Century Natural Gas Exclusive Franchise Approved; Pensacola Energy Disputes
April 18, 2018
The Escambia County Commission voted Tuesday night to renew an expiring exclusive natural gas franchise for the Town Of Century, over numerous objections from the City of Pensacola and Pensacola Energy as they claimed most of the franchise territory as their own.
In 1968, the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners granted the Town of Century (then known as the Town of South Flomaton) a franchise to provide natural gas services to citizens in the Century area. The present franchise expires this year.
The commission adopted a new franchise ordinance that provides the Town with the same rights and responsibilities as other county franchises, including payment of a five percent franchise fee. This new franchise will not extend beyond the franchise area previously designated in the 1968 franchise agreement. The renewed franchise will expire in 2047.
But an attorney for the City of Pensacola spoke out against the exclusive franchise, making a claim that Pensacola Energy already has an exclusive natural gas franchise in North Escambia.
“Since 1993, the City of Pensacola has been providing natural gas service to customers within some of the areas that are in the proposed ordinance that will become an exclusive franchise area for the Town of Century,” attorney Charlie Guyton said. He said Pensacola Energy serves 46 customers within the Century franchise area, adding that service to these customers began after Pensacola in 1992 purchased gas facilities that belonged to the Escambia County Utilities Authorities (now known and the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority) for $1.1 million.
Guyton said ECUA issued an exclusive franchise to the City of Pensacola in “all of Escambia County, Florida, north of 10 Mile Road… other than in the Town of Century and for the benefit of the State of Florida prison system. The City of Pensacola has an exclusive franchise to serve the areas where it has been serving.”
Guyton claimed the Town of Century currently only has a license or a permit, but not a franchise to provide natural gas service.. “It does not have a franchise. If you look at the document, there is no mention of a franchise. It does refer to a permit or license. But more importantly, the rights granted under that document are non-exclusive,” he said.
Pensacola’s attorney also pointed out that Pensacola has paid, and Escambia County has accepted, an estimated $150,000 in franchise fees from the disputed area.
“In 1968, well before ECUA even existed…you (Escambia County) had granted an exclusive franchise to the Town of Century for this territory,” Century attorney Matt Dannheisser said. “But somehow in 1993, without notice to us, without asking our permission, they started taking our customers.”
He said Century does have a franchise, which is the same as a permit or license.
“Pensacola shows up today with one of the largest, most expensive law firms….to try…to confuse you, because it is a tactic that we lawyers take when we don’t really have the facts in favor of us. Try to confuse somebody so that won’t make a decision, so that they will delay. I hope that you don’t fall into that trap. You know all the facts; you know what is the right decision to make,” Dannheisser told the commissioners. “They want different rules to apply to the City of Pensacola that to everyone else.”
“They want us to pay them over a half million dollars to buy back the customers that we should already have,” Danneheisser said, customers he contends are paying Pensacola Energy 35 t0 40 percent more than the rate charged by the Town of Century’s gas department.
Guyton said that approval of the exclusive franchise would lead to a territorial dispute that would likely go to the Florida Public Service Commission.
“And it won’t be just an issue of the franchise, but of who has the better ability to serve. And I think that comparison is going to work in favor of the City of Pensacola,” he said.
Escambia County Commissioner Douglas Underhill cautioned Guyton against taking his client before the PSC. He said Pensacola Energy promised natural gas service to areas of Perdido Key for four years, but was unable to deliver. He said the PSC would learn of several negative issues involving Pensacola Energy.
Commissioner Steven Barry made the motion Tuesday night to approve the exclusive Century natural gas franchise, subject to approval by the Century Town Council within 120 days.
Commissioner Grover Robinson voted against the ordinance, saying he wanted to see more time to for Century and Pensacola to come to terms.
Barry said they’ve had three or four years, and “I don’t perceive that we are any closure to an agreement…there does not appear there has been a lot of progress between the two entities.”
Century will continue to hold franchise rights from Escambia County to provide natural gas service from the Escambia River westward to almost the Perdido River and from the Alabama state line southward to near Bogia. The franchise area includes Century, Bogia, Byrneville, Bratt, Oak Grove, Walnut Hill and McDavid. Century currently provides gas service only in a portion of their franchise area — near the town limits, south along Highway 29 to and including a portion of Highway 164, west into Byrneville and an area of Bratt.
Pictured top: A “natural gas gate station” that serves the Town of Century, located just off Highway 168 on Poplar Dell Road. Picture top inset: Attorney Charlie Guyton for the City of Pensacola. Pictured middle inset: Century attorney Matt Dannheisser. Pictured bottom inset: A Pensacola natural gas valve station in Bratt. Pictured below: A map of Century’s natural gas franchise area. NorthEscambia.com photos and courtesy images, click to enlarge.
Retired Escambia County Sheriff’s K-9 Miso Passes Away
April 18, 2018
Retired Escambia County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Miso passed away Tuesday. Miso was the dedicated partner of Special Master Deputy Wayne Gulsby. Miso retired last year. Pictured: Retired Escambia County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Miso. Special Master Deputy Wayne Gulsby is pictured with Miso at a field trial event (inset) and during a drug search at Northview High School (bottom) Courtesy and NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate Wins District In Singles, Doubles; Two Headed To State
April 18, 2018
Two Tate High School tennis players are district champions are will head to state. Luke Racine is the District 1-3A singles champion, and the Aggies doubles team of Racine and Aaron Harberson also won a district championship. They will advance to the state tournament in Altamonte Spring April 30-May 4.
Pictured top: Aaron Harberson and Luke Racine. Pictured below: Racine and Harberson in action. Pictured bottom: The Tate High School tennis teams. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Citizens Preview CRA Draft Plan To Improve ‘Blighted’ Area Of Century
April 18, 2018
The Town of Century will hold a Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting Tuesday to “Envision Century”, with resident getting a first look at the draft plan.
Highlights of the CRA draft presented Tuesday night are as follows:
Community Redevelopment Objectives
- Preserve/improve residential quality of life
- Recognize, protect and utilize natural assets
- Identify and install desired community facilities, services and amenities
- Capitalize on Historic District and natural resource-based opportunities.
Strategies for CRA
- Invest in public facilities and infrastructure
- Sewer, stormwater management, transportation;
- Streetscape and pedestrian features; and
- Public and community areas.
- Expand development opportunities
- Aggregate or assemble parcels where feasible;
- Develop master stormwater plan; and
- Identify targeted development sites.
CRA Implementation Plan
- 2-year Action Plan (2018-2020)
- Activities and tasks that are smaller, incremental and set the foundation for encouraging long-term private investment in the CRA
- Funding Resources: primarily town, county, regional agencies, and non-profit organizations
- 10-year Action Plan (2018-2028)
- Builds upon activities and tasks from the 2-year action plan and begins to implement the more costly capital improvements and services that require utilization of revenues to leverage TIF funds
- Funding Resources: primarily regional and state agencies, and large grant organizations
Local Funding Sources
- CRA Tax Increment Fund (TIF);
- Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP); and
- Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).
Concept Plan
- Identifies potential sites/areas for:
- Parks or expansion of parks;
- Community center or public open areas;
- Sidewalk & bicycle facilities;
- Gateway beautification;
- Redevelopment opportunities, etc.
The town previously declared a portion of Century as “blighted” as part of the process to form the CRA.
Once the CRA is in place and operating, it will work to improve conditions within the area. As property tax values rise, most of the increase is funneled back into the redevelopment area for further improvements.
The CRA area is 510 acres, bounded by Jefferson Avenue to the south, Jefferson Avenue to the east, East High 4 to the north and the center line of North Century Boulevard to the west. It also extends north on the east side of North Century Boulevard to include commercial properties up to, and including, the former Burger King. Click here for a detailed map (pdf).
The final plan will be presented during a community meeting on Thursday, May 24.
NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Northview Tribal Beat Band Shows Off New Uniforms
April 18, 2018
The Northview High School Tribal Beat band has new uniforms. Each school in the district receives new uniforms every seven years. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview Chiefs Get 5-0 Senior Night Win Over PHS
April 18, 2018
The Northview Chiefs shut out the Pensacola High School Tigers 5-0 Tuesday night in Bratt.
Trevor Singleton, Jackson Mooore and Seth Killam teamed up on the mound, allowing three hits and striking out five.
For Northview: Moore 1-1, 2R; Singleton 1-2, R: John Chivington 1-2, R, RBI; Logan English 1-3, R.
Northview has two remaining games, both on the road. The Chiefs will be at Chipley on Friday and Washington on Monday.
Tuesday night was senior night for the Chiefs as they honored seniors John Chivington, Braxton Edwards, Jason Fischer and Trevor Singleton before their last home game.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured below: Northview seniors (L-R) Trevor Singleton, Braxton Edwards, Jason Fischer and John Chivington. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Alabama Attempted Murder Suspect Arrested After Escambia County Traffic Stop
April 18, 2018
A man wanted in connection with shooting his ex-wife near Birmingham was arrested Tuesday in Escambia County.
Dereck Jamaille Walker, 46, faces charges after authorities alleged he shot 45-year-old Habibba Moneque. At last report, the mother of three was on life support. She was reportedly running out of the back door of her home when she was shot twice.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said Walker was pulled over in a traffic stop in Escambia County, confessed to the crime and provided the gun used in the crime.
Walker remains in the Escambia County Jail without bond awaiting extradition back to Alabama.
Tate Lady Aggies Beat West Florida In 3-0 Shutout
April 18, 2018
The Tate High School Lady Aggies beat West Florida Tuesday night in a 3-0 shutout.
Hanna Brown tossed the win for the Aggies, allowing no runs on four hits and striking out five. She went 3-3 at the plate.
Also for Tate: Belle Wolfenden 2-4, RBI; Shelby Ullrich R; Sydni Solliday 1-3, RBI; Amber DeCoux 2-3, R; Shelby McLean 1-2; Gabby Locke R.
Pictured top: Sydni Solliday at bat for the Tate Aggies. Pictured below: Shelby McLean bunting for Tate. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Lineworkers Keep The Lights On
April 18, 2018
Wednesday is National Lineman Appreciation Day
Don Brown, a 31-year lineworker for Gulf Power, has served on many storm restoration trips over the years, but he knew that the recent trip to assist Puerto Rico with power restoration was going to be different from the first day he arrived on the hurricane-ravaged island.
His crews’ first assignment was to repair a pole and a line that stretched across a gorge that spanned some 1,800 feet wide. They set the new pole, then he had to go down into the gorge to retrieve the wire that was wrapped around some trees below.
“I rappelled down with another lineworker and a chainsaw,” said Brown, who works in the Pine Forest Office in Pensacola.
When they dropped to the trees, they realized what they thought was a tree only six inches in diameter was ended up being much larger, he said. “We had to cut down that tree. We knew right then it wasn’t going to be a cakewalk,” he said.
Brown was part of a Gulf Power team of eight lineworkers and three support personnel who spent 60 days from late January to March restoring power on the island that was devastated by Hurricane Maria last year.
They were joined by other lineworkers from sister companies Alabama Power, Mississippi Power, Georgia Power, as well as Minnesota Power. The power companies’ bucket trucks were ferried by barge from Mobile, Alabama to Puerto Rico in advance of the teams’ arrival.
Brown said one of the trucks ended up being the one he uses here at Gulf Power, but that was about the only thing that was familiar on this storm trip.
They worked in mountainous areas, traversing dangerous roads up and down, repairing poles and wire in densely vegetated areas.
“The line work was not Linework 101,” he said. “They told us when we got there it was something we haven’t done before and that was true. It was totally different.”
They worked 16-hour days, seven days a week for the two months they were in Puerto Rico.
Fortunately for Brown, his rappelling experience when he was in the military helped with going up and down the steep gorges.
“It wasn’t for the weak,” he said. “If you weren’t in shape the first two weeks, you got in shape after that.”
While working away from home and in such dangerous conditions, many lineworkers find the support from their families helps them stay focused on their jobs so they can work safely.
Brown made sure he talked to his wife, Angie, every day. While he was gone, she helped with paying bills and even getting work done on his hot rod vehicles that he races.
And with a laugh, he said: “But she did tell me don’t ever go on a long trip like this again.”
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Two In A Row: Wahoos Best Braves 8-4
April 18, 2018
For the second straight night the Blue Wahoos put up a crooked number in the first inning and score eight runs on the night. Pensacola scored five runs in the first on the way to an 8-4 win over the Mississippi Braves on Tuesday night at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss.
The Blue Wahoos took advantage of a costly first inning error by the shortstop Luis Valenzuela on a groundball by Shed Long to start the inning. Four hits and five runs later, Luiz Gohara (L, 0-1) was out of the inning. Gohara got the start as his first appearance of the season on a Major League rehab assignment after getting injured early in Spring Training for the Braves.
Gohara pitched well after that, exiting the game after allowing the five runs, only one earned, over 3.1 innings. The Braves top pitching prospect struck out four and walked three in the losing effort.
Keury Mella (W, 2-0) was brilliant on the mound for the Blue Wahoos. He surrendered one unearned run in the first inning, one of two runs the Braves scattered against him over his six innings. He finished with a season-high seven strikeouts with three walks and five hits allowed in his second win of the season.
At the plate, Josh VanMeter maintained his excellence. He finished 2-for-2 with a double and two RBI. He also walked twice more after drawing four free passes in Monday’s series opener. He’s 3-for-3 in the series and has reached safely in nine of his 10 trips to the plate. His only out was a first inning sacrifice fly to the right fielder.
Gabriel Guerrero stayed hot at the plate with a 2-for-5 game. He hit his sixth double of the season and scored twice with another RBI. Taylor Sparks and Luis Gonzalez each collected two hits in the Wahoos win. Sparks is now 4-for-9 in the first two games of the series. Scott Schebler was held hitless in four at bats in his second start in right field for Blue Wahoos as part of his rehab assignment.
The M-Braves loaded the bases in the bottom of the ninth with one out but Alex Powers (S, 1) shut the door on the threat with a strikeout and a flyout to centerfield to earn the save and secure the win.