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Politics & Government

Black Dog Stacks: A thing of the past?

The stack at Xcel Energy's Black Dog Plant will disappear from the skyline in the next few years. This story and others in a weekly roundup of city news.

Black Dog stack to come down

Since the 1950s, the smoke stack at Xcel Energy’s Black Dog Plant that has been part of Burnsville’s landscape. That will soon change: The stacks are scheduled to come down during a major upgrade to the plant as it converts from a coal-fired facility to natural gas.

Xcel is regulated by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), which has review authority for utility operation in the state. But the city will be working with the utility on issues that include new road access, line easements and wetland preservation.

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Construction is expected to begin in 2013 on the $600 million makeover, which will be one of the “most of the expensive projects brought into our city,” said Jenni Faulkner, community development director during a recent Burnsville City Council work session. The project should be fully online in 2016.

Permit could be needed to plant blvd. trees

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Emerald Ash Borer is affecting the health of trees in several parts of the state. In an effort to mitigate its possible impact in Burnsville, the city is seeking input on a proposed boulevard tree planting program. Public input is sought during the Burnsville Parks and Natural Resources Commission meeting on Monday, July 18, at 6:30 at city hall.

Currently, residents can, in limited areas, plant trees within 15 feet of the street. The proposed program would require residents to obtain a permit and allow for planting only certain types of trees in their boulevards.

Council’s agenda includes massage therapy, holiday lights

If you looking for variety, the Burnsville City Council’s July 19 agenda certainly has that. The meeting, set to begin at 6:30 p.m. in city hall, will include:

  • consideration of the therapeutic massage ordinance;
  • consideration of quotes for a new fence for the Neill Park tennis courts;
  • review of the ordinance related to pawn shops to consider changes that may be needed to comply with the new state law effective Aug. 1;
  • an Application for Ambro and Son LLP, to expand the outdoor storage lot and hours of operation at 2000 Ames Drive; and
  • acceptance of grants awarded to the city during the second quarter, including $30,000 from the Burnsville Community Foundation for holiday lighting.

 

 

 

 

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