10-11-2004 ERMU MIN ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
UTILITIES COMMISSION
October 11,2004
Members Present: Jerry Takle,President;James Tralle,Vice Chair;John Dietz,Trustee
Staff Present: Bryan Adams,General Manager; Glenn Sundeen,Line Superintendent;David
Berg,Water Superintendent;Patricia Hemza,Office Manager
1. Call meeting to order October 11,2004
President Jerry Takle called the October 11,2004,meeting to order.
2. Consider Utilities Agenda
James Tralle moved to approve the October 11,2004,Utilities Agenda. John Dietz seconded
the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
3. Consider Consent Agenda
James Tralle moved to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
September Check Register
September 21,2004 Minutes
Financials
John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
5.1 Staff Up-dates
Glenn Sundeen reported on the status of the current electrical projects and the 12 new
services installed since the last meeting. He also reported on the two outages and the response to
them.
David Berg said there were six more security systems sold. Well#8 is now on line and Well
#2 will be shut down to install the telemetry system.
Patricia Hemza relayed to the commissioners that the new billing system is going well and
will satisfy our needs. There were over 200 applicants for the office job opening,and staff is
currently interviewing.
Bryan Adams shared a letter of appreciation from a senior citizen organization on an electric
safety presentation that Mike Thiry gave. Discussion ensued regarding the importance of
customer relations.
5.2 Review Proposed 2005 CIP Budget
The 2005 conservation improvement programs(CIP)were discussed. The state statute
requires 1'/2%of the electric gross revenues for the year 2004 be spent on the CIP program in
2005. The anticipated amount for the 2005 CIP program is approximately$200,180. GRE will
be reimbursing an estimated$35,000 which leaves$165,180 that would be funded through rates.
Discussion followed regarding expenditures and goals. This will be revisited at the next meeting.
No further action necessary.
Page 2
Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
October 11,2004
5.3 Review and Consider Proposed 2005 Expense Budget
Water connection fees and rates were discussed. Bryan proposed the water rate be increased
instead of the connection fee. Bryan relayed to the commission that a new well with a raw water
line is approximately half the cost of a new well and water treatment system. The water rates,
electric rates,and connection fees were also discussed. He also added that there would be a
number of large commercial services being added in 2005. Further review of the estimated budget
and expenses brought up some questions regarding the health insurance,bad debts,and
disconnects with staff responding. This will be revisited at the next meeting. No further action
necessary.
6.1 Review and Consider Bids for Water Tower Painting
The bid tabulation for the cleaning,repairing,and painting of the Auburn Street water tower
was presented to the commissioners. Recommendation for the lowest responsive bidder,Classic
Protective Coatings,Inc.be awarded the bid for reconditioning Auburn Street water tower.
James Tralle moved to award the reconditioning of Auburn Street water tower to Classic
Protective Coatings,Inc. John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
6.2 Acknowledge Resignation of Laborer
Staff received a resignation letter from the laborer that was hired in April of 2004. Bryan
Adams discussed the various job duties of this position and would like to redefine the laborer
duties.
James Tralle moved to approve redefining the description and fill this vacant laborer position.
John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission will be
Tuesday,November 9,2004.
President Jerry Takle convened the meeting at 5:25 p.m. and will reconvene at 6:30 p.m. at the
Joint City Council/Commission Meeting at Lions Park Center.
Meeting was reconvened at approximately 7:00 p.m. Presentations were given by Planning,Parks
and Recreation,EDA,Heritage Preservation,Ice Arena,HRA,and Library. Jerry Ta de presented
the mission and goals of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission. James Tralle discussed
the benefits to the City,CIP programs,and security systems.
President Jerry Takle adjourned the joint meeting at apprdximately 8:40 p.m.
.ectfully sub ed,
' 11111111111-A.
Judy McSp '•en
Recording Clerk