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Alma City adopts 30-year gas franchise with Consumers Energy
Summary
The Alma City Commission adopted Ordinance 849 granting Consumers Energy a 30-year franchise to lay, maintain and operate gas lines in city rights-of-way; the agreement includes a 60-day written termination clause and was approved by voice vote. Staff said the previous franchise had been 20 years.
Alma City — The Alma City Commission on Nov. 11 adopted Ordinance 849, granting Consumers Energy, its successors and assigns, the authority to lay, maintain and operate gas lines and facilities in city streets, alleys and rights-of-way for a 30-year term. The adoption followed a short public hearing and staff presentation explaining the franchise’s responsibilities and safeguards.
City staff (Speaker 4) told the commission the franchise is a concise agreement that clarifies Consumers Energy’s responsibilities for maintenance, protection of ingress/egress and tree/ROW issues, and includes mutual protections for the city. “There is a 60-day written notice either party can use to end the agreement,” staff said, noting the clause keeps the city’s options open despite the 30-year term. Staff also said the prior local franchise had been 20 years, not 10 as was misstated at an earlier meeting.
Commissioners expressed appreciation for the utility’s work and investments in the local system. No members of the public offered substantive comments during the hearing, and the commission approved the ordinance by voice vote after a motion and second.
Why it matters: The ordinance defines local authority and responsibilities related to gas infrastructure and sets expectations for construction methods, maintenance, and communication with residents about field work and temporary disruptions. Staff said Consumers Energy intends to start a large replacement project in December that will use directional boring in many locations to limit road excavation.
What’s next: The ordinance takes effect per the city’s standard timeline for adopted local ordinances; staff will publish details about the Consumers Energy work schedule and communication plans on the city website and in the city newsletter.
