Title
Approving a resolution with the caption reading: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PFLUGERVILLE, TEXAS (CITY) AUTHORIZING THE INTERVENTION AT THE RAILROAD COMMISSION OF TEXAS CONCERNING THE FILING FOR AN INCREASE IN RATES BY ATMOS PIPELINE - TEXAS; REQUIRING ATMOS PIPELINE TO REIMBURSE REASONABLE RATE CASE EXPENSES; AUTHORIZING THE RETENTION OF COUNSEL AND RATE CONSULTANTS; FINDING THAT THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS RESOLUTION WAS APPROVED COMPLIED WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS ACT; MAKING SUCH OTHER FINDINGS AND OTHER PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECT; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Summary
The City of Pflugerville has participated in prior rate cases as part of the Atmos Texas Municipalities (ATM) coalition. This coalition consists of 53 Texas cities who are able to address their concerns with Atmos rate proposals as a group. On September 14, 2010 the City Council approved a resolution to approve the latest ATM coalition action that mitigated the rates that will be charged to the City's Atmos customers for the Atmos steel line replacement project. This action will allow the coalition to represent the City of Pflugerville and other cities in the intervention at the Railroad Commission concerning the filing for a rate increase by Atmos Pipeline-Texas. An information sheet with additional background on this specific rate request is included as an attachment to this agenda item.
The City attorney has reviewed this resolution.
Deadline for City Council Action
Mr. Freddie Herrera, the legal counsel for the ATM coalition, has requested the consideration and approval of this resolution at our earliest opportunity. Formal notice of the ATM cities' participation allows him to consider our participation from the beginning of the process.
Fiscal Impact
The ATM cities' reasonable rate case expenses to participate in this rate case are reimbursable. There will be no direct cost to the City for participation.
Staff Recommendation
Approve the resolution authorizing the City of Pflugerville's participation in the intervention at the Railroad Commission in Atmos Pipeline-Texas' request to increase rates for city-gate and pipeline transportation gas service through the Atmos Texas Municipalities (ATM.)
Drafter
Lauri Gillam, Assistant City Manager