4.2. SR 03-15-2004MEMORANDUM
Item 4.2.
TO:
Mayor and City Council
FROM:
Pat Klaers, City Administrator
DATE: March 15, 2004
SUBJECT: Utilities Commission Update
Councilmember John Dietz is the City Council representative on the Elk River Municipal Utilities
Commission. At the March 15, 2004 City Council meeting, John is scheduled to provide the Council
with an update on Utilities activities.
Attached for your review are draft minutes from the March 9, 2004 Utilities Commission meeting.
S: I CouncillPatl Updates I Utilities.doc
MAR-12-2004 08:39AM FRO~ERM~ 763-441-8099 T-$97 P.002/004 F-183
ELK RIVER MIINICIPAL UTILITIES
REGULAR MEETING OF TI-Il;'.
UTILITIES COMMISSION
March 9, 2004
Members Present: John Dietz, President; Jerry Talde, Vice Chair, James Tralle, Trustee
Staff Present: Bryan Adams, General Manager; Glenn Sundeeth Line Superintendent; David Berg,
Water Superintendent; Patficia Hemza, Office Manager
1. CaU meeting to order March 9~ 2004
President John Dietz called the March 9, 2004 meeting to order.
2. Consider Utilities Agenda
Jerry Talde moved to approve the Agenda for the March 9, 2004, as presented. John Dic~z seconded the
motion. Motion carded 3-0.
2a. Election of Officers for 2004
James Tralle moved to appoint JelTy Takle, President; James Tralle, Vice Chair, and John Dietz, Trustee.
Jerry Takle seconded thc motion. Motion carried 3-0.
3. Consider Consent Agenda
James Trall¢ moved to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
February Check Register
February 10, 2004 Minutes
Financials
Jerry Talde seconded the motion. Motion carded 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 horn's. 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 mxderground taps. David Berg reported on the stares and upcoming completion of the Well #3 upgrade.
I-Ie also informed on r, he status of Well #8 and the depth oftlfis well being around 350' deep when finished. He
further added tlxere were 22 new water services, 36 electric services, and 7 security systems installed in the
month of February. Patricia Hemza infonued the commissioners about the upcoming audk, and that
preparations are Lmder way ~br 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 Sherbume County population statistics for
2003. Rochester Public Utilities is pursuing power line carder for Telecommunications with a pilot project.
He also brought to the cormnission a possible arrangement with Connexus to be able to fie into our electrical
system thos enabling them to remove an overhead transmission line through Elk Ridge Center, Brentwood,
Cherrywood Hills, and Lafayette Woods developments. Commissioners were in favor of*his arrangement.
MAR-lZ-ZOO4 08:3gAM FROIVI"ERMU 763-441-80gg T-Bg? P.O03/OO4 F-183
Page 2
Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
March 9, 2004
$.2 Review and Adopt Electric Reliability Standards
Disu'ibuti.on 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, Jen'y Talde questioned the record keeping of ~ransmisslon
voltage loss with GRE. Bryans Adams stated that it has been difficult to get transmission voltage and outage
information fi:om GRE. James Tralle asked the importance ofwansmission information and Bryan Adams said
it was mainly for our infol~ation in responding to outages.
Sames 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 l&ing of an additional line person, Jerry Talde 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 30~. 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 m the Chief of Police, JeffBeahen, regarding the new facility and asked them to be aware of any
unauthorized hydram use. James Tralle expressed his concern that the police depm'anent should be aware of
what a bacldlow 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 MMUA Bond Pool Concept. Jerry Talde questioned the rime period. James
Tralle questioned the bond rating. It was the consensus that someone from MMUA appear at the next meeting
to maswer some questions.
6.2 Review and Con_.~i_der Bid Tabulation for 600 amp Switchgear
The bid tabulation for the 600 amp Switchgear was reviewed, wi~ Bryan Adams asking for authorization
to purchase 10 aluminum units from the low bidder, Wesco. These would be shipped at different times tluough
out the year.
Motion by ~erry TakIe to approve purchasing the equipment from Wesco, seconded by James Tralle. Motion
carried 3-0.
MAR-12-ZO04 08:39AM FROM-ERMU 763-441-8088 T-687 P.004/004 F-183
Page 3
Regtflar meeting of the Ell( River Municipal Utilities Commission
March 9, 2004
6.3 Review and Consider Bid Tabnla6on for UG Portion of New Feeder
§tall 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. Stuff felt it would be more
confusing to bring in someone unaware of ot~ requirements.
,lerry 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 regttlarly 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 .lerry Takle adjourned the regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission at
5:15 p.m.
Recording Clerk