5.1. ERMUSR 06-14-2011Elk River.
Municipal Utilities
13069 Orono Parkway • P.O. Box 430 Phone: 763.441.2020
Elk River, MN 55330-0430 Fax: 763.441.8099
JOINT UTILITIES COMMISSION AND
HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING
TO: FROM:
Ells River Municipal Utilities Commission Troy Adams, P.E. -Director of Operations
John Dietz -Chair David Berg -Water Superintendent
Daryl Thompson -Vice Chair
Al Nadeau -Trustee
Heritage Preservation Commission
Kristin Harris
Mark Konietzko
Lance Lindberg
Debra Mortensen
Ste hen Rohlf
MEETING DATE: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:
Tune 14, 2011 5.1
SUBJECT:
Jackson Street Water Tower Discussion
BACKGROUND:
In March 2002, the Utilities Commission authorized the demolition of the Jackson Street Water Tower.
The Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) then requested a delay to look into options saving the
tower for historical reasons. The HPC offered that a plausible source of revenue for offsetting ongoing
maintenance costs could come through modifying the historic tower to house communication antennas.
Shortly thereafrer, a communication company did. install antennas on the tower. That company went
under and ERMU did not receive payment in full for the lease.
In 2008 the topic of the demolition of the water tower was again discussed by the Utilities Commission.
The decision to demolish the tower was tabled. More recently, work has been done to determine whether
or not the tower could be registered as a historic site. It was believed that if the tower were registered as a
historic site that there may be gant money available for renovating it.
Attached for review are the following:
• May 6, 2002 -Memo to ERMU Commission
• May 15, 2002 -ERMU minutes for agenda item #5.2
• June 3, 2002 -Memo to ERMU Commission
• October I, 2002 -Memo to ERMU Commission
• October ] 0, 2002 -ERMU minutes for agenda item #5.1
• January 14, 2003 -ERMU minutes for agenda item #6.4
• February 29, 2008 -Memo to the ERMU Commission
• March 11, 2008 -ERMU minutes for agenda item #6.3
• March 21, 2008 -Memo to the ERMU Commission
• April 17, 2008 -ERMU minutes for agenda item #5.2
The joint meeting of the Utilities Commission and the HPC should be used as bases to discuss the future
of the Jackson Street Water Tower. The tower is in need of repairs and paint. The decision to restore or
demolish the tower has continually been tabled during the last decade. The decision cannot be postponed
indefinitely. The concrete foundations that the legs are attached to are deteriorating and would need to be
inspected by a structural engineer to determine their integrity if the water tower were to hold water again.
The top needs to be welded to the tank. The paint is lead based and will need to be removed prior to
repainting. The approximate cost of repairs, paint removal, and repainting is $400,000. (See the attached
budgetary quote for the paint removal and repainting.) Evenly distributed amongst the water customers
would cost each customer approximately $90. The tower would need to be painted again in
approximately 10 years. This next painting would cost significantly less because there wouldn't be any
lead abatement costs. The tower is not currently on the insurance schedule. It is not yet known what the
registration as a historical site would do for the cost to insure or if i[ would then be required. The cost to
insure the other towers ranges from $400 to $725 annually. The cost to demolish the tower has been
estimated at $35,000. The cost to restore the tower is not budgeted, nor is it included in the capital outlay
forecast that was used then the Commission decided not to raise water rates for 2010, 2011, and 2012. If
this restoration were done, the costs borne by the Utilities would need to be passed through the rates in the
form of a rate increase. The ongoing maintenance costs, including the repainting in ] 0 years, would also
need to be worked into the water rates through the form an increase. The 2011 budget included $35,000
for demolition of the water tower. This amount was a budgetary quote that has been carried over from
previous years and would need to be reviewed.
If the tower is registered as a historic site, there may be opportunities [o apply for grant money to help pay
for restoration. Typically these grants do not cover 100% of the costs, but rather they require a matching
contribution.
A decision to register the water tower as a historic site will be followed by a decision of who should pay
for the initial costs and the ongoing maintenance costa. Even if there were grant money, there would be
matching obligations for someone. Should these costs related to a historic landmark be borne by the
water customers through fees, the residents through taxes, independent fundraising, or a combination? in
2002, it had been proposed by one of the Commissioners that the tower be sold to the HPC for $1. In
2008 it had been discussed that the tower could be sold to the HPC for $1 and the Utilities could
contribute the amount it would have cost to demolish the tower toward the restoration.
There is still the option to find other uses for the tower to generate revenue to help offset costs. It is not
likely that a communication company would want to attach antennas to this tower due to its location and
height. However, the tower has not been marketed for that use recently. There may be an option to use
the tower for effluent water from the waste water treatment plant. This would require some capital outlay
for infrastructure to get the effluent water to the tower and then infrastructure to distribute the water to
customers. This would also require pump equipment to fill the tank. The costs to restore the tower would
not include painting the interior of the tank. This would need to be done if the tower were to hold water
again. Also, there may be opportunities to do fund raising events to generate the required revenue to
restore the tower. These options have not been explored by the Utilities as the utilities are not geared
towards organizing and running these types of events.
ACTION REQUESTED:
Staff requests direction from the Commission on the Jackson Street Water Tower for purposes of budget,
rate design, and capital outlay forecasting.
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Elk River
Municipal Utilities
32? King Avenue
Elk River, NW 55310
May 6, 2002
To: Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
James Tralle
John Dietz
George Zabee
From: Bryan C. Adams
Subject: Jackson Street Water Tower
phone: 763.441.2020
Far 763.441.8099
At the March 12, 2002, Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission meeting, authorization was
given to demolish the Jackson Street Water Tower. As you may recall, the property directly east
of this tower is being redeveloped. The property owner has given us permission to use his
property to set equipment to remove this tower. Staff has secured two prices to remove this
tower and they are as follows:
Iseler Demolition $30,900
TMl $26,500
As seen in the recent article in the Elk River Star News, the Heritage Preservation Commission
desires to preserve this tower. The tower will need to be painted in a year of so. The estimated
cost is estimated to be:
Paint Exterior Only $ 50,000
and on- going every 12 years ±
Blast & Paint Exterior $100,000
The exterior ladder & cage is damages and needs to be repaired soon if the tower is kept.
If the Heritage Commission or some other identity does not want to take the financial risk and
liability for this tower, staff continues to recommend the tower be demolished soon.
Page 2
Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
May 15, 200?
5.2 Update Jackson Street Water Tower
The 61k Ricer Utility Commission authorized the demolition of the Jackson Street
Water Tower at the March 12, 2002 meeting. The Heritage Preservation Commission
appeared before the Commission to request delay. They explained that they mould like to
have the Tou'cr saved for its historical significance, as the tirst fewer erected in Elk Rir-cr,
providing water to the citizens. Pat Dwyer advised that there are discussions taking place
regarding the use of the tower as a receptacle for cell phone an[ennaes. The plan could
generate approximately $IQ000.00 to $12,000.00 annually, to help with the upkeep of the
tower.
Bryan Adams further explained that the property adjacent to the tower will be
developed, which will make access to the tower difficult. Glenn Sundeen concurred. James
Tralle advised that he would be willing to wait until the Heritage Committee returns with
firm plans. George Zabee has offered to sell the tower for ~ L00, to some other entity,
relieving the EFLVIU of maintenance problems. John Dietz inquired as to expenses in the
maintenance of the tower. Staff responded by saying that the tower would need painting on a
regular ten to hr~elve year schedule, and that the ladder and cage arc in need of repair at the
present time.
Bryan was directed by the Commission to meet with Mr. Dwyer, and his contacts, regarding
the use of the tower. Mr. ICragness reiterated the viewpoint of the Heritage Preservation
Committee for saving the Jackson Street Water Tower. Bryan Adams will return to the
Commission at a future meeting, with his findings.
5.3 lJpdate CIP Programs
Vance Zehringer updated the Commission on fifteen Conservation Improvement
Programs (CIP) that have been submitted to Great River Lnergy for inclusion in their report
to the Department of Commerce, and the State Legislature. Draft brochures for the new
programs were reviewed, as well as two additional programs. James Tralle asked if
Connexus has similar programs. The budget for the expenditures for CIP were reviewed,
along with the yearly requirements.
SA Review Water E3rochures
The 2001 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report, Water Conservation Brochures,
and a Water Your Lawn Wisely advisory were reviewed and discussed. The Water Quality
Report is required by Federal regulation disclosing any water contaminants. The last two
brochures deal with making our water customers more sensitive to the need for water
conservation.
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T~kRiver ~.
~~~unicipal Utilities
3?3 King Avenue
Elk River. SIN 55330
June 3, 2002
To: Elk River Municipal Utilities Commissio^
James Tralle
John Dietz
George Zabee
From: Bryan C. Adams
Subject: Jackson Street Water Tower
phone: 763.441.2020
Far 763.441.8099
On May 21, 2002, I met with Pat Dwyer, Kurt Kragness of the Heritage Preservation
Commission, and Doug Derr representing Vertical Partners and a former resident of Elk River
concerning the future of the Jackson Street Water Tower. Doug Derr, through his company,
coordinated the installation of digital communication infrastructure between public and private
entities. This includes coordinating telecommunication antenna on structure like water tower.
In summary, the digital communication industry is expanding at an increasing rate and the need
for future antenna sites is also increasing. The events of September 11, 2001, has slowed this
industry but it is projected to pick up in the future. The use of the Jackson Street Water "Power as
abase for communication antennas is unknown at this time and it may take 6 months to 2 years
to explore this potential opportunity. The resulting revenue stream may or may not be sufficient
to pay for the continued maintenance of this structure. "I~he concept of placing antennas on a
water tower and compromising its historic value is also debatable.
Mr. John Alfords, the owner of the property directly east of this water tower, indicates he desires
to start his redevelopment project this summer. The residence will be demolished in late summer
with new construction taking place early 2003.
The Heritage Preservation Commission is looking at the Elk River Municipal Utilities (ERMU)
to take the risk and pursue the opportunity of potential antenna rental space to provide the
necessary revenue to save this "historic" water tower. I indicated the Utility Commission makes
the ultimate decision, but from my perspective this is a financial decision. It is more economical
to remove the structure than maintain it, less liability from both property damage or personal
injury from someone climbing it and falling off. Also by removing this structure, a 100' x 100'
lot becomes available for redevelopment. If some other entity desires to pursue this opportunity
in an effort to save this structure, we will provide our utmost cooperation and expertise, but
preservation effort is not the ERMU's mission.
One noteworthy conclusion did evolve from our discussion. Due to the projected increase in
wireless communication and increase demand for aerial antenna sites, Elk River should do a
study to identifi~ potential antenna sites from a technical, land use and aesthetic prospective.
2
~~
Elk River
Zunicipal Utilities
322 King Avenue
Elk River, MN 55330
May 6, 2002
To: ELk River Municipal Utilities Commission
James Tralle
John Dietz
George Zabee
From: Bryan C. Adams
Subject: Jackson Street Water Tower
phone: 763.441.2020
Far: 763.441.8099
At the March 12, 2002, Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission meeting, authorization was
given to demolish the Jackson Street Water Tower. As you may recall, the property directly east
of this tower is being redeveloped. The property owner has given us permission to use his
property to set equipment to remove this tower. Staff has secured two prices to remove this
tower and they are as follows:
Iseler Demolition $30,900
TMI $26,500
As seen in the recent article in the Elk River Star News, the Heritage Preservation Commission
desires to preserve this tower. The tower will need to be painted in a year of so. The estimated
cost is estimated to be:
Paint Exterior Only $ 50,000
and on- going every 12 years ±
Blast & Paint Exterior $100.000
The exterior ladder & cage is damages and needs to be repaired soon if the tower is kept.
If the Heritage Commission or some other identity does not want to take the financial risk and
liability for this tower, staff continues to recommend the tower be demolished soon.
ELK RIVER M[JNICIPAL UTILITIES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
ELK 12IVER 11IUNICIPAL UTILITIES COMMISSION
October 10, 2002
Members Present: James Tralle, President; John Dietz, Vice Chair; George Zabee, Trustee
Staff Present: Bryan Adams, General Manager; Glenn Sundeen, Line Superintendent;
Patricia Hemza, Office Manager
Others Present: Pat Dwyer
I. Call meeting to order
President James Tralle called the meeting to order at 4:00 PM on October 10, 2002.
2. Consider Utilities Agenda
John Dietz moved to approve the Utilities Agenda for October 10, 2002. George
Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
George Zabee moved to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
September 2002 Check Register
September 9, 2002 Minutes
Financial Reports
After a brief discussion of the reports, John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
5.1 Review and Consider Future of Jackson Street Water Tower
Pat Dwyer appeared to update the Commission on progress for securing digital
communication use of the Tower. Mr. Dwyer advised that he does not have an agreement at
this time, but feels that it will happen. He further added that he believes in saving the tower,
and asks for consideration. Discussion centered on the time table for construction on the
adjacent site, which would give access for the removal of the Tower. John Dietz noted that
he has no desire to remove the Tower, feeling that it does have historical value. George
"Zabee added that he is undecided at this point.
James Tralle moved to return to the question of whether or not to remove the Jackson
Street Water Tower at the January, 2003 regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities
Commission.
ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
UTILITIES COMMISSION
January 14, 2003
Members Present Janis Tralle, President John Dietz, Vice Chair; George Zabee, Tnistee
Staff Present Bryan .dams, General ~'1ana~er; Glenn Sundeen, Line Superintendent, Dacid Bete, A~'ater
Superintendent; Patricia Hemza, Office Manager `
Others Present Terry Maurer, Howard R. Green Company, John Alfords
1. Call meeting to order Januan' 14 2003
2. Consider Utilities :~Qenda
George Zabee moved to approve the Utilities Agenda for Jamiary 14, 2003. John Dietz seconded the
motion. iVlotion caiTied 3-0.
George Zabee moved to designate First National Bank official depository for 2003, and designate Elk
Ri~~er Star News official newspaper for 2003. John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
3. Consider Consent Agenda
John Dietz mo~~ed to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
December, 2002 Check Resister
December 1Q 2002 Minutes
Financials
George Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
6.4 Re~_ic~c ~~_ Consider Jackson St. ~1'atcr To~~cr
George "Labee mo~~ed to postpone any action ar discussion on the Jackson Street Water Tower
until the April, 2003 Utilities Commission meeting. Motion died for lack of second.
Bryan Adams advised Commission that Metropolitan Cardiology Consultants have decided that they
~~ill not be using the Jackson St. 1~~ater Tower for a cell phone antenna, and no other inquiries have been
made. John Dictr, s~i~ke in favor of keeping d,e To~.cer as a part of the history of I~Ik Riva~, and that he
believe; other companies will be interested in using the -Cower as a site for cell phone antennas. John
Alfords appeared to relate the time frame for his con,truction nn the property directly cast of the Tower. Mr
Alfords would be amenable to having the Utilities use his property for removal of the Tower for the next
three months. After that, his property would no longer be available. He further noted that he personally
feels it is an eye-sore, and is of no value historically. James Tralle asked Dave Berg, Water Superintendent
what his opinion is, and he replied that he would like to have it removed. James Tralle asked Staff for
particulars of what portions need repairing. Staff listed the needed repairs, noting that painting could be
eyed for another year, but other stnictural repairs should be done immediately, if the Tower is to be
s<~ red.
Page 2
Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
January 14, 2003
George Zabee said that since the Tower sits in the middle of the old town of Elk River, there may be
some significance for saving it. Jarnes Tralle questioned if the Tower would Last another sixty years, with
repairs. Bryan Adams answerzd that concrete around the anchor bolts aas cracking, but if repairs are
accomplished, and regular maintznance performed, it should fast for many }ears. John Alfords asked if cell
phone companies would really be willing to put antennas on such an old structure. He further asked why the
site is not fenced to prevent trespassing, or vandalism. Commission said that would be an item to further
discuss. James Tralle thinks that the Tower should be repaired, and gamble that it would eventually be used
for a cell phone tower site when the economy improves. Bryan advised that quotes would need to be
obtained for repairs.
James Tralle moved to kezp and to perform necessary repairs to the Jackson Streit Water Tower.
John Dietz seconded the motion. `lotion carried 2-0, Georee Zabee abstained.
Irene 6.3, and 6.-1 ~~-ill be discussed before 5?, to accommodate Terry Maurer's presence at the
meeting.
6.~ Feasibility Stu[h' -Boston and Concord St Utiliri and Sheet Improvements
The pertinent sections of the feasibility study for Boston Street and Concord Street Utility and Street
Improvements prepared by Terry \4aurer of Howard Green Company were reviewed. Terry Maurer, and
Bryan Adams responded to questions from the Commission, saving that ultimately they believe the subject
kill be droppzd for lack of interest by citizens.
James Tralle moved to receire and file the Feasibility Study -Boston and Concord St. Utility and
Street Improvements. John Dietz seconded the motion. A4otion carried 3-0.
6.6 Feasibility Study - 2003 Paycment Rehabilitation Improvements
The Feasibility Study-2003 Pavement Rehabilitation Improvements was discussed. The question of
ofterinn to re-place curb stops on i\Iorfon was the cen(er of the discussion. it is believed that doing so chile
the street is under construction would be advantageous to citizens, as well as the Utilities, and City. It is not
known at this time how many customers this would impact, but it could be as few as two. Tory Maurer
explained the Feasibility Study expenditures.
~.Z Kcyicw & Consider 2003 Wire
Staff presented a bid tabulation for 2003 electric wire needs. The difference between EPR versus
XLP wire was discussed. Glenn Stmdeen responded to questions noting that the EPR has superior
workability, and longevity.
George Zabee moves to accept low bids, with the exception of approval of the recommended F.PR
wire from Resco, at a slightly higher amount than the lower cost XLP. John Dietz seconded the motion.
Motion carried 3-0.
J,
Elk River -=~
Municipal Utilities
13069 Orono Parkway • P~O- Box 430
EIk Ri~~er, MN 55330-0430
February 29, 2008
To: Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
Jerry Takle
Jerry Gumphrey
John Dietz
From: Bryan .Adams
Subject: Jackson Street Water Tower
Phone: 763.441.2020
Fax:i63.441.8099
The 2008 budget for the water department contains a $4Q000 item to demolish the Jackson
Street tower. This same issue was discussed in 2002. Attached is the following information for
your review.
1) Item 5.2 of May 15, 2002 minutes
2) Item 5.1 of October 10, 2002 minutes
3) Memos to Commission dated May 6, 2002, June 3, 2002 and October 1, 2002
4) Item 6.4 of January 14, 2003 minutes
Minor repairs were done on this tov`~er in 2003. In approximately 2004, communication antennas
were placed on this tower but the communication company went broke and final lease payments
were never made. Your staff has been marketing antenna placement for this tower but has been
unsuccessful due to tower location and not being tall enough.
This tower has deteriorated where it either needs to he repaired or demolished. The cost of spot-
repair and painting the exterior is estimated to be in the $55,000 to X60,000 range. The cost of
removal is in the X35,000 range. Staff continues to recommend this unused water tower be
demolished.
Page 3
Regr<xlar meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commissiun
March 11,2008
secondary current. John Dietz asked how often the azc hash incidents occur, Glenn responded,
not very often. Staff is in the process of compiling an arc flash assessment analysis.
6.1 Review F,lectric & Water Svstem Mapping
Elk Kiver Municipal Utihties water distribution system is below ground and approximately
70% of the electric system is below ground also. Accurate mapping of the electric and water
distribution systems for operations and maintenance is critical. Abandoned electric and water
lines will also have to be located. Previously United Services Group documented and
maintained our distribution maps. Troy Adams has since brought the mapping in-house. Troy
Adams presented the map books for the electric and water distribution systems. Map books are
currently printed for the crews to have with them in the field. The future to mapping is in the
Arcview and GPS programs via laptop computers. The City of Elk River is currently utilizing
this method. This method is costly but can be updated daily on the laptops versus updating map
books periodically.
6.2 Employee Compensation Survey
In April, employees typically make their compensation htcrease request. In preparation of
this, staff has surveyed the seven comparable adjoining electric utilities for position salaries.
Does the Commission have any other issues they would want surveyed? John Dietz requested a
survey on the health insurance percentage paid.
6.3 Review Options for Jackson Street Water Tower
T'he 2008 budget for the water department contains a $40,000 item to demolish the Jackson
Street tower This same issue was discussed in 2002. The Heritage Preservation Commission
appeared before the Commission at that time to request a delay. The possibility of utilizing the
tower for digital communication to help pay for maintaining the tower delayed the need for
demolition. Minor repairs were done on this tower in 2003. In approximately 2004,
communication antennas were placed on this tower but the communication company folded and
the final lease payments were never made. Staff has been marketing antenna placement but has
been unsuccessful due to tower location and not being tall enough. The deterioration of this
tower is now an issue. 1'he repairs would cost an estimated $55,000 to $60,000 whereas the
demolition would cost approximately $35,000. John Dietz asked ifthe Historical Society has
been notified of this, and if would they want to share in the preservation costs. Staff responded
they have not contacted them as of yet, but will ask. Jeny Gumphrey will address this at the next
City Council workshop. Consensus is it would be too costly for the Utilities to solely assume
repairs and liability. If other contributors are willing to help. the tower could be saved.
Other Business
Vivian Schmidt, a long time employee of 30 years, will be retiring the end of May 2008. Staff is
in the process of finding a replacement for this position. hhere will be promotions within the
office which will open up a position for clerk/receptionist. This hiring process will be staged
u~~
Elk River
Municipal Utilities
13069 Orono Parkway • PO. Box 430
Elk Rive[, i~4N 55330-0430
n,~arct; ~';. 2008
7~0: Jerry Takle
President of Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
Prom: Bryan Adams
General Manager ~ ~
Subject Jackson Street Water Tower
Phone: 163.441.2020
Pax: 763.44 ] .8099
This memo is in response to your requests for more information on the Jackson Street Water
Tower. At our March 2008 Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission meeting, we discussed the
future of this tower. We either need to paint this structure or remove it. The estimated cost to
remove this tower is in the $35,000 range. 'The estimated cost of repainting is in the $55,000 to
$60,000 range and will need to be spent on a 10 to 12 year inten~al. Also b_v removing this tower
and pump house, this lot can be redeveloped.
Enclosed is the following information for your review.
1 j Picture of this 100,000 gallon water tower.
2) Aerial view of Jackson Water Tower area.
This tower was constructed in 1920 by Minneapolis Steel and Machinery Company and was the
beginnings of E!k River's Municipal water system. This tower and the "Cre?ex" water tower,
which was demolished in 200?, have not been in use since approximately 1986. When the water
tower on Freeport Ave. was constructed in 1985, the Jackson Ave. and Cretex towers became
obsolete due to their height. In ] 997, municipal well # 1 which is at the base of the Jackson Ave.
"Cower was properly abandoned.
In 2002, Utility staff proposed the Jackson Ave. Tower be demolished. It was decided at that
time to market this tower as a place to attach telecommunication antennas. These marketing
efforts have not been successful due to the towers' location and not being tall enough.
'There is nothing unique about this structure. Still in rural America in the small communities,
many of these to~~~ers are still in use. Due to the smaller capacity and limited height, these
structures often do nut meet today's fire flow and pressure needs for larger or growing
communities.
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Page 5
Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
April 17, 2008
look the same printing them in-house and staff responded that they would.
Glenn Sundeen reported that tree trimming continues with three crews focusing on that
completely. The issues that were found with the infrared study have now all been completed.
There was some proactive maintenance done to remove several porcelain cutouts and replace
them with polymer cutouts. Tn doing this many problems were discovered and he estimates that
they saved themselves from at least 6 outages by doing this maintenance. John Dietz stated that
he was out walking one Swrday and noticed that there were some utility employees doing some
work at a customer's place of business and questioned why that was done on a Sunday when we
would have to pay double time wages. Glenn responded that it was at the customer's request as
the only time they had available and we will always try to work with the customers.
5.2 Re~~ew Jackson Street Water Tower Issue
At our March 2008 Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission meeting, the future of the
Jackson Street Water Tower was discussed. The tower either has to be painted or removed. The
estimated cost to remove the tower is in the $35,000 range and then the lot can be redeveloped.
The estimated cost of painting is in the $55,000 to $60,000 range with repainting every 10 to 12
years.
Lori Johnson from the city was present to be able to report to the HPC when they meet to
discuss the future of the tower.
John Dietz made a motion that we recommend to the City Council that ifsomeone/organization
shared in the cost of painting the tower, the Elk River Municipal Utilities would move forward
with painting it Jeny Gumphrey seconded. Motion tamed 3-0.
63 Review & Consider Bid Tabulation for Electric Cable
On April 9, 2008, bids were received to furnish and deliver our electric cable needs for the
2008 planned work. Staff recommends awarding to the lowest responsive bidders, Border States
Electric Company for the primary cable and Resco Electric Utility Supply for the secondary cable.
John Dietz questioned how the escalation cost works. Staff responded.
Jerry Gumphrey made a motion to award the bid to Border States Electric Company for the
primary cable and Resco Electric Utility Supply for the secondary cable. John Dietz seconded the
motion. Motion carried 3-0.
6.4 Review & Consider Bid Tabulation for Install UG Cable
The 2008 electric budget contains a $180,000 item to replace the 30 year + cable in the
Brentwood area. On April 9, 2008, bids were received to install the underground cable. Staff will
be installing the necessary equipment basements, transformers, and cable terminations. Staff
recommends awarding to the lowest responsive bidder, Michels Pipeline Construction. Jerry
Gumphrey questioned the accuracy of the low bid since it was substantially below the others
presented. Staff responded that they did question the bidder and was told they really wanted the