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Council advances Duke Energy franchise ordinance amid council concern over past pole placement
Summary
Council gave first reading to Ordinance 1517‑26 granting Duke Energy a street‑use franchise; Duke representatives answered questions about a prior transmission pole that complicated a local road connection and offered a company liaison to improve coordination.
The City Council on April 27 held first reading of a long‑term franchise ordinance with Duke Energy Florida (Ordinance 1517‑26) that would grant rights‑of‑way use in the city and set a franchise fee equal to 6% of Duke’s base revenues in city limits.
Council members raised a prior dispute involving a transmission pole that complicated construction of a city road connection. A council member said the city sought Duke’s help and encountered resistance when staff asked the utility to move a pole; the situation has left a contested intersection and frustrated residents. Katie Christian, Duke’s director of government and community relations, acknowledged the company had been involved and recommended direct liaison contact for faster coordination in future projects. A Duke representative said the pole sat on an easement acquired by the company, and that coordination with the developer and the company’s large‑account managers had been inconsistent in how plans were communicated.
Council voted to approve first reading and to advertise the ordinance for a required second reading; Duke representatives were present and offered to improve pre‑construction coordination going forward.
