07-09-2002 ERMU MIN ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES COMMISSION
July 9, 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: Pat Klaers
1. Call meeting to order
President James Tralle called the meeting to order at 4:00 PM on July 9, 2002.
2. Consider Utilities Agenda
John Dietz moved to approve the Utilities Agenda for July 9, 2002, with three
additional items from Bryan Adams, to be discussed under Other Business. George Zabee
seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
John Dietz moved to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
June 2002 Check Register
June 4, 2002 Minutes
Financial Reports
After a brief discussion of the reports, George Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried
3-0.
5.1 Review Great River Energy's 5% Option
At the February 19, 2002 Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission meeting,
authorization was given to participate in Great River Energy's 5% option for year 2002.
Staff recommends accepting the one year 2003 offer, with the idea of continuing it for five
years.
George Zabee moved to accept the one year 2003 offer from Great River Energy.
John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
5.2 Review and Consider Bid Tabulation Electric Line Truck
Bids for replacement of a 1992 GMC aerial bucket truck were received on June 2, 2002.
The bid tabulation was discussed. Bryan Adams suggested that the City might be interested
in the purchase of the 1992 GMC aerial bucket truck,rather than using it as a trade-in.
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Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
July 9, 2002
Staff was directed to discuss the truck with Phil Hals.
George Zabee moved to accept the low bid from Dueco for the purchase of a 2003
Ford F750 aerial bucket truck. James Tralle seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
5.3 Review and Consider Water Tower Water Main Bids
Bryan Adams updated the Commission on the Eastern Water Tower, and Water and
Sewer Installation. Bids to install the water main to the Tower are due July 11, 2002. It was
agreed with Riverside Construction to install the sanitary sewer and water main at the same
time to avoid future construction problems, with assessments to be assessed when the
associated land is developed. Riverside Construction would pay for the sanitary sewer
installation upon construction.
George Zabee moved to authorize the awarding of the low bid for the construction of
the Water Main to the Eastern Water Tower. John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion
carried 3-0.
John Dietz moved to authorize the agreement to share costs with Riverside
Construction for installation of Sanitary Sewer and Water Main. George Zabee seconded the
motion. Motion carried 3-0.
5.4 Review and Consider Street Banner Policy
Staff reviewed with Commission the proposed Banner&Flag Installation Policy.
John Dietz moved to approve the Banner&Flag Installation Policy, as presented.
The Elk River Municipal Utilities shall install &remove when asked, banner on light
standards equipped with appropriate brackets on public streets, and highways for
national holidays, and Chamber and City sponsored events.
George Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
5.5 Update Administration Building Bids
Bids were awarded by the Elk River City Council for the City Hall expansion, and the
Utility Administration building on July 8, 2002. Bryan Adams noted that the cost of the
facilities came very close to estimates. Pat Klaers answered questions, and clarified various
issues of the project bids.
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Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
July 9, 2002
John Dietz moved to reconfirm the authorization and award of bids for the Utility
Administration building. James Tralle seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
5.6 Update Plant Office & Garage Addition
Bryan Adams updated progress on the Plant Garage and Office Addition. A condition of
the Conditional Use permit for the facility was that either the new building, or the existing
building have installed a fire sprinkle system. Staff proposes that a fire sprinkle system be
installed in the existing lower garage. Welding and metal cutting is done in that area.
John Dietz moved to sprinkle the lower garage, at the Plant site for a bid price of
$5,800.00. George Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
Bryan Adams advised the Commission that quotes have been received for re-
manufactured furniture, and new furniture. Commission authorized spending $19,000.00 for
furniture for the new facility.
5.7 Review Water Issues of our Large Projects
Water demand in Elk River continues to rise due to population increases and increased
lawn sprinkling. Commission and Staff explored the cost of constructing additional options
to lower the demand on water production facilities, regulations, or rate design to encourage
less lawn sprinkling. Building of a peaking well to be used only during periods of high water
demand in the eastern area offers substantially lower construction costs, while still meeting
MDH regulations. The water from the peaking wells would be blended with normally treated
water. Block rated design options were discussed in detail as a way to reduce lawn
sprinkling. Commission directed Bryan Adams to survey similar growing communities to
see what their approaches to the problem of increasing water usage are, and to return to a
future meeting with options. Pat Klaers noted that SAC charges will have to be increased in
the future. Utility Staff agreed that WAC charges will also have to be increased.
Commission agreed that encouraging water conservation is crucial.
Other Business
Bryan Adams advised the Commission that the City authorized a $50,000.00
contribution from the landfill abatement fund. The funds will be used to install an efficient
condensate extraction system.
Staff advised Commission that it became apparent at the July 4, 2002
celebration at Lake Orono, that there were not enough electrical outlets. The use of improper
extension cords was in evidence. Staff suggests adding electrical panels for the safety of
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Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
July 9, 2002
all concerned, at a cost of$7,000.00 to $8,000.00. It was agreed that it would be a benefit to
the Community, as well as the safety aspect. Commission directed Bryan Adams to approach
the Park and Recreation Department of the City of Elk River regarding their possible sharing
of costs.
Bryan Adams approached the Commission regarding the possibility of his living
outside the City Limits. Commission concurred that as long as he follows the same rule that
is set in place for the linemen, they would be comfortable.
The next regular scheduled meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
will be August 20, 2002, at 4:00 PM in the Utilities Offices.
President, James Tralle adjourned the July 9, 2002 meeting of the Elk River
Municipal Utilities Commission at 5:05 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia Hemza
Office Manager