09-21-2004 ERMU MIN ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
UTILITIES COMMISSION
September 21,2004
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 September 21,2004
President Jerry Takle called the September 21,2004 meeting to order.
2. Consider Utilities Agenda
Bryan Adams added 6.3 to the agenda.
James Tralle moved to approve the September 21,2004,Utilities Agenda with the addition of 6.3.
John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
3. Consider Consent Agenda
James Tralle moved to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
August Check Register
August 10,2004 Minutes
August 25,2004 Minutes
Financials
John Dietz asked a number of questions about the financials with staff responding.
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 that there were 40
new services installed in the month of August. He also notified the Commission of his concern
with the Deerfield area because of the 3 faults that occurred within the last 2 weeks. The splices
appeared to be part of the problem.
David Berg said 12 security systems were installed in the month of August,six were
purchases and six were leased,he added that the ad in the paper seems to be helping. He also
reported on the status of the Wells and that staff has been checking valve boxes to make sure they
are up to grade and checking the hydrants to make sure they are in working condition. John Dietz
questioned the condition of the 5th Street water lines and valve boxes. David Berg said they are in
very poor condition and some of the valve boxes can not be turned at all to allow for turning off
water mains. Discussion followed regarding the future upgrade which would solve this problem.
Bryan Adams informed the Commission on the proposal being considered for locating water
and sewer lines in right-of-way being the responsibility of the municipality. He also informed
them of the new formula for calculating overtime for employees on stand-by.
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Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
September 21,2004
5.2 Review GRE Wholesale Power Cost Proposal
The 2005 Wholesale Electric Rates were discussed. Bryan Adams reviewed the current rate
structure along with the proposed rate increase for 2005. Draft wholesale electric rates for 2005
reflect an approximate 2.56%increase. Recommendations will be revisited at a future meeting.
5.3 Review Capital Projects Budget
The 2005 Capital Budget for administration,electric,and water was discussed. The water
tower repairs and upgrades,water main replacement on 5th Street,and continuation of purchasing
equipment/software for GIS system to locate valves are the main expenditures for 2005's water
budget. The numerous electric distribution projects for 2005 along with equipment needs were
discussed and the reasoning behind the request was discussed. Connexus takeover projections
were reviewed with John Dietz questioning how the buy out cost was calculated. No further
action was taken.
5.4 City Council Goal Setting Workshop
Monday,October 11th is the first goal setting workshop with all the commissions and city
council. The purpose is to make sure they are all going in the same direction. John Dietz
explained the need for a City council member to be represented on all committees and boards.
Jerry Ta de will be speaking at the workshop and feels our main goals are reliability and
preparedness for future growth in the Elk River area. John Dietz agreed,and gave a
Comprehensive plan update. This will be revisited in the next meeting.
6.1 Review Security Sales&Install Personnel
The need for security in the home and business is growing. Staff has located an individual to
sell and install security systems. This would require purchasing a van for him to carry the
equipment needed. John Dietz would prefer this vehicle be bought through State bid.
James Tralle moved to approve the hiring of a Security Sales/Installer and the purchase of a
vehicle. John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
6.2 Review Results of Test Well#11
The test well at the Becker property is proceeding but the weather had delayed its completion.
The pipe for the raw water line has been ordered and will be delivered as the contractors schedule
dictates. It appears we have a 100' of Mt. Simon aquifer so this will produce an adequate supply
of water.
6.3 Need for a New Office Personnel
The need for a new office personnel was discussed. It was originally planned for 2005
however the added customer base along with the numerous phone calls has made this more of an
urgent need.
James Tralle moved to approve the hiring of a new office personnel. John Dietz seconded the
motion. Motion carried 3-0.
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Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
September 21,2004
Other Business
There was no other business.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission will be
Monday, October 11,2004.
President Jerry Takle adjourned the regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities
Commission at 5:45 p.m.
espectfully submittedglib\
•
Judy McSpadden
Recording Clerk