HomeMy WebLinkAbout04 0108 minThe City Council met on January 8, 2004 at the Plainview Convention Center, 2902
West 4th Street, Plainview, Texas. The agenda for this meeting was posted in City Hall
at 11:00 a.m. on January 5, 2004° Mayor John C. Anderson presided.
Councilmembers present were: Kelvin Tipton-District 1, Mary Jane Shanes-District 2,
Belinda Pena-District 3, John N. Bertsch-Distdct 4, Ross Owen-District 5 and Irene
Favila-District 7. Councilmembers absent were: Buddy McGehee-District 6
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Staff members present were: Greg Ingham-City Manager, · Wally Hatch-City
Attorney, John Castro-Director of Community Services, Dale Simpson-Director of Civil
Service, Gary Glass-Fire Chief, Bdce Clements-Assistant Director of Public
Works/Engineer, Jack Keller-Budget Manager, John Berry. Director of Public Works, Will
Mull-Police Chief, and Belinda Hinojosa-City Secretary.
Guests Present: Ron TruSler
News Media Representative: Richard Orr-Plainview Daily Herald
Councilmember Mary Jane Shanes delivered the Invocation.
The Council granted an excused absence to Councilmember Buddy McGehee
The Council and staff reviewed the agenda for the City Council meeting of January 13,
2004.
Greg Ingham, City Manager presented Resolution R04-128, a Resolution of the City of
Plainview Denying Rate Relief Requested by Atmos Energy Effective January 14,
2004 Unless Atmos Extends its Effective Date for New Gas Rates in Which Case the
Effective Date of the Resolution Will Match the Extension Announced by Atmos Unless
Superceded By Passage of a Rate Ordinance; Calling For Prompt Payment of Cities'
Rate Case Expenses by Atmos. In September 2003, Atmos Energy filed for a $7.3
million increase in rates for their West Texas system (excluding Lubbock). Most of the
Cities suspended the effective date until January 14, 2004. Under State law, the Cities
must take action onthe requested rate increase on or before January 14, 2004, unless
Atmos Energy extends its effective date. The Cities Steering Committee has retained
consultants and legal counsel to review this request and they have reviewed a draft
report. Due to the holidays, Atmos indicated they could not meet to start negotiations
until after the first of the year, and that they will extend the January 14, 2004 effective
date after they determine whether the cities are willing to pursue a reasonable
settlement. Since it will be so late in the process before Cities know whether or not
Atmos will extend the effective date, the Steering Committee has suggested that the
Cities involved pass a Resolution denying the rate request. While the passage of the
Resolution does give Atmos the opportunity to appeal it to the Railroad Commission if it
chooses to, it does not close offthe potential for negotiated settlement between Atmos
and the Cities.
Mayor Anderson asked for public comment. There was no public comment.
Councilmember Owen asked if this would open the door for Atmos to file an appeal with
the Texas Railroad Commission? Mr. Ingham said yes, but so long as negotiations are
underway, he does nOt think Atmos will appeal the decision and the Resolution provides
City of Plainview Minutes
January 8, 2004
Page I of 2
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that its effective date denying rate relief will be extended if Atmos subsequently extendS
the deadline.
Mr. Ingham stated Midland has the Resolution on their agenda for consideration and
had heard that a feW other citiesdid tOo.
Wally Hatch, City Attorney advised that this was a good deal for the City to do. He
stated it would nOt be advantageous for Atmos to file an appeal to the Railroad
Commission.
Councilmember Shanes moved to adopt ResolUtion R04-128. The motion was duly
seconded by Councilmember Owen and carried by unanimous vote with the exception
of Councilmember Favila, who did not vote or speak on the matter due to a confliCt of
interest.
There being no further business, Mayor Anderson adjourned the meeting at 12:04 p.m.
Belinda Hinojosa
City Secretary
City of Plainview Minutes
January 8, 2004 Page 2 of 2