06-04-2002 ERMU MIN ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES COMMISSION
June 4, 2002
Members Present: James Tralle, President; John Dietz, Vice Chair; George Zabee, Trustee
Staff Present: Bryan Adams, General Manager; Glenn Sundeen, Line Superintendent; David
Berg, Water Superintendent; Patricia Hemza, Office Manager
Others Present: Kurt Kragness, and Pat Dwyer, of the Heritage Committee
1. Call meeting to order
President James Tralle called the meeting to order at 4:00 PM on June 4, 2002.
2. Consider Utilities Agenda
James Tralle moved to approve the Utilities Agenda for June 4, 2002, moving
Item#5.1 to be discussed after 5.4. John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
George Zabee moved to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
May 2002 Check Register
May 14, 2002 Minutes
Financial Reports
5.2 Review MMUA Safety Program
A letter of information of the results of the annual Audit of the ERMU Safety Program
through MMUA was reviewed. It was noted that the Overall Rating is Very Good.
5.3 Review and Consider Street Light Alternative
Connexus Energy has requested that ERMU offer many different styles of poles and
fixtures for street lighting. Presently Connexus offers the same Traditionaire fixtures on
Fiberglass poles, with Cobra Heads on Fiberglass poles at major intersections, that the
ERMU offers. After checking with several developers, Glenn Sundeen concluded that the
present fixtures and poles are very appropriate, and well received. John Dietz asked why
Connexus would like to offer a larger choice. Staff responded that the marketing campaign
by Connexus would be a revenue generating venture for them. Staff further added that
increasing the choices would mean increasing inventory of poles, fixtures, and parts, causing
a problem with the stocking of parts, as well as all the choices. Glenn Sundeen advised that
Connexus may be contacting the Elk River City Council with the request.
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Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
June 4, 2002
James Tralle moved to continue the present policy for Street Lighting. John Dietz
seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
5.4 Review Need for Policy on Street Banners
In response to a request for installation of banners on street light poles on Hwy 10,
by St. Andrew's Catholic Church, Commission and Staff reviewed the present informal
policy. The ERMU has installed banners for national holidays, and community sponsored
events. The opinions of John Dietz, and James Tralle, are to stay with community-wide
events, and Federal Holidays. George Zabee asked if charging for the services could be an
option. John Dietz replied that he thought it would be easier to limit the installations, rather
than charging.
Staff was directed to return with a formal policy limiting installation of banners on
street light poles to City, and Community events, and to Federal Holidays.
5.1 Update Jackson Street Water Tower
Pat Dwyer, and Kurt Kragness of the Heritage Preservation Commission spoke on their
request to preserve the Jackson Street Water Tower. The meeting between the ERMU
General Manager, the Heritage Preservation Commission, and Doug Derr, representing
Vertical Partners was reported on. It appears that revenue could be generated by using the
tower as a future antenna site. Discussion then moved to the question of the last possible
date for a decision on demolition, and tower maintenance schedules of painting. Bryan
Adams advised that fall would be a final date, and that the tower would need painting every
ten to twelve years.
John Dietz moved to delay a decision on demolition of the Jackson Street Water
Tower until the October, 2002 regular meeting of the Elk River Utilities Commission.
George Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
5.5 Update North Substation Bonding
The Commission was advised that the interest rate for the $500,000 issue of equipment
Certificates will be 4.9%, rather than the initial estimate of 3.75%. John Dietz explained that
the reason for the increase is because the bonding requirements of the City will exceed
$10,000,000.00.
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Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
June 4, 2002
5.6 Review Water Main—Grace Addition
Grace Assembly of God is building their church adjacent to County Road 13. The
ERMU is obtaining a utility easement through this lot to construct a water main for 190th
Street to County Road 13. Staff is advising that ERMU construct the water main now, while
the church is under construction. The estimated cost of$38,000.00 is not budgeted in 2002,
but there is the possibility of some cost sharing with the church, if construction could be
done.
George Zabee moved to proceed with the construction of a water main for 190th
Street to County Road 13. John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
James Tralle left the meeting at 4:55 PM.
5.7 Tour of Large Projects
The meeting continued with a road trip to the large projects underway by the ERMU
Commission.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities
Commission will be July 9, 2002 at 4:00 PM in the Utilities offices.
Vice Chair, John Dietz adjourned the meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities
Commission at 6:00 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
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Patricia Hemza
Office Manager