HomeMy WebLinkAbout6.d. Centerpointe Energy Franchise Ordinance"ROSEMOUNT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
CITY COUNCIL
City Council Regular Meeting: September 2, 2014
AGENDA ITEM: CenterPoint Energy Franchise Ordinance AGENDA SECTION:
PREPARED BY: Dwight Johnson, City Administrator AGENDA NO. '· d.
ATTACHMENTS: Proposed Franchise Ordinance APPROVED BY:
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RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adoption of Ordinance
BACKGROUND
The Gty has been working for several years to update the franchise agreements with the three gas
providers in Rosemount: Minnesota Energy, CenterPoint and Xcel. An ongoing issue has been that the
three companies could not agree among themselves to determine service territories in Rosemount. This
led to Gtyconcems regarding the safety of multiple gas lines within the right-of-way. However, the Gty's
ability to enforce a territorial agreement on the three provides is questionable. Therefore, the Gty
proposed a compromise that would allow up to two gas lines in any Collector Street, but only one in Local
Streets. In April 2014, the GtyCouncil approved a revised franchise with this provision for Minnesota
Energy and they have accepted it. Recently, CenterPoint Energy indicated that they could accept a similar
franchise agreement.
DISCUSSION
Approval of this franchise ordinance will be another step to updating all three of the gas franchises and
addressing the issue regarding how each company can extend service throughout the Gty. Each franchise
agreement also provides for the possibility of the Gty imposing a franchise tax at some future date. This
will provide a future potential revenue source if we ever have a significant disruption in Gty operating or
capital revenues. There is no current plan or discussion to enact a franchise tax. If the Council approves
this ordinance for CenterPoint, staff will renew efforts to reach agreement with Xcel Energy.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Council approve a motion to adopt the attached ordinance. CenterPoint
would then have 60 days to accept the ordinance.
Gas Franchise Ordinance
ORDINANCE NO. ---
CITY OF ROSEMOUNT, DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
AN ORDINANCE GRANTING CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP., d/b/a
CENTERPOINT ENERGY MINNESOTA GAS ("CENTERPOINT ENERGY"), ITS
SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, A NONEXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE TO CONSTRUCT,
OPERATE, REPAIR AND MAINTAIN FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT FOR THE
TRANSPORTATION, DISTRIBUTION, MANUFACTURE AND SALE OF GAS ENERGY
FOR PUBLIC AND PRIVATE USE AND TO USE THE PUBLIC GROUNDS OF THE
CITY OF ROSEMOUNT, DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA, FOR SUCH PURPOSE;
AND, PRESCRIBING CERTAIN TERMS AND CONDITIONS THEREOF.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMOUNT, DAKOTA COUNTY,
MINNESOTA, ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Ordinance, the following capitalized terms listed in alphabetical order
shall have the following meanings:
City. The City of Rosemount, County of Dakota, State of Minnesota.
City Utility System. Facilities used for providing public utility service owned or operated
by City or agency thereof, including sewer, storm sewer, water service, street lighting and traffic
signals, but excluding facilities for providing heating, lighting, or other forms of energy.
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 gas retail rates now vested in the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.
Company. CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp., d/b/a CenterPoint Energy Minnesota Gas
("CenterPoint Energy'') its successors and assigns including all successors or assigns that own or
operate any part or parts of the Gas Facilities subject to this Franchise.
Gas Facilities. Gas transmission and distribution pipes, lines, ducts, fixtures, and all
necessary equipment and appurtenances owned or operated by the Company for the purpose of
providing Gas Energy for retail or wholesale use.
Notice. A writing served by any party or parties on any other party or parties. Notice to
Company shall be mailed to CenterPoint Energy, Minnesota Division Vice President, 800 LaSalle
A venue, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402. Notice to the City shall be mailed to City Administrator,
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City of Rosemount, 2875 -145th Street West, Rosemount, MN 55068. Any party may change its
respective address for the purpose of this Ordinance by written Notice to the other parties.
Public Way. Any highway, street, alley or other public right-of-way within the City.
Public Ground. Land owned or otherwise controlled by the City for park, open space or
similar purpose, which is held for use in common by the public.
SECTION 2. ADOPTION OF FRANCHISE.
2.1 Grant of Franchise. City hereby grants Company, for a period of ten years from
the date this Ordinance is passed and approved by the City, the right to import, manufacture,
distribute and sell gas 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, Company may
construct, operate, repair and maintain Gas Facilities in, on, over, under and across the Public Ways
and Public Grounds, 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 or permit requirements and further
provisions of this franchise agreement, so long as consistent with law, or Commission rules.
2.2 Effective Date; Written Acceptance. This Franchise shall be in force and effect
from and after the passage of this Ordinance and publication as required by law and its acceptance
by Company. If Company does not file a written acceptance with the City within 60 days after the
date the City Council adopts this Ordinance, or otherwise inform the City, at any time, that the
Company does not accept this Franchise, the City Council by resolution may revoke this franchise
or seek its enforcement in a court of competent jurisdiction.
2.3. Service and Gas Rates. The terms and conditions of service and the rates to be
charged by Company for gas energy in City are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the
Commission.
2.4. Publication Expense. Company shall pay the expense of publication of this
Ordinance.
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.
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2.6. Continuation of Franchise. If the City and the Company are unable to agree on the
terms of a new franchise by the time this Franchise expires, this Franchise will remain in effect until
a new franchise is agreed upon, or until 90 days after the City or the Company serves written Notice
to the other party of its intention to allow Franchise to expire. However, in no event shall this
franchise continue for more than one year after expiration of the term set forth in Section 2.1.
SECTION 3. LOCATION, OTHER REGULATIONS.
3 .1. Location of Facilities. Gas Facilities shall be located, constructed, and maintained
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. Company may not install gas
facilities in any public way that is designated as a Local Street in the Transportation Section of the
City's Comprehensive Guide Plan ("Transportation Plan") if such street is occupied by gas facilities
of another provider of retail gas service. Company may install gas facilities in public ways that are
designated as collector streets in the Transportation Plan that are already occupied by gas facilities
of another provider of retail gas service provided that there is no more than one other gas line in the
same street and further provided that Company shall not place its line on the same side of the street
as the other provider's line unless ordered by the City to do so. Limitations on the ability of
Company to install facilities in a public way that is occupied by gas facilities of another provider of
retail gas service do not apply unless the same limitations are imposed on all other providers of
retail gas service in the City that have the legal authority to install new gas pipes and mains
designed, intended or used for local service or local distribution of gas. Gas Facilities may be
located on Public Grounds in a location selected by the City. The location and relocation of Gas
Facilities shall be subject to reasonable regulations of the City consistent with authority granted the
City to manage its Public Ways and Public Grounds under state law, to the extent not inconsistent
with a specific term of this Franchise.
3.2. Street Openings. Company shall not open or disturb the surface of any Public Way
or Public Ground for any purpose without first having obtained a permit from the City, if required
by a separate ordinance, for which the City may impose a reasonable fee in compliance with
Minnesota Rules, Part 7819.1000. 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 surface of any Public Way or Public Ground without a permit if (i)
an emergency exists requiring the immediate repair of Gas Facilities and (ii) Company gives
telephone, email or similar Notice to the City before commencement of the emergency repair, if
reasonably possible. Within two business days after commencing the repair, Company shall apply
for any required permits and pay any required fees.
3.3. Restoration. After undertaking any work requiring the opening of any Public Way,
the Company shall restore the Public Way in accordance with Minnesota Rules, 7819.1100 and
applicable City ordinances consistent with law. Company shall restore the Public Ground to as
good a condition as formerly existed, and shall maintain the surface in good condition for six
months thereafter. All 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 Ground in the said condition, the City shall have, after demand to
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Company to cure and the passage of a reasonable period of time following the demand, but not to
exceed thirty days, the right to make the restoration of the Public Ground at the expense of
Company. Company shall pay to the City the cost of such work done for or performed by the City.
This remedy shall be in addition to any other remedy available to the City for noncompliance with
this section 3.3. The Company may be required to post a construction performance bond consistent
with the provisions of Minnesota Rules parts 7819.3000 and 7819.0100, subpart 6.
3.4. Avoid Damage to Gas Facilities. The Company must take reasonable measures to
prevent the Gas Facilities from causing damage to persons or property. The Company must take
reasonable measures to protect the Gas Facilities from damage that could be inflicted on the Gas
Facilities by persons, property, or the elements. The Company must take protective measures when
the City performs work near the Gas Facilities, if given reasonable notice by the City of such work
prior to its commencement; provided, however, that nothing herein shall relieve the City of its
obligations under Minnesota Statutes, Sections 216D.04 and 216D.05, or transfer those obligations
to the Company.
3.5. Notice of Improvements to Streets. The City will give Company reasonable
written Notice of plans for improvements to Public Ways where the City has reason to believe that
Gas Facilities may affect or be affected by the improvement. The Notice will contain: (i) the nature
and character of the improvements, (ii) the Public Ways or 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 Grounds is involved, the order in
which the work is to proceed. The Notice will be given to Company a sufficient length of time,
considering seasonal working conditions, in advance of the actual commencement of the work to
permit Company to make any additions, alterations or repairs to its Gas Facilities the Company
deems necessary.
3.6 Ma1>1>in2 Information. The Company must promptly provide complete and
accurate mapping information for any of its Gas Facilities in accordance with the requirements of
Minnesota Rules 7819.4000 and 7819.4100.
SECTION 4. RELOCATIONS.
4.1. Relocation in Public Ways. The Company shall comply with Minnesota Rules
7819.3100 and applicable City ordinances consistent with law.
4.2. Relocation in Public Grounds. City may require Company at Company's expense
to relocate or remove its Gas Facilities from Public Ground upon a finding by City that the Gas
Facilities have become or will become a substantial impairment to the existing or proposed public
use of the Public Ground. Relocation shall comply with applicable city ordinances consistent with
law.
4.3. Projects with Federal Funding. Relocation, removal, or rearrangement of any
Company Gas 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 Sections 161.46.
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SECTION 5. INDEMNIFICATION.
5.1. Indemnity of City. Company shall indemnify and hold the City 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 Gas
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.
5.2. 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. The
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 This franchise agreement
shall not be interpreted to constitute a waiver by the City of any of its defenses of immunity or
limitations on liability under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 466.
SECTION 6. VACATION OF PUBLIC WAYS AND PUBLIC GROUNDS.
The City shall give Company notice of a proposed vacation of a Public Way in accordance
with the requirements oflaw, but in no event less than two weeks' written notice. The City and the
Company shall comply with Minnesota Rules, 7819.3200 and applicable ordinances consistent with
law.
SECTION 7. 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 8. FRANCHISE FEE.
8.1. Form. During the term of the franchise hereby granted, and in addition to permit
fees being imposed or that the City has a right to impose, the City may charge the Company a
franchise fee. The fee may be (i) a percentage of gross revenues received by the Company for its
operations within the City, or (ii) a flat fee per customer based on metered service to retail
customers within City or on some other similar basis, or (iii) a fee based upon units of energy
delivered to any class of retail customers within the corporate limits of the City. The method of
imposing the franchise fee, the percentage of revenue rate, or the flat rate based on metered service
may differ for each customer class or combine the methods as described in (i) -(iii) above in
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assessing the fee. The City shall seek to use a formula that provides a stable and predictable amount
of fees, without placing the Company at a competitive disadvantage. If the Company claims, in
good faith, that the City required fee formula is discriminatory or otherwise places the Company at a
competitive disadvantage, the Company will provide a formula that will produce a substantially
similar fee amount to the City and reimburse the City's reasonable fees and costs in reviewing and
implementing the formula. The City will attempt to accommodate the Company but is under no
franchise obligation to adopt the Company-proposed franchise fee formula and each review will not
delay the implementation of the City-imposed fee. The amount paid by the Company shall be in
lieu of, and Company shall be exempt from, all other occupation, license, excise or taxes that the
City may impose for the rights and privileges herein granted or for the privilege of doing business
within the City (but not including right-of-way permit fees), and in the event any such fee, charge,
license, tax or assessment shall be imposed by the City, the payment to be made in accordance with
the provisions of this section shall be reduced in an amount equal to the annual burden of such fee,
charge, license, tax or assessment imposed upon the Company.
8.2. Separate Ordinance. The franchise fee shall be imposed by separate ordinance
duly adopted by the City Council. The effective date of the franchise fee ordinance shall be no less
than ninety (90) days after written Notice enclosing a copy of the duly adopted and approved
ordinance has been served upon the Company by Certified mail. The Company is not required to
collect a franchise fee if the terms of the fee agreement are inconsistent with this franchise or state
law, provided the Company notifies the City Council of the same within the ninety (90) day period.
8.3. Condition of Fee. The separate ordinance imposing the fee shall not be effective
against the Company unless it lawfully imposes a fee of the same or substantially similar amount on
the sale of gas energy within the City by any other gas energy supplier, provided that, as to such
supplier, the City has the authority or contractual right to require a franchise fee or similar fee
through an agreed-upon franchise.
8.4. Collection of Fee. The franchise fee shall be payable not less than quarterly during
complete billing months of the period for which payment is to be made. The franchise fee formula
may be changed from time to time, however, the change shall meet the same notice requirements
and the fee may not be changed more often than annually. Such fee shall not exceed any amount
that the Company may legally charge to its customers prior to payment to the City. Such fee is
subject to subsequent reductions to account for uncollectibles and customer refunds incurred by the
Company. The Company agrees to make available for inspection by the City at reasonable times all
records necessary to audit the Company's determination of the franchise fee payments.
8.5. Continuation of Franchise Fee. If this franchise expires and the City and the
Company are unable to agree upon terms of a new franchise, the franchise fee, if any being imposed
by the City at the time this franchise expires, will remain in effect until a new franchise is agreed
upon, but in no event longer than one year after the expiration of the franchise.
8.6. Surcharge. The City recognizes that the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
may allow the Company to add a surcharge to customer rates of city residents to reimburse the
Company for the cost of the fee.
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SECTION 9. ABANDONED FACILITIES.
The Company shall comply with City ordinances, Minnesota Statutes, Section 216D.01 et
seq. and Minnesota Rules 7819.3300, as they may be amended from time to time. The Company
shall produce, at the City's request, any existing records describing the location of abandoned
and retired facilities within the City.
SECTION 10. PROVISIONS OF ORDINANCE.
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. Where a provision of any
other City ordinance conflicts with the provisions of this Ordinance, the provisions of this
Ordinance shall prevail.
10.2. Limitation on Aoolicabilitv. This Ordinance constitutes a franchise agreement
between the City and Company as the only parties and no provisions 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 any one or more of the terms
hereof, or otherwise give rise to any cause of action in any person not a party hereto.
SECTION 11. AMENDMENT-PROCEDURE.
Either party to this franchise agreement may at any time propose that the agreement be
amended. 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 Clerk within 60 days after the
effective date of the amendatory ordinance.
Passed and approved: _____________ _
Adopted this <date> day of <Month>, 2014, by the City Council of the City of Rosemount,
Minnesota.
William H. Droste, Mayor of the City of Rosemount
Attest:
Amy Domeier, City Clerk, Rosemount, Minnesota
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