4.2. SR 09-15-1997~ty of
iver
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Item # 6.2.
MEMORANDUM
Mayor & City Council
Pat Klaers, City Adminis/t~ator
September 15, 1997
Utilities Commission Update
Councilmember John Dietz is our city representative on the Elk River
Municipal Utilities Commission. At this September 15, 1997, Council
meeting, John is scheduled to provide the Council with an update on August
and September Utilities activities. Attached for your review is the agenda
and draft minutes from the September 9, 1997, Utilities Commission
meeting. The next regular Commission meeting is scheduled for Tuesday,
October 21, 1997, at 4:00 p.m., at the Utilities office.
13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330 · TDD & Phone: (612) 441-7420 · Fax: (612) 441-7425
ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
UTILITIES COMMISSION
AGENDA
SEPTEMBER 9, 1997
Elk River Utilities Offices
ITEM NUMBER ACTION TAKEN
1. Call meeting to order at 3:30 P.M. September 9, 1997
2. Consider Utilities Agenda
3. *Approval o£previous meeting minutes
4. *Check Register
OLD BUSINESS
5.1 Up-date Security System Information
5.2 Update Landfill Gas Generation Proposal
5.3 Up-date #3 Unit Engine Overhaul
5.4 Update Part-time Office Help
NEW BUSINESS
6.'1 Review APPA Investor Owned Electric Rate Study
6.2 Review Operating and Maintenance Policy Manual for ERMU
6.3 Review and adopt Meter Deposit and Related Services Policy
6.4 Review purchase of used dump truck
6.5 Review feasibility study for Sherbume County Government Center
*Financials
Travel Reports
Other Business
*Consent Agenda items are considered to be routine and will be approved by one motion.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
MUNICIPAL UTILITIES COMMISSION
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES OFFICES
SEPTEMBER 9, 1997
Members Present: President, John Dietz; Vice Chairman, George Zabee, Trustee; James
Tralle
Staff Present: Bryan Adams, General Manager; Glenn Sundeen, Line Superintendent;
Patricia Hernza, Office Manager
Others Present: Steve Nordahl, ERMU Security Specialist
1. Call meetin~ to, order at 4:00 P.M. September 9, 199.7
2. Consider Utiliti,,es Aeenda
Mr. Tralle moved to approve the 9-9-97 Agenda. Mr. Zabee seconded the motion.
Motion carried 3-0.
3. *.Consider Consent Agenda
Mr. Zabee moved to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
8-12-97 Minutes
Check Register
Financials
Mr. Tralle seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
5.1 .Up-date Security Sys. tem Information
Security System data and statistics were reviewed by Commission. Steve Nordahl
appeared to report and answer questions regarding Security. Options for marketing
were discussed. It was generally felt that the Security System is a viable service to
our customers and the community. Staff was directed to remm to the Commission at
a future meeting with altemative plans for the marketing and sales of the Systems, as
well as explore membership with the Builders Association of Elk River.
5.2 Up-date Landfill Gas Gene, ration P,.roposal
Bryan Adams presented August 27, 1997 correspondence to Power Strategies, AEC
letter dated September 2, 1997 regarding the Landfill Generation Project and an
economic analysis of the proposed project. Landfill gas and wind generation were
discussed.
Regular meeting of the Elk River Utilities Commission
Page 2
September 9, 1997
Mr. Tralle moved to exccute the proposal for thc sale ofelcctric power fueled by
landfill gas operated by RECO, located at the USA Waste Services, Inc. Elk River
Landfill to the Elk River Municipal Utilities, pcnding the outcome from the Elk River
Council and Power Strategies. Mr. Zabee sccondcd the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
5.3 U_o-date #3 Unit Engine Overhaul
Bryan Adams advised the Commission of the engine repair progress. The repairs are
going very well, and the engine is being reassembled at this time, even though there
has been a small delay, due to the unexpected repair of the supercharger. Discussion
followed concerning the importance of the Power Plant, and the need to keep it up
and running for future considerations.
5.4 Un-da,te Part-time Off,ce Help
Commission reviewed the job description, the evaluation form to be used durint~
interviewing, and the ad that was in the newspapers. There are presently over forty
applications and thc closing date for further applications is September 10, 1997.
6.1 Review APPA Investor Owned Electric Ra,,t,e Study
Reminding the Commission of the electric rate study comparing Minnesota Municipal
Utilities, done by MMUA, Bryan Adams presented a study done by American Public
Power Association of investor-owned utilities. Discussion followed regarding our
rates, cost of purchased power and the growth in our area.
6.2 Review Operating and Maintenance Policy Manual for E~MU
At the September 11, 1996 Elk River Utilities Commission meeting a list of
priorities was discussed. One of the highest was a policy manual. A proposed
table of contents for the manual, with advisement of completed portions was
presented to the Commission for discussion and reviewal. The Commissioners
indicated that they wish to receive copies of the manual in progress and feel it is
a valuable project.
6.3 Revie, w and adopt Meter Deposit and Relat,.e.d Services, Policy
Commission was presented with a complete Meter Deposit and Related Services
Policy for their consideration. The information has not been gathered into a formal
policy in the past. Staff recommends the formal adoption of the policy, with related
documents.
Regular meeting of the Elk River Utilities Commission
Page 3
September 9, 1997
Mr. Zabec moved to adopt the Meter Deposit and Related Service Policy. Mr. Tralle
seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
6.4 ,.Review purchase of used d/~mp truck
Earlier in 1997, the Commission suggested the possibility of purchasing a used
dump track instead of a new vehicle. Researching specifications for a line truck
presented possibilities for a used dump truck. Staff presented a quotation from Boyer
Ford for the used cab and chassis and Crysteel Truck Equipment for the contractors
body.
Mr. Tralle moved to approve the purchase of a used bump truck in the amount of
$23,404.00 and the contractors body for $8,404.3:5 from Boyer Ford. Mr. Zabee
seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
6.5 Review feasibility st.udy for Sherburne County Govern, ment Cent,er
The Feasibility Study for Sherbume County Government Center Expansion prepared
by Howard R. Green, Consulting Engineers was presemed. After discussion of the
study, it was the consensus to receive and file the report.
Other Business
John Dietz brought up the need for street lighting on Joplin and asked the Street Lighting
Committee to look at the problem and return with their recommendation.
Bryan Adams advised the Commission of the availability for federal assistance from
FEMA for relief from storm damage expenses.
Mr. Zabee moved to pass a Resolution Authorizing Execution of Sub-Grant Agreement.
Mr. Zabee seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.
Staff reported that requirements for flame-retardant clothing for linemen are being
redefined due to additional test data. The Nomax clothing is very warm and
uncomfortable in the summer-time, cold in the winter time and also very expensive in
comparison to other alternatives. Staff was directed to return to a future meeting with
options.
A problem with vandalism and mischief at the pole yard at the plant was brought up and
discussed with the Commission. Staffwas directed to bring options to the Commission at
a future meeting for ways to alleviate the problem.
Regular meeting of the Elk River Utilities Commission
Page 4
September 9, 1997
With no further business to be discussed, Mr. Tralle moved to adjourn. Mr. Zabee
seconded the motion.
The meeting of the Elk River Utilities Coramission adjourned at 5:25 P.M.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
will be October 21, I997 at 4:00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia Hemza
Office Manager