The Dora City Council, with Mayor Randy Stephens casting a tie breaking vote, approved last week a franchise agreement with Archaea Energy.
The approval will allow the energy company to pay the city a franchise fee for installing a gas line in the city limits.
Pineview Landfill produces methane gas and Archaea Energy is working to convert the methane gas from the landfill to natural gas. It is an estimated $30 million project for the company.
The company would need to access Kinder Morgan’s gas line, located off Burnwell Road and River Road, via a pipeline that would be installed on some city streets. The agreement also includes a one-time, up-front franchise fee of $120,725.00 for 20 years.
Bob Conrad, owner of the company will do engineering, construction and operation of the pipeline for Archaea, was at the meeting to answer questions from city officials or residents.
Councilman George Sides Jr. questioned the amount of the franchise fee.
“That’s $120,000 over 20 years, and it amounts today to like two police cars, which are used up quickly.”
Conrad said the same price per foot given to property owners was being given to the city.
Some questions were also asked about the safety of the lines and who would repair any roads damaged.
“Anything damaged would be put back the way we found it.” Conrad said. “We’re going to be a responsible neighbor and a good neighbor too.”
Council members Norman Holt, Randy Speerd and Gary Thomas voted to approve the franchise fee contract. Chris Edwards, David Box and Sides voted agains the measure. Hezekiah Walker Jr. Abstained from the vote, saying he needed more information. Stephens voted for the approval, breaking the tie, 4-3.
In other action from the meeting, the council:
- Agreed to a $1,300 evaluation of Dora Pond.
- Approved a request from the fire department for a $775 binder lift. The device would help firefigjters with more safely removing an injured person from an accident.
- Approved on a raise from $300 per month to $500 per month by a 5-3 vote.
