City of Oak Creek

Common Council Report

Meeting Date: April 17, 2007

Item No.:        

Recommendation:  That the Council adopt Resolution No. 10750-041707 authorizing WE Energies to place public utility structures upon the bed of Lake Michigan.

Background:  In conjunction with its Power the Future plan, We Energies will file an application with the Public Service Commission to construct air quality systems for the Oak Creek Power Plant (existing units).  This air quality equipment will include a new stack approximately equal in height to the one being constructed as part of the Elm Road Generating Station.

In order to develop this air quality system, it may be necessary to transport equipment to the site via Lake Michigan.  As such it would be necessary to construct harbor facilities, in the form of temporary pilings to be placed in the Lake.

The temporary harbor facilities would also require approval from other State and Federal agencies.  However, under Wisconsin Statutes §30.21, the granting of a permit, by virtue of a resolution, is necessary to place these public utility structures and harbor facilities.

Fiscal Impact:  The construction of the proposed air quality control systems and related equipment within the City of Oak Creek will have a positive impact on the shared revenue the City receives as part of the hosting of We Energies facilities.

Prepared by: Doug Seymour, AICP Director of Community Development

Respectfully submitted, Patrick DeGrave City Administrator

Fiscal Review by:

Beverly A. Buretta, CMC

City Clerk