Council approves 20-year electric franchise renewal with Ameren Missouri

The Excelsior Springs City Council on Aug. 18 approved Ordinance No. 25-08-03, renewing a 20-year, nonexclusive electric franchise with Union Electric Company doing business as Ameren Missouri. The ordinance grants Ameren Missouri the right to construct, place, maintain and operate electric facilities in public rights-of-way and prescribes terms for service and obligations. Mike Edwards, representing Ameren Missouri, told the council the document is "the nonexclusive continuation of our 20 year franchise agreement with the city" and that the franchise permits use of rights-of-way, tree trimming and collection of the gross-receipts tax on behalf of the city. Council members moved the ordinance to second reading and then approved it on a roll-call vote; Councilman Speer, Councilman McGovern, Mayor Pro Tem Saint John and Mayor Spahn each voted yes and the ordinance was approved. The mayor and council noted the document went through legal review by both Ameren and city counsel before consideration. The ordinance describes in detail the equipment and facilities Ameren may place in streets, alleys and other public places for the purpose of transmitting and distributing electricity within the city. Council discussion was brief and procedural; no amendments were made on Aug. 18. Ordinance No. 25-08-03 will govern the franchise relationship for the next 20 years unless amended by future council action.