As part of Tuesday morning’s meeting, the Brownwood City Council approved a proposed Variable Width Transmission Line Easement agreement from Oncor Electric for 1.612 acres or 70,224 square foot section of undeveloped property that runs adjacent to the existing pecan orchard off of CC Woodson Road.

Oncor intends to double the voltage in the line from a 69,000 kV transmission line to a 138,000. The higher the voltage, the more power Oncor is able to push in an effort to increase the power grid.

On September 4, 1924, the City of Brownwood granted to Texas Power & Light Company the right to erect and maintain poles and guy wires on a location of what was then known as Sewer Plant Grounds and now currently know as City Pecan Orchard property.

Council on Tuesday also approved an ordinance on first reading granting a franchise to Atmos Energy Corporation to operate a gas delivery, transportation, and distribution system in the City of Brownwood.

Key provisions of the new franchise agreement include:

Grant to Atmos: Gives Atmos the right to use and occupy the present and future streets, alleys, highways, public utility easements, public ways and other public places (“Public Rights-of-Way”) to operate a gas delivery, transportation and distribution system in the City of Brownwood.

Term: 20 years beginning Jan. 1, 2025 and ending Dec. 31, 2044.

Construction of Atmos Facilities: Obligates Atmos, when it constructs its facilities in Public Rights-of-Way to minimize interference with traffic, put appropriate barriers and promptly clean up and restore the Public Rights-of-Way to its original condition. If Atmos is performing any cuts in Public Rights-of-Way, it must provide the City prior written notice unless an emergency exists.

Relocation of Atmos Facilities: Obligates Atmos to relocate its facilities at its own expense, if the City is constructing its sewers, drainage, water lines, streets, alleys or utilities. The exception is if the City’s work is for the primary purpose of beautification or to accommodate a private developer, then in such case the City shall reimburse Atmos for the relocation costs.

Franchise Fee: Obligates Atmos to pay the City an annual franchise fee equal to 5% of the gross revenues received by Atmos arising out of the franchise agreement during the previous calendar year.

The ordinance will again appear in a future Council meeting for second and final reading and ultimate approval.

The Budgetary Control Report and Investment Reports were presented as well during the meeting.