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Lincoln City Council approves first reading of Capital Electric franchise agreement
Summary
The Lincoln City Council approved the first reading of a franchise agreement giving Capital Electric authority to provide electric service territory within the city; a separate maintenance agreement was deferred for further review.
The Lincoln City Council approved the first reading of a franchise agreement that recognizes Capital Electric as the territorial electrical-service provider within Lincoln.
The council voted to advance the franchise agreement after a motion by Councilman Bjornstone and a second by Councilwoman Davis. City attorney Roddenby told the council the ordinance does not require a public hearing under Lincoln’s municipal code; the council scheduled the second reading and final vote for the Feb. 20 meeting. The separate maintenance agreement that would cover ongoing repairs and parts was not ready and will return for consideration at a future meeting.
Why it matters: the franchise establishes which provider serves parts of Lincoln and frames later discussions about who owns and maintains street-light assets. During discussion, council members and staff debated whether the city or Capital Electric should own poles and fixture assets, and whether ownership changes would alter revenue or maintenance responsibilities. Attorney Roddenby and council members said changing ownership would be more complicated than signing the current franchise and recommended bringing any maintenance or ownership proposals back after review with Capital Electric and public works staff.
Council members asked the city attorney to work with staff to present the maintenance agreement in a future meeting. A resident who identified herself as Elizabeth Fleming described her experience with Capital Electric yard-light billing, noting her company charges about $8 a month for a maintained yard light and that Capital Electric typically replaces parts when they service a light.
What’s next: council members expect a second reading and final vote on the franchise agreement at the Feb. 20 meeting and a presentation of the proposed maintenance agreement at a later meeting after staff and counsel complete additional review and discussions with Capital Electric.
Ending: The council advanced the franchise agreement by first reading and kept the maintenance agreement open for further staff review and negotiation.
