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3.0 ERMUSR 04-13-2004 ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES REGULAR MEETING OF THE UTILITIES COMJ HSSION March 9,2004 Members Present: John Dietz, President; Jerry Takle, Vice Chair; James Tralle,Trustee Staff Present: Bryan Adams, General Manager; Glenn Sundeen,Line Superintendent; David Berg, Water Superintendent; Patricia Hemza, Office Manager 1. Call meeting to order March 9,2004 President John Dietz called the March 9, 2004 meeting to order. 2. Consider Utilities Agenda Jerry Takle moved to approve the Agenda for the March 9,2004,as presented. John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. 2a. Election of Officers for 2004 James Tralle moved to appoint Jerry Takle, President; James Tralle, Vice Chair,and John Dietz,Trustee. Jerry Takle seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. 3. Consider Consent Agenda James Tralle moved to approve the Consent Agenda as follows: February Check Register February 10,2004 Minutes Financials Jerry Takle seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. 5.1 Staff Up-dates Glenn Sundeen relayed information regarding an outage along Hwy 169 by Taco Bell that affected a large area due to a pole fire. Loss of electrical service to these customers was restored within a few hours. He also apprised the commission on the progress of current projects and the extremely busy year ahead. Otsego's new policy on underground electrical was discussed, with concerns on the cost difference of the overhead add-on versus underground taps. David Berg reported on the status and upcoming completion of the Well#3 upgrade. He also informed on the status of Well #8 and the depth of this well being around 350' deep when finished. He further added there were 22 new water services, 36 electric services, and 7 security systems installed in the month of February. Patricia Hemza informed the commissioners about the upcoming audit,and that preparations are under way for the move. They were also told about the new register and check signer/endorser that will be utilized by the office staff Bryan Adams reported on Sherburne County population statistics for 2003. Rochester Public Utilities is pursuing power line carrier for Telecommunications with a pilot project. He also brought to the commission a possible arrangement with Connexus to be able to tie into our electrical system thus enabling them to remove an overhead transmission line through Elk Ridge Center,Brentwood, Cherrywood Hills, and Lafayette Woods developments. Commissioners were in favor of this arrangement. Page 2 Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission March 9, 2004 5.2 Review and Adopt Electric Reliability Standards Distribution Reliability Standards policy was reviewed and the commission was asked their preference as to keeping the longer version or shorter version. James Tralle expressed the importance of leaving in the section pertaining to planned outage notifications,Jerry Takle questioned the record keeping of transmission voltage loss with GRE. Bryan Adams stated that it has been difficult to get transmission voltage and outage information from GRE. James Tralle asked the importance of transmission information and Bryan Adams said it was mainly for our information in responding to outages. James Tralle moved to approve the short version of the Distribution Reliability Standards with the addition of the planned outage notifications, seconded by Jerry Takle. Motion carried 3-0. 5.3 Review and Consider Authorization to Hire Lineperson Bryan Adams discussed the need for an additional lineperson. John Dietz questioned how he would be utilized. Glenn Sundeen explained the situations that would require the extra person. James Tralle moved to approve the hiring of an additional line person,Jerry Takle seconded. Motion carried 3-0. 5.4 Update ERMU move to New Administration Building Bryan Adams updated the Commissioners on the projected move date with the possible closing of the King Avenue office on Friday,April 30th. He then handed out a proposed brochure to be sent with the April bills informing our customers of the upcoming move,with another brochure to be sent with the May bill telling them about our new location. Discussion followed regarding the possible shared expenses with the City at the new location for maintenance,cleaning of the office and monthly bills for power, gas, etc. James Tralle asked if the project was still under budget,Bryan Adams stated it was. 5.5 Review and Consider Water Bulk Rate The new bulk water station is now operational. Discussion followed regarding the use and rates. A letter was sent to the Chief of Police,Jeff Beahen,regarding the new facility and asked them to be aware of any unauthorized hydrant use. James Tralle expressed his concern that the police department should be aware of what a backflow preventer looks like so as to better patrol for violations. Bryan Adams said he would provide a picture to the police department. 6.1 Review MMUA Bond Pool Concept Bryan Adams explained the NthilUA Bond Pool Concept. Jerry Trade questioned the time period. James Tralle questioned the bond rating. It was the consensus that someone from MMUA appear at the next meeting to answer some questions. 6.2 Review and Consider Bid Tabulation for 600 amp Switchgear The bid tabulation for the 600 amp Switchgear was reviewed, with Bryan Adams asking for authorization to purchase 10 aluminum units from the low bidder, Wesco. These would be shipped at different times through out the year. Motion by Jerry Takle to approve purchasing the equipment from Wesco,seconded by James Tralle. Motion carried 3-0. Page 3 Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission March 9,2004 6.3 Review and Consider Bid Tabulation for UG Portion of New Feeder Staff recommends the lowest responsive bidder,North Central Services be awarded the contract to install underground electrical for the new feeder project. Discussion followed regarding working with this company. Glenn Sundeen said he would have Mike Thiry be on site for the inspection of this project. James Tralle questioned the possibility of hiring a semi-retired lineman to oversee the job. Staff felt it would be more confusing to bring in someone unaware of our requirements. Jerry Takle moved to approve North Central Services,James Tralle seconded. Motion carried 3-0. Other Business Staff questioned commission,as to what will happen to the current building when the move to the new facility is completed. John Dietz indicated the current plan was to demolish the building and use the space for parking. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission will be April 13, 2004. Jerry Takle advised he would not be available for the next regularly scheduled meeting. He will review the next meeting issues and respond if necessary. President Jerry Takle adjourned the regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission at 5:15 p.m. • -spectfully submi - Nip Judy Mc padde% Recording Clerk