02-18-2003 ERMU MIN 1.
ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
UTILITIES COMMISSION
February 18, 2003
Members Present: James Tralle, President; John Dietz, Vice Chair; George Zabee, Trustee
Staff Present: Bryan Adams, General Manager; Glenn Sundeen, Line Superintendent; David Berg, Water
Superintendent; Patricia Hemza, Office Manager
1. Call meeting to order February 18, 2003
2. Consider Utilities Agenda
John Dietz moved to approve the Utilities Agenda for February 18, 2003, with the addition of 6.4
Write-Offs for 2002. George Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
3. Consider Consent Agenda
John Dietz moved to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
January, 2003 Check Register
January 14, 2003 Minutes
Financials
George Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
6.3 Review & Consider 2002 Annual Report
Bryan Adams reviewed the 2002 Annual Report to the City Council,highlighting 2002 major
accomplishments, and goals for 2003. James Tralle questioned the Utilities Mission Statement, and the
disclaimer attachment. Bryan Adams explained why the disclaimer was added, and James Tralle asked to
have it removed from the final report. James Tralle noted that the statistical charts were especially helpful.
It was the consensus of the Commission to approve the Annual Report for presentation to the City Council.
6.3 Review CIP Brochures
The reviewal of the CIP Brochures was explained by Staff, along with the plans for implementation
and the compliance with the state statute requiring the allocated amount of funds for Conservation
Improvement Programs to be spent. Contingencies for under-spending were discussed. No action
necessary.
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Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
February 18, 2003
6.4 Review& Consider Demolition of Water Tower
The removal of the Cretex Water Tower was discussed, as well as the repairs to the Jackson Street Water
Tower. A brief discussion followed. James Tralle asked Staff to return to the Commission if the anticipated
repairs to the Jackson Street Water Tower would be more than originally thought.
George Zabee moved to authorize the removal of the Cretex Water Tower. John Dietz seconded the
motion. Motion carried 3-0.
5.4 Review MMUA Rate Study
The annual review of rate comparisons for Minnesota Municipal Utilities was presented and
discussed. Bryan Adams explained how the comparisons are derived, and how Elk River stands in the
comparison. It was perceived by Staff and Commission that the standings are acceptable. James Tralle
asked Bryan Adams to include a short review of the rate comparison in the 2002 Annual Report to the City
Council. No action necessary.
6.3 Review Employee On Call Provisions
Bryan Adams advised the Commission that the hiring of an employee who lives .5 miles outside the on-
call provision would need Commission approval. The present provision was reviewed, and discussed. It is
the consensus of the Commission that each exception be approached, rather than changing the provision.
James Tralle moved to approve the exception of.5 miles for the prospective employee. John Dietz
seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
6.1 Review & Consider Modifications to Station 14
The review of the process and plans for the modification of Substation 14 was discussed, as well as
the reasons. A brief discussion followed regarding future sub-station needs.
John Dietz moved to proceed with the Substation 14 modifications, and the associated new feeder.
George Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
6.2 Review& Consider Phone System
Staff presented a proposal for the purchase of a phone system for the Elk River Utilities offices,
which would be moved to the City Hall wing, when the Utilities move. The present phone system was
discussed, with emphasis on the needs for the plant buildings. Staff is recommending the installation, citing
the reasons, which support the growing Utilities. John Dietz felt the installation could wait for a year, and
that at the time of the move, the Utilities should share the City phone system. James Tralle agreed.
James Tralle moved to table the discussion of a new phone system to the March, 2003 meeting, when
the City Electronics Technician can attend. John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
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Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
February 18, 2003
6.3 Acknowledge George Zabee
James Tralle presented a remembrance lamp from the Elk River Municipal Utilities to George
Zabee, and thanked him for his years of service to the Utilities. George Zabee responded with thanks, and
kind words for his years as part of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission. Mr. Zabee further gives
his best wishes to Commission and Staff It was noted that his time with the Utilities has been very well
spent. It is with sadness that all note his retirement from the ERMU.
6.4 2002 Write-Offs
The 2002 Write Offs were presented to the Commission, and discussed. Commission added that they
feel the list is reasonable.
George Zabee moved to approve the 2002 Write-Offs. John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion
carried 3-0.
Other Business
There was no Other Business to discuss.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission will be
March 18, 2003.
President Tralle adjourned the regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission at
5:05 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia Hemza
Office Manager