Fiscal Note
The full $1,000,000 budgeted for the 2007 Contingent Reserve is available for this $35,000 appropriation. There is no impact on the tax levy or eligibility under the state expenditure restraint program.
Title
SUBSTITUTE - Authorizing the retention of Professor French as an expert regarding American Transmission Company Transmission Proposal and appropriating $35,000 from the contingent fund.
Body
WHEREAS, the American Transmission Company (ATC) has plans for several new transmission lines in Dane County; and
WHEREAS, one of the proposals includes a route through portions of the City of Madison, including the Beltline Highway; and
WHEREAS, the Council has, in a prior resolution (Legistar File No. 03898) requested a comprehensive study of proposed transmission lines, and directed the City Attorney to intervene in PSC proceedings involving transmission lines that may impact the City of Madison; and
WHEREAS, in order to adequately represent the interests of the City, it is necessary to obtain an expert consultant who could also serve as a witness in any PSC proceeding; and
WHEREAS, the City Attorney has reviewed potential experts that might be available, and recommends that the City retain Professor Steven French as an expert for the City; and
WHEREAS, the City has determined that Professor French possesses qualifications that make him a unique consultant for the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized to enter into an agreement with Professor Steven French, through his company Advanced Planning Technologies, Inc., to provide advice and testimony on behalf of the City of Madison in Public Service Commission of Wisconsin proceedings related to the ATC transmission lines; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City appropriates $35,000 from the contingent fund for the payment to Dr. French for his services.