5.6. ERMUSR 03-13-20130
Elk River
Municipal Utilities
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UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
TO:
FROM:
Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
Troy Adams, P.E. — General Manager
John Dietz — Chair
Daryl Thompson — Vice Chair
Al Nadeau — Trustee
MEETING DATE:
AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:
March 19, 2013
5.6
SUBJECT:
2013 Minnesota Rural Water Association Water & Wastewater Technical Conference
BACKGROUND:
Minnesota Rural Water Association (MRWA) is a non - profit association governed by a board of
directors comprised of representatives from member water systems. The association's goals and
objectives are to assist communities in providing quality water supply and proper wastewater
treatment to rural areas. This is accomplished through MRWA technical assistance, training
sessions, system development assistance, community outreach, published training materials, and
advocacy.
On March 5- 7, the 29th Annual MRWA Water & Wastewater Technical Conference was held in
St. Cloud, MN. This conference includes training tracks for water, wastewater, groundwater,
and management. During this conference MRWA conducts water and wastewater license exam
refresher sessions and examinations. This annual conference is also host to a water /wastewater
industry and technology exhibition.
DISCUSSION:
Staff and I attended the conference this year. An update on some of the key topics will provided
at the time of the Commission meeting.
ACTION REQUESTED:
No action is required.
ATTACHMENTS:
• Minnesota Rural Water Association 2012 Annual Report
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Reliable PublicF
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Page 1 of 1
p 0 W I i 1 0 r
NATURE'
P O W I R r f T o S r w y r
;Vt6WJ-,Ot4 Rural Water Associati011
2012 Annual Report
Ittll U.111TEti
Excellence in Training and Technical Assistance
7
P
I
On the Web at. www.MRWA.com
'I'►'.7irli►,!r is a h:11 w, ;_►rc ,all It is one of the main reasons that we are in existence —
to provide classroom and on -site training to water and wastewater systems and governing
personnel on the most tip -to -date methods of efficient operations and management techniques.
I Hours Event
16
Attendees
6 Financing Your Community Projects ........................ 34
6 Engineering for Non - Engineers .. ............................... 21
Technical 2,042__
3 Board Training ......................... ...............................
112
6 Certification Refresher Courses . ...............................
78
4 Class E Small Public Water Systems
222
8 Class D Small Public Water Systems .......................
132
6 Cross Connection Control ......................
101
6 Hands -on Wastewater Treatment ..............................
30
6 Line Tracing ............................ ...............................
161
8 Operator Equipment Expo ...... ...............................
229
6 Water Operation & Maintenance ..........................
483
6 Water/Wastewater Treatment Processes ..................
52
6 Wastewater Operation & Maintenance ..................
416
6 Winterizing Your Water System
.. 26
Total Certification Hours Offered: 362
Page 2
Total Number
of Certification
Hours Earned:
23,331
Total Number
of Training
Sessions Held:
66
Total of Personnel
Trained:
Admin: " .
Decision Makers:
Government: 118
Operators: 2,526
Others: 435
Total: 3,173
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MRWA staff provides on -site technical assistance to operators, managers, and other
personnel of water and wastewater utilities geographically across the state of Minnesota.
On -Site Hours I otal Contacts
Water Program
340
134
Circuit Rider I —Mike Roers
161
445
Circuit Rider 2 —]eff Dale
52 1.2 5
472
Circuit Rider 3 —Kyle Kedrowski (9 months)
10 1 .25
350-75
Wastewater Program
Wastewater Technician 1 —Tim Ha-emeier
441 Sk)
458
Wastewater Technician 2 —Frank Stuemke
3�4
441.25
Financial Services Program
49066
39468
• Financial Services Planner —Teri Osterman
;.r `
180
Training Program
Training Specialist —Kyle Kedrowski (3 months)
58.50
60
Source Water Program
FSA Source Water Specialist —Aaron Meyer
340
134
Source Water Specialist —Mike Strodtman
296.50
80
Source Water Specialist —Dave Neiman
224
68
Source Water Specialist —Robyn Hoerr
168
107
NM /NTNC Program
NonMunicipal Advisor —Don Christianson
408.75
334
NTNC Advisor /Trainer Jennifer Koeni-
1 83.7 5
338
GRAND TOTAL
49066
39468
oral Report 2012 Page 3
MRWA provides classroom and on -site training to water systems and governing personnel
on the most up -to -date methods of efficient operations and management techniques. MRWA
offers management and specialized training to operators, managers, board members, decision
makers, councils, government personnel, administrators, and other interested personnel.
MRWA lost EPA funding for the Training Specialist program in September 2011 and
regained funding in September of 2012. MRWA's Training Specialist is Kyle Kedrowski.
Training Sessions Held: 11
Training Session Attendance-, 483
Number of Systems Benefitted. by
Training Sessions: 275
TOTAL TRAINING HOURS: 82.5
P•& 4
"MRWA provides excellent (and affordable) training, technical assistance, and educational opportuni-
ties for many small systems that would otherwise lack adequate operation and maintenance programs,
requiring additional funding for aging and potentially failing infrastructure. Our cityhas directly
benefitted from MRWA by sending our operators to training conferences and equipment expos.
Groups such as MRWA and others like them are excellent examples of responsible and efficient
governmental funding getting to those who need it at the frontline. We urge continued funding of
MRWA to insure `Quality on Tap'."
-Dave Ooergen & Brian (_lison, Public \Yorks Coordinator & I )hector, (. :ity of Edina
"I want to THANK YOU for the technical support you have given our small city this past year. The
educational training sessions you provide that offer certification hours toward our maintenance
employee's licenses are great. With money tight, we reallyappreclate your training sessions
close to ourarea at little or no cost, The assistance you have provided us this year with our
Wellhead Protection Plan has been invaluable and the funding you provided through loans helped us
complete a huge water /sewer /street project. Thanks again and keep up the good, work!"
—Vicki `Fulihaski, laity Clerk, laity of Arevlc
lease let me take a few moments of your time to thank you for all the things your organization
provides for our city. First, all of the assistance you provided over the years in the initial steps of our
groundwater Wellhead Protection Plan and now the updates we are required to do as part of the plan.
When we have our SE Operators school in March, you are there to show your support of the operators
and to ask if there is anything we need help with. You put on many different one -day schools all across
Minnesota with a smorgasbord of topics that are relevant to our profession. Last, you line up and put
on a one -day operator equipment expo. Keep the information and assistance flowing."
\Iirburl liurt;clm rl, hil,li< ,rl:, I)Irc( tor, t 11:
"I wanted to send you a note to let you know how thankful we are for the services you offer our small
community each year. The city of Wolf Lake, population. 57, would not be able to keep our wastewater
system running without you. We don't have the funds to purchase high priced equipment that is not
used on a daily basis for our system, and we have used the services of Frank Stuemke repeatedly
throughout the year. Mr. Stuemke has helped our newly licensed wastewater operator numerous times
with paperwork, technical questions, and general knowledge. We want you to know we find your
services to our small community invaluable "
Lori 1 „uu_t , laity Clerk, L u.) of Xk oil Lakc
0 al Rgmrt 2012 Page 5
MRWA provides classroom training to wastewater systems and governing personnel for
wastewater issues. MRWA's Wastewater Advisors are experienced operators /technicians/
teachers that travel the entire state, day -in and day -out to provide immediate on -site, hands -
on technical assistance to small systems and USDA Rural Development wastewater system
borrowers and /or potential borrowers. The Wastewater Technical Advisors and Trainers are
Tim Hagemeier and Frank. Stuemke.
Training Sessions Held: 20
Training Session Attendance: 558
Number of Systems Benefitted by
Training Sessions: 272 t
rT'OTAI. TRAINING HOURS: 128
Minnesota Systems Benefitted by Assistance of:
♦ Operation /Maintenance Contacts: 320
♦ Treatment Contacts: 85
♦ Management /Finance Contacts: 202
♦ Compliance Contacts: 51
♦ Security: 36
♦ Telephone Assistance Contacts: 26.25
♦ Training & Other Contacts: 179
TOTAL CONTACrhS: 899.25
Minnesota Rural Water Association's Circuit Riders are experienced operators/
technicians /teache.rs that travel the entire state, day-in and day-out to provide immediate
on -site, hands -on technical assistance to small systems and USDA Rural Development
water system borrowers and /or potential borrowers. The Circuit Riders are Mike Roers and
Jeff Dale. A third Circuit Rider position for 9 months in 2012 was held by Kyle Kedrowski.
Minnesota Systems Benefitted by Assistance of:
Operation & Maintenance Contacts: 647
Management /Finance Contacts: 213
Loan Assistance Contacts: 42
• Treatment Contacts: 201
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Compliance Contacts:
Security Contacts: 16
Telephone & Other Contacts.. 127.75
TOTAL CONTACTS: 1,267.75
6 al Report 2012 Page 7
The FSA Source Water Protection (SWP) Program works closely with state and federal
agencies to identify priority areas where local pollution prevention efforts are needed to
protect drinking water supplies. Local teams are created to help guide the creation of SWP
plans which are written to promote clean water in the local community. The SWP Specialist
helps develop and implement these source water protection plans in an effort to protect
drinking water supplies. The FSA USDA Source Water Specialist is Aaron Meyer.
• perpetual easements to protect drinking water supplies
totaling over a million in. funds.
• P ;1 r t 11 t -1 (-(1 with various agencies to provide conservation program
materials to all landowners with cropping history located in
sensitive groundwater areas.
• Implemented nitrogen best management
practices with landowners across the
state to reduce nitrate levels within
public drinking water supplies.
Public Water Suppliers now have t (i i ,,, l t i i, i t) r k� t� t r 14 )11
within their Drinking Water Supply Management Area.-
• Red Rock Rural Water District (Cottonwood County) -
Total population served 8,000 which includes the
communities of Butterfield, Delft, Dovray, Dundee,
Garvin, Odin, Ormsby, Storden, and Wilder.
Rock County Rural Water District (Rock County) -
Total population served 3,000 including four
communities: Hills, Steen, Magnolia, and Beaver Creek.
Page 8
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"MRWA has provided our operators with information, education, and hands -on training. The city of
Glenwood has used the services of MRWA for licensing operators, locating water lines, setting rates,
calibrating lift stations, and helping with wellhead protection. MRWA either has the answers to
aurr questions or is able to obttin the information we are requesting 99
--Dm id Perryinan, Public Works Directo„-. City 4 ("Iefixv
"The city of Bird Island would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all your help and dedication to
small water /wastewater systems throughout the state. During these difficult economic times, the services provided
by MRWA are more important now than ever before. Your expertise, knowledge, and training skills are invalua-
ble. In 2012 we were fortunate to have your assistance in locating a water main break and help with water
treatment issues. Your organization goes above and beyond the call of duty to assist small communities such as
our own. We can always count on and trust your organization and excedlentstaff"
-1)u19 Ltngl, Administrator, City of t_iird Island
"MRWA has been extremely helpful in matters such as our Wellhead Protection Plan and our wastewater
treatment system with training programs for our employee's licensure for our water and wastewater system. We
4 4`"l that MRWA is vital to compliance ofall the emi ronmental mandates under the Safe Drinking
eel
Act. We feel that MRWA and all the programs they provide should be fully funded and supported."
"MRWA helped us complete Part 1 & 1 of Willow River Wellhead Protection Plan, which included many com-
ponents. The preparation of a program such as this is almost impossible for small cities such as Willow River,
who usually have only one full -time employee. Without the help of MRWA professionals such as Dave Neiman,
we would not have been able to comply with Minnesota State Law in past years, MR WA has helped
with identifying l &I, televising mains, smoke testing, and providing assistance for many items that would have
been outside of our expertise and out of our reach financially. You truly are a blessing for small cities."
Connie Ecklund, City Clerk, City of Willow }fiver
"We are a small city (pop. 602) that does not have a lot of revenue. MRWA i5 veryirnportant to us `1'ou
have equipment that we simply can't afford to have on hand."
"During this past year, technical assistance has been provided to us with added information on new rules and
during spring flooding. The programs and equipment supplied through MR WA have made us more
efficient in our operation and compliance. "
.,, ,u Iii, ,,,pk- iritendcnt, I lalstacl Municipal U'tilitrk
0 Report 2012 Page 9
Minnesota Rural Water Association's Groundwater / Source Water Protection Special-
ist's offer an opportunity for public water suppliers to develop wellhead protection plans
to protect the quality of drinking water using local community resources. They also work
with implementation of those plans and are available to provide information and training
for City Councils, Boards, Utility Commissions,
other local community leaders, and Source Water
Protection Team members. The Source Water
Specialists are Robyn Hoerr, Mike Strodtman, and
Dave Neiman,
On -Site Visits: 255
On -Site Hours: 688.5
Hours Developing; & Implementing
Wellhead Protection Plans & Source
Water Protection Plans: 1,695.25
Page 10
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Minnesota Rural Water Association offers technical assistance and training to non -
municipal and nontransient /noncommunity water suppliers in Minnesota. These systems
are required to have licensed water operators and to provide a safe and adequate supply of
water under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Minnesota Rural Water Association
provides free of charge training sessions for the operators of nonmunicipal and non -
transient/noncommunity water systems. The 'Technical Advisors are Don Christianson and
Jennifer Koenig,
Training Sessions Meld: 19
Number of Attendees-, 354
Total NM ®n -site Contacts: 334
total NTNC ®n�site Contacts: 338
T'O'TAL CONI'ACYS: 672
WI Report 2012 page 11
The Financial Services Planner focuses on the financial and managerial aspects pertaining
to municipalities. This position focuses on helping systems with rates studies, wellhead
protection plans, services for city clerks and administrators in management and financial
issues. The Financial Services Planner travels the entire state to provide immediate on -site
advice and assistance to systems. The Financial Services Planner is Teri Osterman.
This program focuses ono
♦ On -site training for new clerks /treasurers,
♦ Software training for utility billing,
♦ Consulting administrative services for cities,
♦ Work with systems on utility improvement needs,
♦ Prepare rate studies to ensure adequate revenue,
♦ Ordinances, funding options, computer
technology and electronic reporting forms,
Write Wellhead Protection Plans and assist with WHP Implementation activities,
Conduct Potential Contaminant Source Inventories and land use planning,
Assist with comprehensive planning activities, •
AND, a resource for all your municipal management questions.
Specialized Fee -B sed Training C "lasses (.offered by MRWA:
MRWA hosts specialized, hands -on training sessions throughout the year bringing a
much needed training niche to Minnesota including the largest water and wastewater
technical conference in Minnesota. MRWA added line tracing sessions, water /
wastewater treatment processes, and hands-on specialized wastewater training in 2012.
(Y PSA T 1 S Services Offered by MRWA:
Through the implementation of GPS & GIS technology,
MRWA can effectively produce hard copy and digital maps
to be utilized by system personnel for water and /or
wastewater facilities in the state. With this service available
from MRWA, utilities can obtain new and accurate maps
to better manage their infrastructure assets.
Page 12
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"MRWA took an active part in the development of our Wellhead Protection Plan and knew our goals.
MRWA met with our city engineer and city staff to research areas that would enable the city to best meet the
safe water needs of our residents. MRWA offers many wonderful training opportunities for staff and council
members. As mayor, I have attended numerous training sessions and always learn frrom MRWA staff"
.- Andrea Lduur, Mayor, l.►ty of Royalton
"During the last year, technical assistance has been provided in many ways. We received help in locating our
wastewater I &I, analyzing our water and sewer rates, developing a groundwater wellhead protection plan,
televising a sewer collection line, training to renew certification, and funding for a project. The largest impact
came during June when severe flooding hit our area. AM WA was instrumental in abowirngour°
community to recover firorml this disaster. "
1 - , <tlt, i uirit� ," -I r.- :+t : t lntendent, City of Carlton
"Franklin is a very small community with limited, resources. MRWA has assisted with technical aid,
education, training, and interim financing. MRWA's knowledge and assistance has provers invaluable
and helps to keep small systems like ours in compliance with state and federal regulations."
Wendv 1'rdersoti, City Clerk, (.1ty of Franklin
We training and educational opportunities that MRWA offered to our staff over the years has been great.
Our water division has also taken advantage of MRWA staff in the area of leak detection. A number of
times we have had water main breaks and were unsure of the proper location to dig. It is a nice resource to
call and request assistance with the location of the break with no charge to the city or it's taxpayers. The
MRWA web site is listed in our computer as one of our favorites. It is a very well thought out web site
that is easy to move around in and offer many valuable resources of information and education."
-- Doug Lien, Water 1)0-181 0t► Matnager, CAI-V of Nortl►fteld
"Without MRWA's help with educational classes offered over the years, it would be nearly impossible to
beep up-to -date on licenses, let alone increase to another levellicernse. Thank you Jeff Dale for the
help with problem hydrants that we have and Robyn Hoerr for helping us create the wellhead protection plan.
Without her, I'm not sure where we would be today. Robyn has also helped us apply for grants to reduce costs
to us and the citizens of Chatfield."
t •t t.iii IIkirkholklt t, t'ity of Chatfield
"Without MRWA's technical support and expertise, we would not have been able to afford the cost if
we had to hire a private company to help us. MRWA is always there for questions or concerns that we may
have. They have been very professional in our dealings with them."
Paul [ [off, 'flavor, 0tv of ( )ndor« <
WI Report 2012 Page 13
MRWA Mission Stateniew
"To provide the latest information, education; and technical assistance to
protect our public waters and improve the quality of life in Minnesota."
MRWA would like to thank our members for their strong
support and their continued participation in Minnesota Rural
Water Association's activities, Yhis truljj'ss yourAssociatlon!
Associate Membership
Active Membership
Industry Membership
W rAL
946
Minnesota Kura[ Water Association 2012 Miles By Program
Circuit Riders., ............. oo.....000............00000000 ............<.... 68,859
Wastewater Technicianas «v oo.o.000 o<oo.e> ov o».<o.vo..>oe o< oo.000> o«oo.00 . >e ............................ 65,767
Financial Services Planner .... ...........00 »o<. o «<o.o............... 000. >ooa<o..ow......o ....... ... 57,881
Training Specialist ....... ....0000 >o.00000000000o « > «..... .....<o oe o > ............................. 0000 .000 31,088
FSASource Water Specialist ........0000 ............. °.0000 ..0000...... «a «o <oe ................ 000.. 16,757
Source Water Specialists <e ............... 0000<><o.o.......... ........ <o ><o<........0000..... .... ..... � 48,325
Nontrannsiennt /Nounmu nicipal'Technical Advisors 0000...— o >o<oo>oo— .........o....— . —..... 69,257
Administrator o>o— ....... 00000.o........... — **.< >«000.o«...... >o »0000000<o< .— o<oe<oo<>—*....**..0000 179027
7, TOTAL .... o..... eo. ..........**— 3549961
Page 14
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MRWA visits systems in all 8 Congressional Districts with a focus on small rural areas
with populations under 10,000. MRWA's technical advisors help systems to assure the
most effective use of scarce funding is being utilized, ensures problems are being solved
for the least expense, and assists in better communication and cooperation between local
officials.
�enator.s AtTiv KlAuchar & Al Franken
3,094 technicafl oar -site assistance & 3,173 personnel trained.
District 1 —Ret-N. Tim Wale
614 technical on -site assistance & 474 personnel trained.
T)istrict 2 —Rep. ,John Kline
139 technical on -site assistance & 315 personnel trained.
District 3—Rep. Erik Paulsen
OFtechnical on -site assistance & 192 personnel trained.
District 4 —Rep. Betty McCollum
30 technical on -site assistance & 183 personnel trained.
District 5 —Rep. Keith Ellison
6 technical on -site assistance & 84 personnel trained.
District 6— lkei.). Michele Bachniann
408 technical on -site assistance & 491 personnel
trained.
I)istrict i --Rep. Collin C. Peterson
19135 technical on -site assistance & 869 personnel
trained.
District S- --Rep. Rick Nolan
731 technical on -site assistance & 515 personnel
trained.
oral Report 2012 Page 15
2012 MRWA Board of Directors
NVP ivo rk foI- W N 1r
We are a non- profit association governed by
a board of directors.
We are staffed with 17 full -tune personnel
trained to offer on -site technical assistance
and training to water and wastewater system
personnel in managerial, financial,
operation and maintenance of systems., and
source water protection. MRWA is funded
through grants, contracts, and memberships
to allow us to offer our services at no charge
to community water and wastewater systems
and rural water districts with populations under 10,000.
2012 MRWA Board of Directors: (bottom roan left to right) Tracy Bergh, Director —North Kittson
Rural Water; Steve Burklund, Chairman —City of Milaca; Les Anderson, Vice Chairman and
National Director —Red Rock Rural Water; Rod Spronk, Secretary - Treasurer — Lincoln Pipestone
Rural Water; (top row left to right) Ron Abrahamson, Director — Marshall & Polk Rural Water;
Scott Flatland, Director — Kittson Marshall Rural Water; Del Walraven Director —Rock County
Rural Water (alternate Brent Hoffman pictured); and Allan Rutter, Director —City of Cyrus.
Decisions made today will determine your system's future!
MINNESOTA RURAL WATER AssocIATION
217 12TH AVENUE SE
ELBow LAKE, MN 56531
PHONE: 800 - 367.6792
FAX. 218. 685 -5272
E -MAIL. MRWA @MRWAXOM I rA �k WEB- WWW >MRWA >cOM 6UitAL WATER
A.5 SO CI ATInN
Excellence in Training &
Technical Assistance
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