11-09-2004 ERMU MIN ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
UTILITIES COMMISSION
November 9,2004
Members Present: Jerry Takle, President;James Tralle,Vice Chair
Absent: John Dietz, Trustee
Staff Present: Bryan Adams, General Manager; David Berg, Water Superintendent;
Patricia Hemza, Office Manager
Observing: Greg Scherber
1. Call meeting to order November 9,2004
President Jerry Takle called the November 9,2004 meeting to order.
2. Consider Utilities Agenda
Bryan Adams added 6.2 St Light to the agenda.
James Tralle moved to approve the November 9,2004 Utilities Agenda with the addition of 6.2.
Jerry Takle seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.
3. Consider Consent Agenda
James Tralle moved to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
October Check Register
October 11, 2004 Minutes
Financials
Jerry Takle seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.
5.1 Staff Up-dates
Bryan Adams updated the commission on the progress of the electrical projects, 25 new
services were installed in October, and the tree trimmers have started their work. An accident on
Co Rd 42 &Hwy 101 caused a major outage with crews having to restring the 3 phase line across
Hwy 101.
Bryan Adams said GRE will be meeting on Wednesday,November 10th and finalizing the
electric wholesale rate.
David Berg reported that 4 security systems were sold in October, Well#8 is on line every
other week. The water drained from the Foster tower on Johnson Street will be utilized by the
other water towers instead of being drained out on the ground.
Patricia Hemza notified the commission about an office employee that was let go, and the job
search has already been implemented.
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Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
November 9, 2004
5.2 Update Industrial& Commercial CIP
Salk Middle School is retrofitting a number of electric energy use systems that would qualify
for rebates. The 2004 rebate allotment for this is$14,071, however Connexus and GRE would
redistribute unused CIP monies in the general pool to raise the rebate to almost$18,000. Jerry
Takle questioned why there is a cap on some programs, Bryan Adams responded that was put in.
place so it would be dispersed more evenly than to one entity.
James Tralle moved to approve the rebate for the Elk River School. Jerry Takle seconded the
motion. Motion carried 2-0.
5.3 Review Water& Electric Financial Projections
Financial projections were discussed. Bryan Adams added that the City was going to raise
the sewer connection fee. James Tralle feels the water connection fee should also rise. Further
discussion followed on the amount. Commission agreed to wait until the next meeting to discuss
this further and reach a decision. No further action taken.
5.4 Review DNR Water Permit
With the addition of Well #8, DNR authorized a pumping rate increase from 5500 GPM to
6800 GPM. The water appropriation permit was discussed along with the terms and conditions.
One of the conditions of this permit is to implement conservation to our customers. Bryan Adams
showed the commission a few ideas on water conservation. No further action taken.
5.5 Review Water Hook-up Requirement
Bryan Adams relayed to the commission that the water hook-up requirement is still being
researched by the City Attorney. Discussion followed about the possibilities on enforcement of
water hook-ups. No further action taken.
6.1 Review and Consider Medical Insurance
Blue Cross Aware Gold, our current health care provider, will be raising our rates 15.9% as
of January 1,2005. Resource Training & Solutions Pool that we belong to has been looking into
alternatives for us. Different health insurance options were discussed. James Tralle questioned
who was in the insurance pool,he then informed of the possibility of the State setting up an
insurance plan for all government workers. Bryan Adams has talked with staff and said the
consensus was to wait until the June negotiating before changing insurance plans. Being the plan
runs from January thru December and they need a 30 day notification, it was decided to continue
with the current insurance plan for 2005 and make a decision for insurance for year 2006 at the
June 2005 wage and benefit discussions.
James Tralle moved to remain with Blue Cross Aware Gold insurance for the year 2005. Jerry
Takle seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.
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Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
November 9, 2004
6.2 St. Lights
A request has been made for a street light to be installed at 191S`Avenue and Xavier Street.
The house and vehicle at that corner have been hit by vehicles not seeing the 90°turn. The police
chief gave his recommendation for a light there.
James Tralle moved to install a street light at 191st Avenue and Xavier Street. Jerry Takle
seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.
Other Business
There was no other business.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission will be
Tuesday,December 14,2004.
President Jerry Takle adjourned the regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities
Commission at 5:00 p.m.
Respec . submitte%
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Judy McSpaddeN6
Recording Clerk