06-08-04 ERMU MIN ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
UTILITIES COMMISSION
June 8,2004
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 June 8,2004
President Jerry Takle called the June 8,2004 meeting to order.
2. Consider Utilities Agenda
James Tralle moved to approve the Agenda for the June 8,2004,as presented. John Dietz seconded the
motion. Motion carried 3-0.
3. Consider Consent Agenda
John Dietz added an item to discuss under Other Business.
James Tralle moved to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
May Check Register
May 11,2004 Minutes
Financials
John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
5.1 Staff Up-dates
Glenn Sundeen informed the Commission that 32 new services were installed in the month of May and
that construction appears to be slowing down. The crew is currently working on the West Substation Feeder
project.
David Berg reported the average of 2 million gallons per day are being pumped from the wells,two
security systems were sold in May,maintenance is being done to Wells#2,we are half done with the
flushing of the hydrants,and the water department is currently replacing the old waters meters at the larger
facilities.
Patricia Hemza updated the Commission on the office staff getting settled in, staff is working on the
division of duties,and the audit being complete.
Bryan Adams relayed to the commission on the seriousness of material shortages and the long lead times
associated with some of the material. Staff is checking stock to make sure we do not run out and end up paying
higher prices or not get the required material.
Page 2
Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
June 8,2004
5.2 Review Springstad Cash Flow Study
Bryan Adams reviewed with the commissioners the cash projections for the electric and water departments.
He explained the need for additional funds to build an electrical feeder and the relocating of electrical lines for
the Hwy 101 interchange. The bonding would either be done through the City or MMUA's bond pool.
Motion by James Tralle to authorize staff to proceed with the bonding of the requested$900,000. John Deitz
seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
5.3 Review Security System Operation
A profit and loss was discussed with the security program continuing to make money. Bryan Adams
reviewed with the commission the status on the security system program. He feels there is more profit to be
made and we could market security better by hiring someone to promote,sell,and install the systems. It is hard
to find the right person,but the possibility is out there. We will continue to look for the right person.
5.4 Review and Consider Water Meter Change Out Policy
The procedure for changing out water meters was discussed. We are having some difficulties reaching
some of the homeowners to change-out water meters. A procedure was discussed to contact water customers
including phone calls,door hangers,and two written letters with the last letter indicating loss of water service.
It was decided that all effort will be made to contact the homeowner to get this resolved without resorting to
shutting their water off to get them to respond,but by consensus,loss of water service could be used as a very
last resort.
5.5 Review Land Cost for Future Wells
With the new developments in the area,the need for more wells was addressed. Bryan Adams will
continue to work with the planning department at the City to procure land for wells in the new developments at
minimal cost to the utility.
6.1 Review and Consider Radio Repeater
Bryan Adams informed the commission about the 2-way radio communication difficulties we are having
with crews in northern Elk River and in Dayton. A temporary repeater was placed on the Auburn Street tower
with great results. Staff requests authorization to purchase and install a 2-way radio repeater system at a cost of
$15,000.
James Tralle moved to purchase and install a 2-way radio repeater system. John Dietz seconded the motion.
Motion carried 3-0.
Page 3
Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
June 8,2004
Other Business
John Dietz questioned why the City garage is not seeing many of the Utilities line trucks for maintenance
and also why we are not utilizing the City card system for diesel fueling which allows automated record
tracking and maintenance flagging system. Glenn Sundeen responded that the crew do their own oil changes
during rain days,and that the driver of the truck keeps track of when maintenance is required. Glenn also said
that the new diesel trucks are working well and haven't had any problems other than work that was done under
warranty.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission will be July 6,2004.
President Jerry Takle adjourned the regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission at
5:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Judy McSpadden
Recording Clerk