Minnetonka planning commission recommends City Council approve Xcel Energy pole replacements

The Minnetonka Planning Commission on June 18 unanimously recommended that the City Council approve Xcel Energy’s proposal to replace existing transmission poles along an approximately 10‑mile line that runs from the Wayzata/Plymouth border through Minnetonka and into Eden Prairie.

Staff told the commission the replacement would involve 136 new poles, about 126 of which would be relocated within 20 feet of existing pole locations to improve sight lines, pedestrian conditions and meet utility clearance standards. The project requires a conditional use permit, site plan review, one variance and one expansion permit for poles exceeding 80 feet. Staff said 25 poles are in floodplain and eight are in wetlands and that the applicant would be required to purchase wetland bank credits at a 1:1 ratio and maintain net‑zero fill in floodplain areas.

Drew Ingvalson, planning staff, summarized the technical review and recommended approval with a package of conditions, including tree and planting mitigation added in a change memo distributed before the meeting. He told commissioners that regulated tree removals along the line total 44 trees and that the applicant would use construction matting and culverts to limit wetland and soil disturbance.

Chris Bergland, Xcel Energy’s principal siting and land‑rights agent, told the commission the existing poles date to the 1960s and are at “end of life,” and that the replacement will include new conductors and equipment to provide greater capacity without changing transmission voltage. Bergland described a construction window that begins with matting installation in April 2027 from the south end and major removal work through February 2028, followed by restoration work, and that Xcel will be the primary point of contact during construction.

Commissioners asked about notification and coordination with agencies including MnDOT, Hennepin County and watershed districts; staff said 551 property owners received mailed notice and the project page was posted on the Minnetonka Matters site. Commissioners also discussed pole height (two poles would exceed 80 feet and require variance/expansion permits) and the relatively small volume of fill for floodplain work.

Commissioner Johnson moved to recommend the City Council adopt the draft resolution approving the replacements and associated permits, subject to the resolution’s conditions; Shoemaker seconded. The motion carried 5‑0. The City Council is scheduled to hear the recommendation on July 13.

The commission’s action is a recommendation; final approval rests with the Minnetonka City Council. Anyone aggrieved by the planning commission’s final decisions (e.g., consent items) was reminded at the meeting that written appeals to city staff must be submitted within 10 days.