Council approves 30-year Neptune Beach franchise agreement with Beach's Energy

Jacksonville Beach council voted to adopt a franchise agreement with Neptune Beach for Beach's Energy, extending the term to 30 years and making several operational and coordination updates.

Alan Putnam, director of Beach's Energy, summarized the substantive updates negotiated with Neptune Beach: a process for Neptune Beach to pay for undergrounding where they want it, an extension from a 20-year to a 30-year agreement (with year-to-year continuation thereafter), a requirement to hold public meetings with Neptune Beach if Beach's Energy were to be sold, and modifications to the street-lighting agreement to allow consideration of different light types if economically feasible.

Council moved to adopt the agreement and authorized the mayor and city manager to countersign upon adoption; the resolution was approved by roll-call vote.

Votes and impact: Council approved the resolution (roll call affirmative). The agreement sets a longer franchise term and clarifies coordination responsibilities between Jacksonville Beach and Neptune Beach around undergrounding and street lighting.