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Beaux Arts Village council holds first reading of Bellevue water-main franchise
Summary
At a special Oct. 7 meeting the Beaux Arts Village Council completed a first reading of a proposed franchise allowing Bellevue to construct a replacement water main; councilmembers noted a 15-year term, an approx. $20,000 first-year fee with CPI increases, and a 60-day GIS survey deadline before final ordinance consideration Oct. 14.
The Beaux Arts Village Council met in special session Oct. 7, 2025, to conduct a first reading of a proposed franchise agreement that would allow Bellevue to construct a replacement water main through the town, Mayor Aletha Howes said. The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. and focused on the principal business terms and next steps toward an ordinance vote at the council’s Oct. 14 regular meeting.
Mayor Aletha Howes summarized the chief terms: the franchise term would be 15 years with an option for a single five-year extension; the franchise fee is set at approximately $20,000 for the first year with annual increases tied to the consumer price index; Bellevue would have 60 days after the agreement is fully executed to provide GIS surveys of the existing water-line location. The agreement covers both the existing asbestos-cement (A/C) line, which the minutes state will be abandoned in place, and the new replacement lines; the draft also includes a provision that Bellevue must remove abandoned lines if the Town requests removal. Mayor Howes said the existing intertie connection is not addressed in this franchise and will be handled under a separate agreement already in process.
Councilmembers suggested minor revisions to the draft language; Mayor Howes said she would share those suggestions with Attorney Ann Mari Soto, who would then provide a final copy to Clerk/Treasurer Sue Ann Spens for inclusion in next week’s packet. It was the consensus of the council to add consideration of the franchise ordinance to the Oct. 14, 2025 regular meeting agenda so the document can proceed to Bellevue for acceptance if the council adopts the ordinance.
Procedurally, Councilmember Tom Stowe moved to adjourn the special meeting at 7:35 p.m.; Councilmember Brad Wheeler seconded. The minutes record the vote as "3 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstain," and note the motion carried. The council is scheduled to consider the franchise ordinance at its Oct. 14 regular meeting; if approved there, the agreement will be forwarded to Bellevue for its acceptance as described in the minutes.
