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Lancaster council suspends Encore rate-request effective date, schedules franchise second reading and approves easement and fence variance
Summary
The council approved a resolution to suspend the July 31 effective date of Encore Electric Delivery Company's rate-change filing to allow coalition review, scheduled a second-reading of a franchise renewal for July 28, and approved a sewer-easement acceptance and a fence-variance request.
At its July 14 meeting, the Lancaster City Council approved procedural actions on three items related to utilities, land use and development.
City staff asked council to approve a resolution suspending the July 31 effective date of an Encore Electric Delivery Company rate-change filing with the Texas Public Utility Commission to give cities that retain original jurisdiction more time to review and negotiate the company's request. The city manager said Encore had filed an application in late June asking for an increase roughly described as 13% across the system and that, if approved, a customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month would see about a $7.80 monthly bill increase. Council approved the suspension by voice vote so member cities in the Encore coalition could pursue negotiations and settlement processes.
Council also conducted a first reading of an ordinance to renew Encore Electric Delivery Company's franchise to use public rights-of-way for 20 years, a renewal that would expire on Oct. 31, 2045 if enacted. No final action was required at tonight's meeting; council moved to place the ordinance on the July 28 agenda for second reading and final consideration.
On separate items, council approved staff recommendations to accept a 15-foot public sanitary sewer easement (255 square feet) to serve property at 618 North Dallas Avenue so the owner may complete final platting and future development. Staff said the easement will be recorded in the Dallas County deed records as required for plat approval.
The council also held a public hearing on a variance request for 1865 Southwood Drive to permit a 6-foot solid wooden screen fence along the southwest property line. Staff recommended approval with the condition that the fence be set back 10 feet from the southern property line and that required 50% visibility and 4-foot height rules remain for the front yard. Two residents recorded support; the council approved the variance with the staff-recommended setback condition.
A city attorney noted that post-vote discussion on closed items is limited; the council then announced an executive session to consider a city-attorney personnel matter and consultation regarding a solid-waste agreement and adjourned at 9:06 p.m.
