09-09-2002 ERMU MIN ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES COMMISSION
September 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
1. Call meeting to order
President James Tralle called the meeting to order at 4:00 PM on September 9, 2002.
2. Consider Utilities Agenda
George Zabee moved to approve the Utilities Agenda for September 9, 2002. John
Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
John Dietz moved to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
August 2002 Check Register
August 20, 2002 Minutes
Financial Reports
After a brief discussion of the reports, centering on purchased power, George Zabee
seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
5.1 Review 2003 Safety Training Budget
Commission reviewed the revised Training Budget for 2003. The revision exhibited the
costs for the training only, with no employee labor allocations. A detailed breakdown from
MMUA, which explained how the cost sharing between City and Utility for training are
arrived at was discussed and reviewed. John Dietz and George Zabee noted that the
programs are expensive,but appear to be worthwhile, and necessary.
5.2 Review 2003 Capital Project Projections
Staff presented the proposed 2003 Capital Budget, the proposed 10 Year forecast Capital
Budget, and the 2003 back-up details. The large extraordinary items were discussed. Truck
additions and replacements were also reviewed with questions from Commission, and
responses from Staff
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Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
September 9, 2002
5.3 Review Alternate Water Rate Designs
The discussion of various water rate designs continued from past meetings. Staff
presented Commission with sample inclining block rates to help curb lawn sprinkling, and
encourage conservation. A water rate study, a residential spreadsheet reflecting a range of
customers with resulting costs, and sprinkler only customer spreadsheets along with
commercial customers were reviewed. Commission views the results of the studies, and the
inclining block rates favorably. James Tralle favors making the increase in one step. John
Dietz, and George Zabee favor increases in a two step process. James Tralle stated that he
would agree to the lower rate, and re-visit the next step in one year. Staff will return to a
future meeting with firm rates for approval by Commission.
6.1 Land Purchase for Well#8
A proposal for the purchase of land in the area of the new Grace Assembly of God church
for future Well#8 was reviewed. It was noted that the area Lot 1 is the Church property, and
Lot 2 is the new park for the City. John Dietz asked if the Well#8 would be too close to
Facility#7, and Bryan Adams responded that Well #8 would be a peaking well only. The
cost savings of this project was further reviewed. Staff will return with a purchase agreement
for the land.
Other Business
There was no Other Business to discuss.
The next regular scheduled meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
will be Thursday, October 10, 2002, at 4:00 PM in the Utilities Offices.
President, James Tralle adjourned the September 9, 2002, meeting of the Elk River
Municipal Utilities Commission at 5:10 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
GczXtz.e-;0J/, ye,a)
Patricia Hemza
Office Manager