3.0 ERMUSR 10-15-2003 ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
UTILITIES COMMISSION
September 9, 2003
Members Present: John Dietz, President; Janies Tralle, Vice Chair; Jerry Takle, Trustee
Staff Present: Bryan Adams, General Manager; Glenn Sundeen, Line Superintendent; David Berg, Water
Superintendent; Patricia Hemza, Office Manager
Others Present: Pat Klaers, City Administrator
1. Call meeting to order September 9, 2003
President John Dietz called the September 9,2003 meeting to order.
2. Consider Utilities Agenda
Bryan Adams has one additional item to be discussed under Other Business.
James Tralle moved to approve the Agenda for September 9, 2003, with one addition. Jerry Takle
seconded the motion.
Staff responded to questions on the Financials, and the Check Register.
Motion carried 3-0.
.,.1 Staff Up-dates
Glenn Sundeen reported on various works, and rebuilds in progress, and those which have been
completed, noting that 45 connections were done in August, 2003.
Dave Berg updated the Commission on the water hook-ups on 4"' Street, noting that the project is nearly
complete. Dave also reported on the 29 fire hydrants that were opened in August, nearly draining one of the
water towers. Conversation between Staff, and Commission centered on how to deal with hydrant problems.
Pat Hemza advised Commission on health insurance percentage increases for 2004, the employee
Wellness Program offered by Principal, at no charge to employee, or Utility. Pat also suggested a Cycle
Program for Utility Billing. Staff, and Commission discussed the ways to accomplish the task, as well as the
reasons for the change. It was the consensus of the Commission, to have Staff proceed with plans to
implement the Cycle Bill Program.
5.2 Review & Consider Bids for Well #8
Bids for the construction of Well #8, were received on September 4, 2003. Staff responded to
Commission questions about the project, and gave their recommendation.
Jerry Takle moved to accept the lowest responsive bid from EH Renner& Sons. James Tralle seconded
the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
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Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
September 9, 2003
5.3 Review & Consider Bids for Raw Water Line
Bids for the 2003 Raw Watermain Improvements were received September 4, 2003. The project, and
Staff recommendations were discussed.
Jerry Trkle moved to accept the low bid from Penn Contracting, Inc. James Tralle seconded the
motion. Motion carried 3-0.
5.4 Review & Consider Bids for Plant 7 Modification
Bids were received on September 4, 2003 for Water Plant#7 Modifications. The project, and Staff
recommendations were discussed. Bids were higher than anticipated because of the electronics involved in
the project.
James Tralle moved to accept the low bid from Magney Construction. Jerry Takle seconded the
motion. Motion carried 3-0.
6.1 Review & Consider Capital Budget
Bryan Adams reviewed with Commission, the 2004 Capital Budget for administration, electric, and
water departments, as well as the proposed 10 year forecast, and a proposed Conservation Improvement
Program (CIP) budget. Bryan Adams answered questions regarding extraordinary items in the 2004 Budget.
John Dietz questioned the purchase of two additional new pick-ups, for the two new employed slated to
begin in 2004. Staff responded to the questions. Territory acquisition was discussed at length, with future
plans considered, and discussed. Territory acquisition is deemed to be very important to Commission.
6.2 Review August Electrical & Water Production
Bryan Adams advised Commission of the new consumption peaks for this year, with positive remarks
concerning our electrical system. Commission was interested in the fact that the landfill generator was
producing at capacity as usual, while wind generation was barely producing, as usual. Bryan Adams also
noted that rather than producing, the wind generator often draws off the system on peak days. Discussion
continued, with questions, and remarks concerning the black out in the East during the summer. A proposed
additional budget item in the CIP will be for balled,burlapped, two inch trees to be offered to customers to
provide shade on the south, and west sides of homes, for conservation. Commission responded positively to
the "Plant A Tree" proposed CIP program. Staff reported that the water system is responding well,but that
ground water levels, and long term ground water depletion, are being scrutinized carefully. The permanent
sprinkling restrictions were discussed.
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•gular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
September 9, 2003
6.3 Review Main St. Street Light Repairs
Staff feels that street light maintenance must be discussed during the budget process, and Bryan Adams
requests direction from Commission. The Utilities has begun to go beyond basic maintenance of street lights
for the City. The concern is the arm replacement, and anchor bolts. Pictures, and examples were provided
to Commission. The metal street light poles are badly in need of painting, which will be an expensive, as
well as an on-going process. John Dietz asked Bryan Adams what other Cities do, and further asked for a
survey of procedures. Pat Klaers offered comments from the City viewpoint. No action taken, discussion to
be continued at a future meeting.
Other Business
Bryan Adams explained that the American Legion has requested that water be provided to the
Veterans Memorial Park for watering. The City is presently installing a hydrant at the site. The question is
whether or not to waive the WAC fee for the installation. Discussion continued.
Jerry Takle moved to waive the WAC fee for the Veterans Memorial Park Site. James Tralle
seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
John Dietz inquired about the status of landscaping at the plant, and Staff updated the progress of the
project.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission will be held
October 15, 2003.
President Dietz adjourned the regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission at
5:35 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
•
Patricia Hemza
Office Manager