07-08-2003 ERMU MIN ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
UTILITIES COMMISSION
July 8, 2003
Members Present: John Dietz, President; Jerry Takle, Trustee
Members Absent: James Tralle, Vice Chair
Staff Present: Bryan Adams, General Manager; Glenn Sundeen, Line Superintendent; David Berg, Water
Superintendent; Patricia Hemza, Office Manager
1. Call meeting to order July 8, 2003
President John Dietz called the July 8, 2003 meeting to order.
2. Consider Utilities Agenda
Jerry Takle moved to approve the Agenda for July 8, 2003. John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion
carried 2-0.
3. Consider Consent Agenda
Jerry Takle moved to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
June Check Register
June 10, 2003 Minutes
Financials
John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.
5.1 Staff Up-dates
Glenn Sundeen reported that four major projects have been completed, 35 new services have been
connected, and that crews have begun four new projects. Commission and Staff discussed work in progress,
as well as future jobs.
Dave Berg reported to the Commission that the new water tower is now in service, the meter replacement
program, and new products for the Security Department.
Pat Hemza advised the Commission that Resource Training and Development, has dollars available for
employers to establish wellness programs for their employees. The planning amount to be reimbursed by
Resource is $100.00, with $540.00 available to fund the programs. The programs were viewed by
Commission as advantageous for both Utility, and employees.
Jerry Takle moved to take advantage of the wellness funds from Resource Training and Development for
employee programs. John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.
Commission was updated on the status of an employee seeking Workers Comp relief, and another
employee who is currently on FMLA, for an unknown amount of time.
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Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
July 8, 2003
5.2 Review& Consider Truck Bids
Bids for the Digger Derrick Electric Line Truck and Body were received on July 7, 2003. Bid tabulation
was presented to the Commission. Staff discussed, and explained the bids, with their recommendations.
John Dietz questioned the trade-in, asking if it would be prudent to keep the truck as a spare. The value of
the truck, the mechanical problems it has, and the maintenance were considered. It was noted that loaner
trucks are available, at less cost than the upkeep, and repairs to the trade-in truck.
Jerry Takle moved to accept the lowest responsive bid from Altec Industries, Inc., as presented, with
authorization to Staff to change from the Freightliner M2 model to the FL80, at an additional cost of
$900.00, if it appears to be a better model. John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.
5.3 Review 4th Engine/Generator at Landfill
The possibility of adding a 4th engine/generator at the LFG facility is currently being investigated.
It appears there will be enough gas to run the 4th engine, in about one year, which is the estimated time that
will be needed to secure the necessary air permits to run the 4th engine. The financial considerations were
presented, and discussed. Air permit increments, County approval, and the present conditions of the LFG
facility were further reviewed. It was the consensus of the Commission to authorize Staff to continue with
plans for adding a 4th engine at the LFG facility.
6.1 Review Great River Energy Wholesale Rate Structure
Bryan Adams reviewed the two tier rate being offered by Great River Energy. Details have been worked
out, except for the actual rate. Commission inquired about the impact on the rates the Utility charges
customers, and time lines, with responses from Bryan Adams.
6.2 Review Electric Reliability Standards
The Minnesota Energy, Security, and Reliability Act, and the Distribution Reliability Standards were
discussed. The items that ERMU are in compliance with, the record keeping requirements, and the items that
are not required to be reported on were reviewed.
6.3 Consider Bulk Watering Station
The 2003 budget contains a $40,000 item to construct a bulk filling station at another location.
Presently the hydrant adjacent to the 322 King Avenue facility serves as a bulk fill station, during normal
working hours. With the move to the new administration building, the Utility will no longer be able to
monitor the present site. Staff and Commission agreed that the reasons for providing a bulk filling station
are only service to the community, and protection against contamination of the water distribution system.
Costs of the bulk water fills were discussed. John Dietz asked Staff to survey other Utilities, regarding
charges for bulk water fills.
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Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
July 8, 2003
Jerry Takle moved to authorize the bulk filling station project. John Dietz seconded the motion.
Motion carried 2-0.
Other Business
John Dietz noted that the grass around the new building on Main Street is looking bad. Staff is
requested to either re-seed, or preferably sod the area.
Jerry Takle asked two questions, one on the Production Report, and one on the Electric Sales Report,
with response from Staff.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission will be held
August 12, 2003.
President John Dietz adjourned the regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
at 4:55 pm.
Res ectfully submitted,
Patricia Hemza
Office Manager