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Council approves Xcel Energy pole replacements; staff explains why lines will remain above ground
Summary
Council approved replacement of Xcel Energy distribution poles along line 0734 after staff and Xcel representatives explained technical and environmental constraints that make undergrounding impractical for the high-voltage distribution line; staff said a dedicated construction manager/contact will be assigned for the project.
The Minnetonka City Council on July 13 approved a project to replace an aging stretch of Xcel Energy distribution poles (line 0734) that runs through the city, following council questions about undergrounding and pole placement.
Council member Calvert pressed staff on why the city was not requiring more undergrounding, noting the city’s priority on burying utilities when possible and asking specifically about a transmission pole near Minnetonka Boulevard that will be moved closer to the road. Staff and an Xcel representative said these were distribution (higher-voltage) lines that are difficult to bury because underground installations can have greater heat-transfer and operational constraints and may be less safe and harder to cool. Staff also said wetland conditions along a long span north of City Hall make trenching and undergrounding potentially more environmentally damaging.
Council member Foster Bolton asked for a direct point of contact at Xcel after prior difficulties reaching the company. Planner Miss Wischnak said the utility will assign a specific construction manager with a cell number to manage this project rather than using a general line, and that the city will be the fallback contact if residents need assistance.
Council member Calvert moved to approve the Xcel Energy line 0734 item and emphasized staff follow-up on mitigation and communication; Council member Maxwell seconded the motion. The council voted by roll call in favor of the measure.
Staff noted the project will consider clear zones for buried utilities, avoid conflicts with water mains and sewers, and seek to minimize impacts where wetlands or other site constraints exist. City staff said they will monitor construction and provide resident contacts for issues that arise.
What happens next: The project will proceed with an assigned construction manager from Xcel; staff will monitor field work and respond to resident concerns during construction.
