public Way. Any street, alley, walkway or other public right-of-
way within the City.
1.10 Total Cost. Cost to Company for removing overhead Electric
Facilities and replacing its function by installing underground Electric Facilities,
including but not limited to. engineering. materials and labor. including overheads,
less the depreciated value on Company's books of the overhead Electric Facilities
removed and replaced by said underground Electric Facilities.
SECTION 2. ADOPTION OF FRANCHISE.
2.1 Grant of Franchise. City hereby grants Company, for a period of 20
years, the right to transmit and furnish electric energy for light, heat, power and
other purposes for public and private use within and through the limits of the City
as its boundaries now exist or as they may be extended in the future. For these
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purposes, Company may construct, operate, repair and maintain Electric Facilities
in, on, over, under and across the Public Ways and Public Grounds of City, subject
to the provisions of this Ordinance. Company may do all reasonable things
necessary or customary to accomplish these purposes, subject, however, to such
reasonable regulations as may be imposed by the City pursuant to ordinance and
to the further provisions of this franchise agreement.
2.2 Effective Date: Written Acceptance. This franchise shall be in force
and effect from and after its passage and its acceptance by Company, and its
publication as required by law. An acceptance by Company must be filed with the
City Manager/Clerk within 90 days after publication.
2.3. Service. Rates and Area. The service to be provided and the rates to
be charged by Company for electric service in City are subject to the jurisdiction
of the Commission. The area within the City in which Company may provide
electric service is subject to the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, Section
216BAO. However. during the term of this franchise. Minnesota Statutes. Chapter
216B. may be amended or repealed in a manner to: (1) allow City by franchise
agreement or otherwise to directly establish service area boundaries between
electric suppliers providing electric service within the municipal limits of City. or
(2) permit City by franchise agreement or otherwise to establish service area
boundaries which must be followed by the Commission in an application to it to
revise service area boundaries previously established by the Commission. unless
the Commission finds the requested revision would create an unreasonable
duplication of facilities or such revision is for another reason not in the best
interest of the pUQlic. If this occurs. City may by resolution direct Company to
negotiate an amendment to this franchise agreement establishing such service area
boundaries. Ifno amendment to this franchise occurs within 90 days after the date
a written copy of such resolution is served upon Company. City may. upon 30
days prior written notice to Company. terminate this franchise by ordinance.
Notwithstanding the foregoing. City shall not take any action which deprives
Company of the right to provide service to any customer of Company existing at
the time of City's action to terminate for the entire term of this franchise set forth
in Section 2.1 unless Company. for its investment in Electric Facilities reasonably
necessary to serve such customer. is duly compensated in accordance with the
provisions of an applicable statute. or regulation thereunder. of the State of
Minnesota for its investment and loss of revenue.
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3.3 Street Openings. Company shall not open or disturb the paved surface
of any Public Way or Public Ground for any purpose without first having obtained
permission from the City, for which the City may impose a reasonable fee. Permit
conditions imposed on Company shall not be more burdensome than those
imposed on other utilities for similar facilities or work. Company may, however,
open and disturb the paved surface of any Public Way or Public Ground without
permission from the City where an emergency exists requiring the immediate
repair of Electric Facilities. In such event Company shall notify the City by
telephone to the office designated by the City as soon as practicable. Not later
than the second working day thereafter, Company shall obtain any required
permits and pay any required fees.
3.4 Restoration. After undertaking any work requiring the opening of any
Public Way or Public Ground, Company shall restore the same, including paving
and its foundation, to as 51 good condition as formerly existed, and shall maintain
the same any paved surface in good condition for two years thereafter. The work
shall be completed as promptly as weather permits, and if Company shall not
promptly perform and complete the work, remove all dirt, rubbish, equipment and
material, and put the Public Way or Public Ground in the said condition, the City
shall have, after demand to Company to cure and the passage of a reasonable
period of time following the demand, but not to exceed five days, the right to
make the restoration at the expense of Company. Company shall pay to the City
the cost of such work done for or performed by the City, including its
administrative expense and overhead, plus ten percent additional as liquidated
damages. This remedy shall be in addition to any other remedy available to the
City for noncompliance with this Section 3.4.
3.5 Shared Use of Poles. Company shall make space available on its
poles or towers for City fire, water utility, police or other City facilities whenever
such use will not interfere with the use of such poles or towers by Company, by
another electric utility, by a telephone utility, or by any cable television company
or other form of communication company. In addition, the City shall pay for any
added cost incurred by Company because of such use by City.
3.6 Building and Relocations. Company. at the request of any person
holdin~ a building moving permit. shall temporarily remove. raise. or lower its
overhead wires. The expense of such temporary removal. raising. or lowering of
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overhead wires shall be paid by person(s) reQuestin~ the same. and Company shall
have the authority to require such payment in advance.
3.7 Avoid Damage to Electric Facilities. Nothing in this Ordinance
relieves any person from liability arising out of the failure to exercise reasonable
care to avoid damaging Electric Facilities while performing any activity.
3.8 Notice of Improvements. The City must give Company reasonable
notice of plans for improvements to Public Ways or Public Ground where the City
has reason to believe that Electric Facilities may affect or be affected by the
improvement. The notice must contain: (i) the nature and character of the
improvements, (ii) the Public Ways and Public Grounds upon which the
improvements are to be made, (iii) the extent of the improvements, (iv) the time
when the City will start the work, and (v) if more than one Public Way or Public
Ground is involved, the order in which the work is to proceed. The notice must
be given to Company a sufficient length of time in advance of the actual
commencement of the work to permit Company to make any necessary additions,
alterations or repairs to its Electric Facilities.
SECTION 4. RELOCATIONS.
4.1 Relocation of Electric Facilities in Public Ways. Except as provided
in Section 4.3, if the City determines to vacate a Public Way for a City
improvement project, or at City's cost to grade, regrade, or change the line of any
Public Way, or construct or reconstruct any City Utility System in any Public
Way, it may order Company to relocate its Electric Facilities located therein if
relocation is reasonably necessary to accomplish the City's proposed public
improvement. Company shall relocate its Electric Facilities at its own expense.
The City shall give Company reasonable notice of plans to vacate for a City
improvement project, or to grade, regrade, or change the line of any Public Way
or to construct or reconstruct any City Utility System. If a relocation is ordered
within five years of a prior relocation of the same Electric Facilities, which was
made at Company expense, the City shall reimburse Company for Non-Betterment
Costs on a time and material basis, provided that if a subsequent relocation is
required because of the extension of a City Utility System to a previously
unserved area, Company may be required to make the subsequent relocation at its
expense. Nothing in this Ordinance requires Company to relocate, remove,
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replace or reconstruct at its own expense its Electric Facilities where such
relocation, removal, replacement or reconstruction is solely for the convenience
of the City and is not reasonably necessary for the construction or reconstruction
of a Public Way or City Utility System or other City improvement.
4.2 Relocation of Electric Facilities in Public Ground. Except as may be
provided in Section 4.3, City may require Company to relocate or remove its
Electric Facilities from Public Ground upon a finding by City that the Electric
Facilities have become or will become a substantial impairment of the public use
to which the Public Ground is or will be put. The relocation or removal shall be
at Company's expense.
4.3 Projects with Federal Funding. Relocation, removal, or rearrangement
of any Company Electric Facilities made necessary because of the extension into
or through City of a federally-aided highway project shall be governed by the
provisions of Minnesota Statutes, Section 161.46 as supplemented or amended.
It is understood that the right herein granted to Company is a valuable right. City
shall not order Company to remove or relocate its Electric Facilities when a Public
Way is vacated, improved or realigned because of a renewal or a redevelopment
plan which is financially subsidized in whole or in part by the Federal Government
or any agency thereof, unless the reasonable Non-Betterment Costs of such
relocation and the loss and expense resulting therefrom are first paid to Company,
but the City need not pay those portions of such for which reimbursement to it is
not available.
4.4 No Waiver. The provisions of Section 4 apply only to Electric
Facilities constructed in reliance on a franchise and Company does not waive its
rights under an easement or prescriptive right, or State or County permit.
4.5 Chan~e to Under~round. If required by the City. Company shall
change from overhead to underground. at City expense based on Company's Total
Cost. in any area where: (1) the City requests underground lines and all other lines
thereafter are chan~ed from overhead to under~round. or (2) any overhead line is
changed to underground by the open trench with telephone and/or cable television.
and Company can share trench at a cost not to exceed Company's pro rata share
of the cost of the trenching. Prior to commencement of construction by Company
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Qf any particular project. the City shall deliver a written commitment to pay the
Total Cost for the project as estimated by Company.
SECTION 5. TREE TRIMMING.
Company may trim all trees and shrubs in the Public Ways and Public
Grounds of City interfering with the proper construction, operation, repair and
maintenance of any Electric Facilities installed hereunder, provided that Company
shall save the City harmless from any liability arising therefrom, and subject to
permit or other reasonable regulation by the City.
SECTION 6. INDEMNIFICATION.
6.1 Indemnity of City. Company shall indemnify, keep and hold the City
free and harmless from any and all liability on account of injury to persons or
damage to property occasioned by the construction, maintenance, repair,
inspection, the issuance of permits, or the operation of the Electric Facilities
located in the Public Ways and Public Grounds. The City shall not be indemnified
for losses or claims occasioned through its own negligence except for losses or
claims arising out of or alleging the City's negligence as to the issuance of permits
for, or inspection of, Company's plans or work. The City shall not be indemnified
if the injury or damage results from the performance in a proper manner of acts
reasonably deemed hazardous by Company, and such performance is nevertheless
ordered or directed by City after notice of Company's determination.
6.2 Defense of City. In the event a suit is brought against the City under
circumstances where this agreement to indemnify applies, Company at its sole cost
and expense shall defend the City in such suit if written notice thereof is promptly
given to Company within a period wherein Company is not prejudiced by lack of
such notice. If Company is required to indemnify and defend, it will thereafter
have control of such litigation, but Company may not settle such litigation without
the consent of the City, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. This
section is not, as to third parties, a waiver of any defense or immunity otherwise
available to the City; and Company, in defending any action on behalf of the City
shall be entitled to assert in any action every defense or immunity that the City
could assert in its own behalf.
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SECTION 7. V ACA TIQN OF PUBLIC WAYS.
The City shall give Company at least two weeks prior written notice of a
proposed vacation of a Public Way. Except where required for a City
improvement project, the vacation of any Public Way, after the installation of
Electric Facilities, shall not operate to deprive Company of its rights to operate
and maintain such Electric Facilities, until the reasonable cost of relocating the
same and the loss and expense resulting from such relocation are first paid to
Company. In no case, however, shall City be liable to Company for failure to
specifically preserve a right-of-way under Minnesota Statutes, Section 160.29.
SECTION 8. CHANGE IN FORM OF GOVERNMENT.
Any change in the form of government of the City shall not affect the
validity of this Ordinance. Any governmental unit succeeding the City shall,
without the consent of Company, succeed to all of the rights and obligations of the
City provided in this Ordinance.
SECTION 9. FRANCHISE FEE.
9.1 Separate Ordinance. During the term of the franchise hereby granted,
and in lieu of any permit or other fees being imposed on Company, the City may
impose on Company a franchise fee not to exceed an amount determined by
collecting the amounts indicated belm'" from each customer in the designated
Company Customer Classification for metered service at each and every customer
location:
Customer Classification
'^.lmount per J\1onth
Residential
Small C & I & 11unicipal 'Nith No Demand Charge
Small C & I & J\1unicipal 'Nith Demand Charge
Large C & I
~
$4;00
$10.00
$65.00
The franchise fee shall be imposed by a separate ordinance duly adopted by the
City Council, which ordinance shall not be adopted until at least 60 days after
,,'.'ritten notice enclosing such proposed ordinance has been served upon Company
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by certified mail. The fee shall not become effective until at least 60 days after
written notice enclosing such adopted ordinance has been ser';ed upon Company
by certified mail. Section 2.5 shall constitute the sole remedy for solving disputes
between Company and the City in regard to the interpretation of, or enforcement
of, the separate ordinance. No action by the City to implement a separate
ordinance will commence until this Ordinance is effective. A separate ordinance
\vhich imposes a lesser franchise fee on the residential class of customers than the
amount set forth in the above Fee Schedule shall not be effective against Company
unless the fee imposed on each other customer class in the above Fee Schedule is
reduced proportionately by the same percentage as the reduction represented by
the lesser fee on the residential class. The payment of a franchise fee as provided
by this Section 9.1 does not relieve Company from paying fees to City unrelated
to the installation, ownership or operation of Electric Facilities, such as building
permit fees.
9.2 Terms Defined. For the purpose of this Section 9, the follO\ving
definitions apply:
9.2.1 "Customer Classification" shall refer to the classes listed on the
Fee Schedule and as defined or determined in Company's electric tariffs on file
with the Commission.
9.2.2 "Fee Schedule" refers to the schedule in Section 9.1 setting forth
an amount per month for various customer classes.
9.2.3 "Final Order" refers to an order of the Commission changing
Company's electric service rates for one or more of Company's Customer
Classifications, if the order is not an interim order and the time for appeal on such
order has expired or all proceedings relating to an appeal have been exhausted.
9.3 Collection of the Fee. The franchise fee shall be payable quarterly,
and shall be b;sed on the amount collected by Company during complete billing
month~ during the period for '.vhich payment is to be made by imposing a
surcharge equal to the designated franchise fee for the applicable Customer
Classification in all customer billings for metered service in each class. The
payment shall be due the last business day of the month follO\ving the period for
which the payment is made. The franchise fee may be changed by ordinance from
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time to time; however, each change shall meet the same notice requirements and
not occur more often than annually and no change shall require a collection from
any customer for metered service in excess of the amounts specifically permitted
by this Section 9. The time and manner of collecting the franchise fee is subject
to the approval of the Commission, which Company agrees to use its best efforts
to obtain. No franchise fee shall be payable by Company if Company is legally
unable to fust collect an amount equal to the franchise fee from its customers in
each applicable class of customers by imposing a surcharge in Company~
applicable rate for electric service. Company may pay the City the fee based upon
the surcharge billed subject to subsequent reductions to account for uneollectibles,
refunds and correction of erroneous billings. Company agrees to make its records
available for inspection by the City at reasonable times provided that the City and
its designated representative agree in writing not to disclose any information
'Nhich would indicate the amount paid by any identifiable customer or customers
or any other information regarding identified customers.
9.1 Conditions on the Fee. The separate ordinance imposing the fee shall
not be effective against Company unless it la'.vfully imposes and the City quarterly
or more often collects a fee or tax of the same or greater equi valen t amoun t on the
receipts from sales of energy within the City by any other energy supplier,
provided that, as to such a supplier, the City has the authority to require a
franchise fee or to impose a tax. The "same or greater equivalent amount" shall
be measured, if practicable, by comparing amounts collected as a franchise fee
from each similar customer, or by comparing, as to similar customers, the
percentage of the annual bill represented by the amount collected for the franchise
fee purposes. The franchise fee or tax shall be applicable to energy sales for any
energy use related to heating, cooling, or lighting, as 'Nell as to the supply of
energy needed to run machinery and appliances on premises located within or
adjacent to the City, but shall not apply to energy sales for the purpose of
providing fuel for vehicles.
9.5 Exception to Equi':alent Fee Requirement. The requirement in
Section 9.1 to impose an equivalent fee on any other energy supplier \vill not
apply if the franchise fee is dedicated to paying the cost of undergrounding
Electric Facilities belonging to Company provided that: (1) the City shall
maintain such an undergroundin~ franchise fee in a separate account and shall not
use it for any other purpose other than reimbursing Company for the cost of
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undergroundin~ its Electric Facilities: and (2) provided that collection of the
franchise fee ~Nill terminate when the balance in the account exceeds the amount
Company estimates is necessary to reimburse it for the cost of undergrounding
pr~ie~ts. v/hich the City has ~iven notice of under Section 1.5 or which Company
and City have othenvise a~eed Company should perform on a reimbursement
basis. Company ~.~:ill not terminate the collection of such a franchise fee without
~r~viding the City '.':ith at least 30 days prior written notice. After completion of
~l sche~led proi~clS at the time of termination of the franchise fee. the City may
se any remaining balance in the account for its general purposes. Any franchise
fee imposed on Company as authorized by this Section 9.5 shall be the exclusive
fee payable by Company under this franchise until the City. by ordinance. repeals
the separate ordinance imposinr; the fee under this Section 9.5.
9.6 Permitted .^..djustments. If following effective date of this franchise
the Commission by Final Order approves a change in Company's electric rates
resulting in a general rate increase for one or more Customer Classifications,
Company shall calculate and send to the City a letter setting forth the amount, as
a percentage, of authorized increase for each classification of customer within 60
days after Company receives the Final Order. The amount of the franchise fee that
may be imposed by the City may be increased from the Fec Schedule in Section
9.1 to an amount not to exceed the percentage for the applicable Customer
Classification stated in Company's letter times each monthly amount set forth in
the Fee Schedule and adding the resultant amount to the applicable amount set
forth in the Fee Schedule. In this manner the franchise fee collected or permitted
to be collected from each class of customer can increase by the same percentage
as Company's electric rate increase. During the period where the City has
imposed a franchise fee by separate ordinance under Section 9.1 there is no waiver
of the right to impose the amendment if the City does not seek an increase in any
franchise fee immediately after any such letter from Company and, if the City so
chooses, the City can combine the percentages derived from more than one rate
case, to the extent not previously applied by the City, in setting the amount of the
franchise fee, so that the City is not prejudiced by delaying any action to impose
or increase the franchise fee.
SECTION 9. FRANCHISE FEE.
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9.1. Separate Ordinance. During- the term of the franchise hereby g-ranted.
and in lieu of any permit or other fees being imposed on the Company. the City
may impose on the Company a franchise fee of not more than five percent of the
Company's Gross Revenues as hereinafter defined. The franchise fee shall be
imposed by a separate ordinance duly adopted by the City Council. which
ordinance shall not be adopted until at least 60 days after written notice enclosing-
such proposed ordinance has been served upon the Company by certified mail.
The fee shall not become effective until at least 60 days after written notice
enclosing such adopted ordinance has been served upon the Company by certified
mail. Section 2.5 shaJI constitute the sole remedy for solving disputes between
the Company anq the City in regard to the interpretation of. or enforcement of. the
separate ordinance. No action by the City to implement a separate ordinance will
commence until this Ordinance is effective. No pre-existing ordinance imposing
a fee shall be effective against the Company unless it is specifically amended after
the effective date of this ordinance following the procedures of this Section 9 for
the adoption of a new separate ordinance. A separate ordinance which imposes
a lesser franchise fee on the residential class of customers then on other
classifications of customers shall not be effective against the Company.
9.2 Terms Defined. For the purpose of this Section 9. the following
definitions apply:
9.2.1 "Commission" means the Minnesota Public Utilities
Commission. or any successor agency or agencies. including an agency of the
federal government which preempts all or part of the authority to regulate electric
retail rates now vested in the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.
9.2.2 "Delivery Component" of electric service means the portion of
the retail rate paid by the customer to compensate the Company for the use of
transmission and distribution facilities. including investment costs and all
expenses of constructing. operating and maintaining such facilities.
9.2.3 "Discount Rate" means a reduced electric retail rate for a
customer or class of customers approved by the Commission for service to a
customer of Company located within City to respond to competition from the
threat of (1) self-generation or (ij) the conversion of customer-equipment to use a
form of energy other than electricity.
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9.2.4 The term "Gross Revenues" means all sums received by the
Company from the sale of electricity to its retail customers within the cOl:porate
limits of the City. excludin ~ any surchar~e. sales tax. miscellaneous tariff char~es
or any similar addition to the Company's charges to customers for the purpose of
reimbursin; the ~ompany for the franchise fee. sales tax. or similar charge. The
term "Gros Revenues" shall also exclude all revenues received by the Company
from the sale of electric service provided under a Discount Rate.
9.2.5 "Supply Component" of electric service means the portion of
the retail rate paid by the consumer to compensate the supplier for electric capacity
and/or ener~y delivered to the consumer. includin~ investment costs and all
expenses of producin~ or purchasin~ such capacity and/or ener~y.
9.3 Discount Rate Adjustment.
If the Cit~ adopts a separate ordinance as described in Section 9.1, thereafter
the Company hall ~ive City written notice of any Commission proceedin~s
relating to implementation of a Discount Rate for a specifically identified
customer within the City. In addition. if both a separate ordinance and a Discount
Rate are in effect. Company and City may mutually agree by letter a~reement that
Company will collect a franchise fee on the Discount Rate equal to. or the
equivalent of. the fee or tax the City would have received if the customer had
elected to purchase the competing form of energy instead of electric service from
Company.
9.4. Exclusive Electric Service.
The Company has a~reed to collect and pay any franchise fee imposed
pursuant to this Section 9.4 only so long as the law allows the Company to be the
exclusive provider of both the Supply Component and the Delivery Component
of retail electric service to its defined service area within the City. The
Company's exclusive service status is currently provided under Minn. Stat.
Chapter 216B.37 et seq. If the Company is no longer the exclusive provider of
both the Supply Component and the Delivery Component of retail service within
City. the Company's obligation to collect and pay a franchise fee on such retail
electric service shall terminate upon twenty (20) days notice to City. However.
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the Company agrees to collect and pay any applical)le franchise fee imposed bX
the City on the revenues from the Delivery Component of electric service provided
by Company to retail customers located with the City under the applicable
Commission-approved Delivery Component of the Company's retail electric
service rates. This franchise fee on the Commission-approved Delivery
Component of electric retail service shall apply whether Company or another
entity provides the Supply Component of the retail electric service to such
customer.
9.5 Collection of the Fee. The franchise fee shall be payable not less often
than quarterly. and shall be based on the Gross Revenues of the Company during
complete billing months during the period for which payment is to be made. The
payment shall be due the last business day of the month following the period for
which the payment is made. The percent fee may be chan~ed by ordinance from
time to time: however. each change shall meet the same notice requirements and
the percentage may not be changed more often than annually. Such fee shall not
exceed any amount which the Company may legally charge to its customers prior
to payment to the City by imposing a surcharge equivalent to such fee in its rates
for electric service. The Company may pay the City the fee based upon the
surcharge billed subject to subsequent reductions to account for un collectibles or
customer refunds. The time and manner of collecting the franchise fee is subiect
to the approval of the Public Utilities Commission. which the Company agrees
to use best efforts to obtain. The Company agrees to make its Gross Revenues
records available for inspection by the City at reasonable times.
9.6 Condition of the Fee. The separate ordinance imposing the fee shall
not be effective against the Company unless it lawfully imposes and the City
quarterly or more often collects a fee or tax of the same or greater percentage on
the receipts from sales of energy within the City by any other energy supplier.
provided that. as to such a supplier. the City has the authority to require a
franchise fee or to impose a tax. The franchise fee or tax shall be applicable to
energy sales for any energy use related to heating. cooling. or lighting. as well as
to the ')upply of energy needed to run machinery and appliances on premises
located within or adjacent to the City. but shall not apply to energy sales for the
purpose of providing fuel for vehicles. If the Company specifically consents in
writing to a franchise or separate ordinance collecting or failing to collect a fee
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from another energy supplier in contravention of this Section 9.6. the foregoing
conditions will be waived to the extent of such written consent.
9.7 Exception to Equal Fee Requirement. The requirement in Section 9.6
to impose an equal fee on any other energy supplier will not apply if the franchise
fee is dedicated ~o ~ay;ni the cost 9f undergroundinll Electric Facilities belonllinll
to Company pr vi e that: (1) the City shall maintain such an undergrounding
franchise fee in a separate account and shall not use it for any other pm:pose other
than reimbursing Company for the cost of undergrounding its Electric Facilities:
and (2) provided that collection of the franchise fee will terminate when the
balance in the account exceeds the amount Company estimates is necessary to
reimburse it for the cost of undergrounding projects. which the City has given
notice of under Section 4.5 or which Company and City have otherwise agreed
Company should perform on a reimbursement basis. Company will not terminate
the c~lection Qf ;uyh a franchise fee without providinll the City with at least ;20
days rior written notice. After completion of all scheduled proiects at the time
of termination of the franchise fee. the City may use any remaining balance in the
account for its general pm:poses. Any franchise fee imposed on Company as
authorized by this Section 9.7 shall be the exclusive fee payable by Company
under this franchise until the City. by ordinance. repeals the separate ordinance
imposing the fee under this Section 9.7.
SECTION 10. FRANCHISE REOPENER.
After this franchise agreement has been in effect for ten years. the City may
give Company Notice that City desires to amend this franchise agreement to
incoworate specific provisions which Company has agreed to in the electric
franchise agreement for two or more other cities of the second. third or fourth class
in the seven-county metropolitan area. based on a franchise ordinance adopted by
such cities after the date of this franchise agreement. which cities are identified in
the Notice. If Company refuses to do so within 90 days after receiving said Notice
from the City. the City may terminate this franchise agreement upon 30 days prior
written Notice unless Company gives Notice to the City within said 30-day period
that it will immediately agree to accept an amendment to this Ordinance
incorporating the desired franchise provisions existing in two or more other cities
as referenced in the City's Notice. The termination will not be effective until after
completion of any dispute resolution proceedings under Section 2.5 commenced
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by the Company within said 30-day period. which proceedinl?: confirms the City's
action to be in compliance with this Section 10.
10.1 Severability. Every section, provision, or part of this Ordinance is
declared separate from every other section, provision, or part; and if any section,
provision, or part shall be held invalid, it shall not affect any other section,
provision, or part. 'Nhere a provision of any other City ordinance conflicts \vith
the provisions of this Ordinance, the provisions of this Ordinance shall prevail.
SECTION 11. PROVISIONS OF ORDINANCE.
11.1 Severability. Every section, provision, or part of this Ordinance is
declared separate from every other section, provision, or part; and if any section,
provision, or part shall be held invalid, it shall not affect any other section,
provision, or part. Where a provision of any other City ordinance conflicts with
the provisions of this Ordinance, the provisions of this Ordinance shall prevail.
11.2 Limitation on Applicability. This Ordinance constitutes a franchise
agreement between the City and Company as the only parties and no provision of
this franchise shall in any way inure to the benefit of any third person (including
the public at large) so as to constitute any such person as a third party beneficiary
of the agreement or of anyone or more of the terms hereof, or otherwise give rise
to any cause of action in any person not a party hereto.
SECTION 12. AMENDMENT.
This Ordinance may be amended at any time by the City passing a
subsequent ordinance declaring the provisions of the amendment, which
amendatory ordinance shall become effective upon the filing of Company's
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written consent thereto with the City Manager/Clerk within 90 days after the
effecti ve date of the amendatory ordinance.
PASSED AND APPROVED this
1997.
day of
BY:
Donald J. Chmiel
Mayor of the City of Chanhassen, MN
ATTEST:
Don Ashworth, Manager/Clerk
of the City of Chanhassen, MN
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ORDINANCE NO.
CITY OF CHANHASSEN
CARVER AND HENNEPIN COUNTIES, MINNESOTA
AN ORDINANCE GRANTING TO NORTHERN STATES POWER
COMPANY, A MINNESOTA CORPORATION, ITS SUCCESSORS AND
ASSIGNS, PERMISSION TO CONSTRUCT, OPERATE, REPAIR AND
MAINTAIN IN THE CITY OF CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA, AN ELECTRIC
DISTRffiUTION SYSTEM AND TRANSMISSION LINES, INCLUDING
NECESSARY POLES, LINES, FIXTURES AND APPURTENANCES, FOR
THE FURNISHING OF ELECTRIC ENERGY TO THE CITY, ITS
INHABITANTS, AND OTHERS, AND TO USE THE PUBLIC WAYS AND
PUBLIC GROUNDS OF THE CITY FOR SUCH PURPOSES.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHANHASSEN, CARVER AND
HENNEPIN COUNTIES, MINNESOTA, ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Ordinance, the following capitalized terms listed in
alphabetical order shall have the following meanings:
1.1 City. The City of Chanhassen, Counties of Carver and Hennepin, State
of Minnesota.
1.2 City Utility System. Facilities used for providing non-energy related
public utility service owned or operated by City or agency thereof including sewer
and water service, but excluding facilities for providing heating, lighting or other
forms of energy.
1.3 Commission. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, or any
successor agency or agencies, including an agency of the federal government which
preempts all or part of the authority to regulate electric retail rates now vested in the
Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.
1
1.4 Company. Northern States Power Company, a Minnesota corporation,
its successors and assigns.
1.5 Electric Facilities. Electric transmission and distribution towers, poles,
lines, guys, anchors, conduits, fixtures, and necessary appurtenances owned or
operated by Company for the purpose of providing electric energy for public use.
1.6 Non-Betterment Costs. Costs incurred by Company from relocation,
removal or rearrangement of Electric Facilities that do not result in an improvement
to the Electric Facilities.
1.7 Notice. A writing served by any party or parties on any other party or
parties. Notice to Company shall be mailed to the General Counsel, Law Department,
414 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55401. Notice to City shall be mailed to the
City Manager/Clerk at 690 Coulter Drive, Chanhassen, MN 55317. Either party may
change its respective address for the purpose of this Ordinance by written notice to
the other party.
1.8 Public Ground. Land owned by the City for park, open space or similar
purpose, which is held for use in common by the public.
1.9 Public Way. Any street, alley, walkway or other public right-of-way
within the City.
1.10 Total Cost. Cost to Company for removing overhead Electric Facilities
and replacing its function by installing underground Electric Facilities, including but
not limited to, engineering, materials and labor, including overheads, less the
depreciated value on Company's books of the overhead Electric Facilities removed
and replaced by said underground Electric Facilities.
SECTION 2. ADOPTION OF FRANCHISE.
2.1 Grant of Franchise. City hereby grants Company, for a period of 20
years, the right to transmit and furnish electric energy for light, heat, power and other
purposes for public and private use within and through the limits of the City as its
boundaries now exist or as they may be extended in the future. For these purposes,
2
Company may construct, operate, repair and maintain Electric Facilities in, on, over,
under and across the Public Ways and Public Grounds of City, subject to the
provisions of this Ordinance. Company may do all reasonable things necessary or
customary to accomplish these purposes, subject, however, to such reasonable
regulations as may be imposed by the City pursuant to ordinance and to the further
provisions of this franchise agreement.
2.2 Effective Date: Written Acceptance. This franchise shall be in force
and effect from and after its passage and its acceptance by Company, and its
publication as required by law. An acceptance by Company must be filed with the
City Manager/Clerk within 90 days after publication.
2.3. Service. Rates and Area. The service to be provided and the rates to be
charged by Company for electric service in City are subject to the jurisdiction of the
Commission. The area within the City in which Company may provide electric
service is subject to the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, Section 216BAO. However,
during the term of this franchise, Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 216B, may be amended
or repealed in a manner to: (1) allow City by franchise agreement or otherwise to
directly establish service area boundaries between electric suppliers providing electric
service within the municipal limits of City, or (2) permit City by franchise agreement
or otherwise to establish service area boundaries which must be followed by the
Commission in an application to it to revise service area boundaries previously
established by the Commission, unless the Commission finds the requested revision
would create an unreasonable duplication of facilities or such revision is for another
reason not in the best interest of the public. If this occurs, City may by resolution
direct Company to negotiate an amendment to this franchise agreement establishing
such service area boundaries. If no amendment to this franchise occurs within 90
days after the date a written copy of such resolution is served upon Company, City
may, upon 30 days prior written notice to Company, terminate this franchise by
ordinance. Notwithstanding the foregoing, City shall not take any action which
deprives Company of the right to provide service to any customer of Company
existing at the time of City's action to terminate for the entire term of this franchise
set forth in Section 2.1 unless Company, for its investment in Electric Facilities
reasonably necessary to serve such customer, is duly compensated in accordance with
the provisions of an applicable statute, or regulation thereunder, of the State of
Minnesota for its investment and loss of revenue.
3
2.4. Publication Expense. The expense of publication of this Ordinance shall
be paid by Company.
2.5. Dispute Resolution. If either party asserts that the other party is in
default in the performance of any obligation hereunder, the complaining party shall
notify the other party of the default and the desired remedy. The notification shall be
written. Representatives of the parties must promptly meet and attempt in good faith
to negotiate a resolution of the dispute. If the dispute is not resolved within 30 days
of the written notice, the parties may jointly select a mediator to facilitate further
discussion. The parties will equally share the fees and expenses of this mediator. If
a mediator is not used or if the parties are unable to resolve the dispute within 30 days
after first meeting with the selected mediator, either party may commence an action
in District Court to interpret and enforce this franchise or for such other relief as may
be permitted by law or equity for breach of contract, or either party may take any
other action permitted by law.
SECTION 3. LOCATION, OTHER REGULATIONS.
3.1 Location of Facilities . Electric Facilities shall be located and constructed
so as not to interfere with the safety and convenience of ordinary travel along and
over Public Ways and so as not to disrupt normal operation of any City Utility System
previously installed therein. Electric Facilities shall be located on Public Grounds as
determined by the City. Company's construction, reconstruction, operation, repair,
maintenance and location of Electric Facilities shall be subject to other reasonable
regulations of the City. Under this franchise agreement the City does not relinquish
its police power regulatory authority and Company does not relinquish its eminent
domain authority. Company may abandon underground Electric Facilities in place
provided at City's request Company removes abandoned concrete enclosed conduit
interfering with a City improvement project if such conduit is uncovered as part of the
City improvement project.
3.2 Field Locations. Company shall provide field locations for any of its
underground Electric Facilities consistent with the requirements of Minnesota
Statutes, Chapter 216D.
4
3.3 Street Openings. Company shall not open or disturb the paved surface
of any Public Way or Public Ground for any purpose without first having obtained
permission from the City, for which the City may impose a reasonable fee. Permit
conditions imposed on Company shall not be more burdensome than those imposed
on other utilities for similar facilities or work. Company may, however, open and
disturb the paved surface of any Public Way or Public Ground without permission
from the City where an emergency exists requiring the immediate repair of Electric
Facilities. In such event Company shall notify the City by telephone to the office
designated by the City as soon as practicable. Not later than the second working day
thereafter, Company shall obtain any required permits and pay any required fees.
3.4 Restoration. After undertaking any work requiring the opening of any
Public Way or Public Ground, Company shall restore the same, including paving
and its foundation, to as good a condition as formerly existed, and shall maintain any
paved surface in good condition for two years thereafter. The work shall be
completed as promptly as weather permits, and if Company shall not promptly
perform and complete the work, remove all dirt, rubbish, equipment and material,
and put the Public Way or Public Ground in the said condition, the City shall have,
after demand to Company to cure and the passage of a reasonable period of time
following the demand, but not to exceed five days, the right to make the restoration
at the expense of Company. Company shall pay to the City the cost of such work done
for or performed by the City, including its administrative expense and overhead, plus
ten percent additional as liquidated damages. This remedy shall be in addition to any
other remedy available to the City for noncompliance with this Section 3.4.
3.5 Shared Use of Pole~. Company shall make space available on its poles
or towers for City fire, water utility, police or other City facilities whenever such use
will not interfere with the use of such poles or towers by Company, by another electric
utility, by a telephone utility, or by any cable television company or other form of
communication company. In addition, the City shall pay for any added cost incurred
by Company because of such use by City.
3.6 Building and Relocations. Company, at the request of any person
holding a building moving permit, shall temporarily remove, raise, or lower its
overhead wires. The expense of such temporary removal, raising, or lowering of
5
overhead wires shall be paid by person(s) requesting the same, and Company shall
have the authority to require such payment in advance.
3.7 A void Damage to Electric Facilities. Nothing in this Ordinance relieves
any person from liability arising out of the failure to exercise reasonable care to avoid
damaging Electric Facilities while performing any activity.
3.8 Notice of Improvements. The City must give Company reasonable
notice of plans for improvements to Public Ways or Public Ground where the City
has reason to believe that Electric Facilities may affect or be affected by the
improvement. The notice must contain: (i) the nature and character of the
improvements, (ii) the Public Ways and Public Grounds upon which the
improvements are to be made, (iii) the extent of the improvements, (iv) the time when
the City will start the work, and (v) if more than one Public Way or Public Ground is
involved, the order in which the work is to proceed. The notice must be given to
Company a sufficient length of time in advance of the actual commencement of the
work to permit Company to make any necessary additions, alterations or repairs to its
Electric Facilities.
SECTION 4. RELOCATIONS.
4.1 Relocation of Electric Facilities in Public Ways. Except as provided in
Section 4.3, if the City determines to vacate a Public Way for a City improvement
project, or grade, regrade, or change the line of any Public Way at public cost, or
construct or reconstruct any City Utility System in any Public Way, it may order
Company to relocate its Electric Facilities located therein if relocation is reasonably
necessary to accomplish the City's proposed public improvement. Company shall
relocate its Electric Facilities at its own expense. Company need not relocate at its
own expense for an improvement in the Public Way performed to accommodate an
adjoining landowner which improvement is conditioned upon such adjoining
landowner paying the cost of making the improvement. The City shall give Company
reasonable notice of plans to vacate for a City improvement project, or to grade,
regrade, or change the line of any Public Way or to construct or reconstruct any City
Utility System. If a relocation is ordered within five years of a prior relocation of the
same Electric Facilities, which was made at Company expense, the City shall
reimburse Company for Non- Betterment Costs on a time and material basis, provided
6
that if a subsequent relocation is required because of the extension of a City Utility
System to a previously unserved area, Company may be required to make the
subsequent relocation at its expense. Nothing in this Ordinance requires Company to
relocate, remove, replace or reconstruct at its own expense its Electric Facilities where
such relocation, removal, replacement or reconstruction is solely for the convenience
of the City and is not reasonably necessary for the construction or reconstruction of
a Public Way or City Utility System or other City improvement.
4.2 Relocation of Electric Facilities in Public Ground. Except as may be
provided in Section 4.3, City may require Company to relocate or remove its Electric
Facilities from Public Ground upon a finding by City that the Electric Facilities have
become or will become a substantial impairment of the public use to which the Public
Ground is or will be put. The relocation or removal shall be at Company's expense.
4.3 Projects with Federal Funding. Relocation, removal, or rearrangement
of any Company Electric Facilities made necessary because of the extension into or
through City of a federally-aided highway project shall be governed by the provisions
of Minnesota Statutes, Section 161.46 as supplemented or amended. It is understood
that the right herein granted to Company is a valuable right. City shall not order
Company to remove or relocate its Electric Facilities when a Public Way is vacated,
improved or realigned because of a renewal or a redevelopment plan which is
financially subsidized in whole or in part by the Federal Government or any agency
thereof, unless the reasonable Non-Betterment Costs of such relocation and the loss
and expense resulting therefrom are first paid to Company, but the City need not pay
those portions of such for which reimbursement to it is not available.
4.4 No Waiver. The provisions of Section 4 apply only to Electric Facilities
constructed in reliance on a franchise and Company does not waive its rights under
an easement or prescriptive right, or State or County permit.
4.5 Change to Underground. If required by the City, Company shall change
from overhead to underground, at City expense based on Company's Total Cost, in
any area where: (1) the City requests underground lines and all other lines thereafter
are changed from overhead to underground, or (2) any overhead line is changed to
underground by the open trench with telephone and/or cable television, and Company
can share trench at a cost not to exceed Company's pro rata share of the cost of the
7
trenching. Prior to commencement of construction by Company of any particular
project, the City shall deliver a written commitment to pay the Total Cost for the
project as estimated by Company.
SECTION 5. TREE TRIMMING.
Company may trim all trees and shrubs in the Public Ways and Public Grounds
of City interfering with the proper construction, operation, repair and maintenance of
any Electric Facilities installed hereunder, provided that Company shall save the City
harmless from any liability arising therefrom, and subject to permit or other
reasonable regulation by the City.
SECTION 6. INDEMNIFICATION.
6.1 Indemnity of City. Company shall indemnify, keep and hold the City
free and harmless from any and all liability on account of injury to persons or damage
to property occasioned by the construction, maintenance, repair, inspection, the
issuance of permits, or the operation of the Electric Facilities located in the Public
Ways and Public Grounds. The City shall not be indemnified for losses or claims
occasioned through its own negligence except for losses or claims arising out of or
alleging the City's negligence as to the issuance of permits for, or inspection of,
Company's plans or work. The City shall not be indemnified if the injury or damage
results from the performance in a proper manner of acts reasonably deemed hazardous
by Company, and such performance is nevertheless ordered or directed by City after
notice of Company's determination.
6.2 Defense of City. In the event a suit is brought against the City under
circumstances where this agreement to indemnify applies, Company at its sole cost
and expense shall defend the City in such suit if written notice thereof is promptly
given to Company within a period wherein Company is not prejudiced by lack of
such notice. If Company is required to indemnify and defend, it will thereafter have
control of such litigation, but Company may not settle such litigation without the
consent of the City, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. This section
is not, as to third parties, a waiver of any defense or immunity otherwise available to
the City; and Company, in defending any action on behalf of the City shall be entitled
8
to assert in any action every defense or immunity that the City could assert in its own
behalf.
SECTION 7. V ACA TION OF PUBLIC WAYS.
The City shall give Company at least two weeks prior written notice of a
proposed vacation of a Public Way. Except where required for a City improvement
project, the vacation of any Public Way, after the installation of Electric Facilities,
shall not operate to deprive Company of its rights to operate and maintain such
Electric Facilities, until the reasonable cost of relocating the same and the loss and
expense resulting from such relocation are first paid to CompanyCompany. In no
case, however, shall City be liable to Company for failure to specifically preserve a
right-of-way under Minnesota Statutes, Section 160.29.
SECTION 8. CHANGE IN FORM OF GOVERNMENT.
Any change in the form of government of the City shall not affect the validity
of this Ordinance. Any governmental unit succeeding the City shall, without the
consent of Company, succeed to all of the rights and obligations of the City provided
in this Ordinance.
SECTION 9. FRANCHISE FEE.
9.1. Separate Ordinance. During the term of the franchise hereby granted,
and in lieu of any permit or other fees being imposed on Company, the City may
impose on Company a franchise fee of not more than five percent of
CompanyCompany's Gross Revenues as hereinafter defined. The franchise fee shall
be imposed by a separate ordinance duly adopted by the City Council, which
ordinance shall not be adopted until at least 60 days after written notice enclosing
such proposed ordinance has been served upon Company by certified mail. The fee
shall not become effective until at least 60 days after written notice enclosing such
adopted ordinance has been served upon Company by certified mail. Section 2.5 shall
constitute the sole remedy for solving disputes between Company and the City in
regard to the interpretation of, or enforcement of, the separate ordinance. No action
by the City to implement a separate ordinance will commence until this Ordinance is
effective. A separate ordinance which imposes a lesser franchise fee on the
9
residential class of customers then on other classifications of customers shall not be
effective against Company.
9.2 Terms Defined. For the purpose of this Section 9, the following
definitions apply:
9.2.1 "Delivery Component" of electric service means the portion of
the retail rate paid by the customer to compensate Company for the use of
transmission and distribution facilities, including investment costs and all expenses
of constructing, operating and maintaining such facilities.
9.2.2 "Discount Rate" means a reduced electric retail rate for a
customer or class of customers approved by the Commission for service to a customer
of Company located within City to respond to competition from the threat of (i) self-
generation or (ii) the conversion of customer-equipment to use a form of energy other
than electricity.
9.2.3 "Gross Revenues" means all sums received by Company from
the sale or delivery of electricity to its retail customers within the corporate limits of
the City, excluding any surcharge, sales tax, miscellaneous tariff charges or any
similar addition to Company's charges to customers for the purpose of reimbursing
Company for the franchise fee, sales tax, or similar charge. The term "Gross
Revenues" shall also exclude all revenues received by Company from the sale of
electric service provided under a Discount Rate.
9 .2.4 "Supply Component" of electric service means the portion of the
retail rate paid by the consumer to compensate the supplier for electric capacity and/or
energy delivered to the consumer, including investment costs and all expenses of
producing or purchasing such capacity and/or energy.
9.3 Discount Rate Adjustment. If the City adopts a separate ordinance as
described in Section 9.1, thereafter Company shall give City written notice of any
Commission proceedings relating to implementation of a Discount Rate for a
specifically identified customer within the City. In addition, if both a separate
ordinance and a Discount Rate are in effect, Company and City may mutually agree
by letter agreement that Company will collect a franchise fee on the Discount Rate
10
equal to, or the equivalent of, the fee or tax the City would have received if the
customer had elected to purchase the competing form of energy instead of electric
service from Company.
9.4 Exclusive Electric Service. Company has agreed to collect and pay any
franchise fee imposed pursuant to this Section 9 only so long as the law allows
Company to be the exclusive provider of both the Supply Component and the
Delivery Component of retail electric service to its defined service area within the
City. Company's exclusive service status is currently provided under Minnesota
Statutes, Section 216B.37 et seq. If Company is no longer the exclusive provider of
both the Suppl y Component and the Delivery Component of retail service within City,
Company's obligation to collect and pay a franchise fee on such retail electric service
shall terminate upon 20 days Notice to City. However, Company agrees to collect and
pay any applicable franchise fee imposed by the City on the revenues from the
Delivery Component of electric service provided by Company to retail customers
located within the City under the applicable Commission-approved Delivery
Component of Company's retail electric service rates. This franchise fee on the
Commission-approved Delivery Component of electric retail service shall apply
whether Company or another entity provides the Supply Component of the retail
electric service to such customer.
9.5 Collection of the Fee. The franchise fee shall be payable quarterly and
shall be based on the Gross Revenues of Company during complete billing months
during the period for which payment is to be made. The payment shall be due the last
business day of the month following the period for which the payment is made. The
percent fee may be changed by ordinance from time to time; however, each change
shall meet the same notice requirements and the percentage may not be changed more
often than annually. Such fee shall not exceed any amount which Company may
legally charge to its customers prior to payment to the City by imposing a surcharge
equivalent to such fee in its rates for electric service. Company may pay the City the
fee based upon the surcharge billed subject to subsequent reductions to account for
uncollectibles, refunds and correction of erroneous billings. The time and manner of
collecting the franchise fee is subject to the approval of the Commission, which
Company agrees to use best efforts to obtain. Company agrees to make its Gross
Revenues records available for inspection by the City at reasonable times.
11
9.6 Conditions on the Fee. The separate ordinance imposing the fee shall
not be effective against Company unless it lawfully imposes and the City quarterly
or more often collects a fee or tax of the same or greater percentage on the receipts
from sales of energy within the City by any other energy supplier, provided that, as
to such a supplier, the City has the authority to require a franchise fee or to impose a
tax. The franchise fee or tax shall be applicable to energy sales for any energy use
related to heating, cooling, or lighting, as well as to the supply of energy needed to
run machinery and appliances on premises located within or adjacent to the City, but
shall not apply to energy sales for the purpose of providing fuel for vehicles.
9.7 Exception to Equal Fee Requirement. The requirement in Section 9.6 to
impose an equal fee on any other energy supplier will not apply if the franchise fee
is dedicated to paying the cost of undergrounding Electric Facilities belonging to
Company provided that: (1) the City shall maintain such an undergrounding franchise
fee in a separate account and shall not use it for any other purpose other than
reimbursing Company for the cost of undergrounding its Electric Facilities; and (2)
provided that collection of the franchise fee will terminate when the balance in the
account exceeds the amount Company estimates is necessary to reimburse it for the
cost of undergrounding projects, which the City has given notice of under Section 4.5
or which Company and City have otherwise agreed Company should perform on a
reimbursement basis. Company will not terminate the collection of such a franchise
fee without providing the City with at least 30 days prior written notice. After
completion of all scheduled projects at the time of termination of the franchise fee, the
City may use any remaining balance in the_account for its general purposes. Any
franchise fee imposed on Company as authorized by this Section 9.7 shall be the
exclusive fee payable by Company under this franchise until the City, by ordinance,
repeals the separate ordinance imposing the fee under this Section 9.7.
SECTION 10. FRANCHISE REOPENER.
After this franchise agreement has been in effect for ten years, the City may
give Company Notice that City desires to amend this franchise agreement to
incorporate specific provisions which Company has agreed to in the electric franchise
agreement for two or more other cities of the second, third or fourth class in the
seven-county metropolitan area, based on a franchise ordinance adopted by such cities
after the date of this franchise agreement, which cities are identified in the Notice. If
12
Company refuses to do so within 90 days after receiving said Notice from the City,
the City may terminate this franchise agreement upon 30 days prior written Notice
unless Company gives Notice to the City within said 30-day period that it will
immediately agree to accept an amendment to this Ordinance incorporating the
desired franchise provisions existing in two or more other cities as referenced in the
City's Notice. The termination will not be effective until after completion of any
dispute resolution proceedings under Section 2.5 commenced by Company within said
30-day period, which proceeding confirms the City's action to be in compliance with
this Section 10.
SECTION 11. PROVISIONS OF ORDINANCE.
11.1 Severability. Every section, provision, or part of this Ordinance is
declared separate from every other section, provision, or part; and if any section,
provision, or part shall be held invalid, it shall not affect any other section, provision,
or part. Where a provision of any other City ordinance conflicts with the provisions
of this Ordinance, the provisions of this Ordinance shall prevail.
11.2 Limitation on Applicability. This Ordinance constitutes a franchise
agreement between the City and Company as the only parties and no provision of
this franchise shall in any way inure to the benefit of any third person (including the
public at large) so as to constitute any such person as a third party beneficiary of the
agreement or of anyone or more of the terms hereof, or otherwise give rise to any
cause of action in any person not a party hereto.
SECTION 12. AMENDMENT.
This Ordinance may be amended at any time by the City passing a subsequent
ordinance declaring the provisions of the amendment, which amendatory ordinance
shall become effective upon the filing of Company's written consent thereto with the
City Manager/Clerk within 90 days after the effective date of the amendatory
ordinance.
13
PASSED AND APPROVED this
day of December, 1997.
BY:
Nancy Mancino
Mayor of the City of Chanhassen, MN
ATTEST:
Don Ashworth, Manager/Clerk
of the City of Chanhassen, MN
14
EXCERPTS OF MINUTES OF
MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE
CITY OF CHANHASSEN, CARVER AND HENNEPIN COUNTIES, MINNESOTA
,19_
A meeting of the City Council of the City of Chanhassen, Minnesota,
duly called, convened, and held in accordance with law, was called to order by Mayor
on the _ day of 19 _, at o'clock
.m. at the Council Chamber in the City.
The following members, constituting a legal quorum, were present:
Councilmem ber
entitled:
introduced a certain Ordinance No.
AN ORDINANCE GRANTING TO NORTHERN STATES POWER
COMPANY, A MINNESOTA CORPORATION, ITS SUCCESSORS AND
ASSIGNS, PERMISSION TO CONSTRUCT, OPERATE, REPAIR AND
MAINTAIN IN THE CITY OF CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA, AN
ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND TRANSMISSION LINES,
INCLUDING NECESSARY POLES, LINES, FIXTURES AND
APPURTENANCES, FOR THE FURNISHING OF ELECTRIC ENERGY
TO THE CITY, ITS INHABITANTS, AND OTHERS, AND TO USE THE
PUBLIC WAYS AND PUBLIC GROUNDS OF THE CITY FOR SUCH
PURPOSES.
and on motion made, seconded, and duly adopted, the above-entitled Ordinance was read.
Thereafter a motion was made by Councilmember and seconded
by Councilmember that the above-entitled Ordinance be adopted as
read and in its entirety.
NSP Reference: CHANHS-E-MIN 11/19/97
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYES
NAYS
The Mayor then declared said motion duly carried and the above-entitled Ordinance duly
passed and adopted, and ordered the City Manager/Clerk to publish the same in accordance with
the law in such case made and provided,
I DO HEREBY CERTIFY that I am City Manager/Clerk of the City of Chanhassen, Carver
and Hennepin Counties, Minnesota, and that I am custodian of its records, that the above is a true
and correct copy of a part of the minutes of the meeting of the City Council
of the City held on ,19_,
City Manager/Clerk
NSP Reference: CHANHS-E-MIN 11/19/97