01-16-2001 ERMU MIN ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
UTILITIES COMMISSION
January 16, 2001
Elk River Utilities Offices
Members Present: John Dietz, President; George Zabee, Vice Chairman
Staff Present: Bryan Adams, General Manager; Glenn Sundeen, Line Superintendent; David Berg, Water
Superintendent; Patricia Hemza, Office Manager
Others Present: Pat Klaers, City Administrator; Greg Oxley, MMUA Government Relations Director
1. Call meeting to order at 4:00 P.M. January 16, 2001
2. Consider Utilities Agenda
George Zabee moved to approve the Utilities Agenda for January 16, 2001. John Dietz seconded the
motion. Motion carried 2-0.
2.a Designate First National Bank official depository for 2001
John Dietz moved to approve the designation of the First National Bank of Elk River as official
depository for 2001. George Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.
2.b Designate Elk River Star News official newspaper for 2001
George Zabee moved to approve the designation of the Elk River Star News as official newspaper for
2001. John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.
3. Consider Consent Agenda
George Zabee moved to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
December Check Register
Financials
December 12, 2000 Minutes
John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.
5.1 Update Well#7 and Proposed Water Tower
Bryan Adams updated the Commission on the construction of Well #7, located on the Deschenes
property. The proposed schedule, and estimated costs for the Well were reviewed. By Commission
consensus, authorization was given to proceed with the test well, and proceed to the bidding stage of this
project.
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Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
January 16, 2001.
Progress on the siting of the proposed water tower was again discussed, centering on three possible
areas. The estimated increase in the cost of the Water Tower due to site constraints and land price is
estimated to be $224,000.00 over costs that were originally considered for the Hillside or Trott Brook site.
George Zabee asked what the options would be if the property owners would not be willing to sell. Staff
indicated that condemnation would be a possibility, but not a favorable option. John Dietz asked if Bryan
Adams could set a time line to the property owners for their response regarding costs of purchase. A Special
Meeting may be called to consider the responses from the property owners.
5.2 Review and consider Pre-Engineering Agreement for LFG Generation Project
The Pre-engineering Agreement between Waste Management and Elk River Municipal Utilities, and
the Pre-engineering Agreement between Sherburne County and Elk River Municipal Utilities were reviewed.
George Zabee moved to authorize the execution of the two Pre-engineering Agreements for the LFG
Generation Project. John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.
5.3 Update Communication Study
The Communication Study was discussed, with particular attention to the proposed new bill.
Commission viewed the process and the bill favorably.
6.1 Presentation by Greg Oxley of MMUA
Greg Oxley, Government Relations Director for MMUA, addressed the Commission regarding the
service territory issue between municipals and co-ops. Mr. Oxley stressed the reasons for the need for
cooperation and participation by members of the Municipal Electric Utilities. John Dietz, George Zabee,
and Pat Klaers asked questions regarding participation, electric deregulation, service territory, and the
legislative rallies.
6.2 Review and Consider Energy City Contribution
Bryan Adams presented a letter from Mayor Stephanie Klinzing requesting a contribution for Energy
City. Discussion centered positively on the participation of the Elk River Municipal Utilities, as well as the
project.
George Zabee moved to approve a contribution of$2,500.00 to Energy City. John Dietz seconded
the motion. Motion carried 2-0.
6.3 Review and Consider Job Description for new Laborer position
The 2001 budget contains provision to hire an electric Line Person and a Laborer. Staff requests the
hiring of these new employees before the start of the construction season.
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Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
January 16, 2001
The job description, and position evaluation form was reviewed and considered for the Laborer
Position. The approved description will be forwarded to the Hay Group to be assigned points to determine
an appropriate salary that will ensure compliance with Comparable Worth and Minnesota's Pay Equity
legislation.
George Zabee moved to approve the job description for the new position of Laborer, and to authorize
the advertising for an Apprentice Line Person. John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.
Other Business
No other business to be discussed.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission will be
Thursday, February 15, 2001, at 4:00 P.M. in the Utilities Offices.
Adjournment
President John Dietz adjourned the meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities at 5:05 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Patricia Hemza
Office Manager