CC Minutes 03/11/2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Commission Special Workshop Presentations Investor Owned Electrical Providers Page 9 We do indeed keep the power on in Casselberry. Service is not an issue and it won't become one under my watch either. Since service isn't an issue and we have offered the purchase option, let's continue the strong partnership we've enjoyed. Let me first point out a few of the reliability improvements that have been going on for years and continue to go on in the City of Casselberry. By the end of this year we will have replaced nearly 50, 000 feet of underground cable, that is more than nine miles during the past three years. We have scanned thirteen miles of overhead lines with infrared to determine where the issues are and replace those over hitting problems before the equipment fails. This is nothing new we are doing in Casselberty, it is part of our ongoing program for maintenance and replacement. Another issue raised in Mr. Segreto's letter was franchise fees, Everyone of the 104 municipalities we serve where a franchise agreement is in effect has negotiated for a six percent franchise fee. Under our proposed franchise agreement the City would receive more than $1 million dollars annually. We are prepared to learn more and want to learn more about your point of view regarding this issue. In conclusion, my company and I are sincerely committed to resolving our issues. We acknowledged that we made a mistake by addressing your interest in a purchase option earlier and we regret it. We would much prefer to continue the strong partnership we have enjoyed with your City for more than fifty years. There are lots of community projects that we are ready to help with, just like we have always done. We feel it is time to move on. We are here tonight to talk to you about a franchise agreement. We are willing to negotiate and work out those differences to enter into what is the best for our company and the best for your citizens and our customers, which is a renewed franchise agreement with Progress Energy. I want to thank you for your attention. I will be happy to entertain any questions. PRONOVOST: Thank you Mr. Raley, Questions? Commissioner Cook COOK: I am still trying to formulate a (inaudible) Sorry. PRONOVOST: Other Commissioners, questions? DOERNER: Not at this time. I think I will ask some in a few minutes, perhaps. ItART: Just one clarification. You said something about you have so many lines underground. Is that something you all are looking to do in the future, put utility lines underground? RALEY: Commissioner Hart, what I was speaking of is lines underground facilities that we have replaced and that we continue to replace. We are certainly willing to discuss with the City any options regarding under grounding of facilities.