03-13-2001 ERMU MIN ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
UTILITIES COMMISSION
MARCH 13, 2001
Members Present: John Dietz, President; James Tralle, Trustee
Members Absent: George Zabee, Vice Chairman
Others Present: Pat Klaers, City Administrator; Phil Halls, Bob Muhatga
1. Call meeting to order at 4:00 P.M.March 13. 2001
2. Consider Utilities Agenda
James Tralle moved to approve the Utilities Agenda for March 13, 2001, with one addition
from Bryan Adams. John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-1.
2.A Election of Officers for 2001
James Tralle moved to name George Zabee, President; James Tralle, Vice Chairman;
John Dietz, Trustee. John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-1.
3. Consider Consent Agenda
James Tralle moved to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
February Check Register
Comparative Sales/Production Reports
February 15, 2001 Minutes
5.1 Review and Consider 2001 Electric Cable Bids
Bids were accepted on March 7, 2001 for 2001 electric cable requirements. Staff presented the
bid tabulation, with the recommendation that the low responsive bids in each category be awarded.
John Dietz asked if all the bids were comparable. Staff responded positively.
James Tralle moved to approve the low bids for 2001 Electrical Cable. John Dietz seconded
the motion. Motion carried 2-0.
5.2 Update Well#7 and Proposed Water Tower
Bryan Adams reported on the pump and water tests for Well#7, and advised that the bids for
construction will be presented at the April Commission meeting.
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Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
March 13, 2001
Bryan Adams continued the discussion with a Water Tower Site Evaluation. He noted that the
Foster property appears to be the best possibility. James Tralle commented on the Site Evaluation, and
asked if condemnation proceedings would be a possibility. It is the consensus that condemnation
would not be in the best interest of the Utilities. John Dietz commented on the estimated costs in the
Site Evaluation. He noted that he feels the property near the tower will develop and build sooner than
the five years projected, cutting down the estimated trunk charges as reflected in the Site Evaluation.
John Dietz asked if water tests were being done for the Foster property. Bryan Adams
responded by saying that weather conditions and snow cover do not permit immediate testing.
It was the consensus of the Commission to move ahead with plans to pursue information on the
Foster property.
5.3 Update Mechanic Position
Staff suggested at the February 15, 2001 meeting that the Commission consider a mechanic
position for the Utilities. Staff was directed by John Dietz to assemble a report on the need, and to
discuss the possibility of sharing an additional mechanic with the City of Elk River. City and Utility
Staff met on 3-01-01. At that meeting the equipment list was reviewed. It was noted that there would
be a benefit by sharing personnel, to negate the need for duplicate equipment and shop space.
However, with the Utility equipment, and the power plant engine/generation equipment that there
would be a necessity for a full-time mechanic, rather than one half-time person. John Dietz asked Phil
Halls if he felt that one shop would be a good move. At this time, Phil Halls concurred that it could
be done. Phil Halls explained the City method of scheduling vehicle maintenance, with Glenn
Sundeen explaining the Utility method. Bob Muhatga questioned who would pay the second
mechanic, the City or Utility. James Tralle asked Phil Halls about precedence in vehicle repairs, such
as snow plow versus line truck. Phil Halls replied that he is concerned with that problem.
John Dietz stated that he would like to eliminate duplication by using one City mechanic, one
Utility Mechanic, and using only one shop with scheduling for vehicle maintenance.
James Tralle discussed with Staff the need for plant engine maintenance and operation.
John Dietz asked Bob Muhatga if he thought that one half time mechanic would be able to do
all the maintenance of vehicles for both City and Utility. He responded that it could be done, and that
the City is presently working toward the hiring of a maintenance mechanic at this time.
James Tralle at this time feels the matter should be tabled until George Zabee returns.
John Dietz asked Phil Halls about increasing the present shop size. Phil Halls responded with
his views on the re-organization of the Shop. John Dietz then asked for another Staff meeting to
discuss this issue.
James Tralle moved to table the consideration of a Utility mechanic for one month, to be
discussed at the April, 2001 meeting. John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.
John Dietz requested that Phil Halls and Bob Muhatga attend the April, 2001 Utility
Commission meeting.
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Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
March 13, 2001
5.4 Review and Consider Filter Plant#2 Rehabilitation
Staff requested approval to renovate filter plant#2, for removal of media, disposal of old
media, and to install new media, and repair underdrain system and repaint if necessary. Staff
recommends delay of the project at filter plant#3 for one year, and to replace the budget item with the
Filter Plant#2 rehabilitation.
James Tralle moved to proceed with the rehabilitation of Filter Plant#2, and to delay the
project at filter plant#3 for one year. John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.
6.1 Review and Consider Policy for Water Utility Hook-up
Bryan Adams advised the Commission that there are two businesses in the eastern area that
have hooked up to fire service only, but have not requested domestic water services. There is no
present policy for fire service only charges.
Discussion of when a customer must connect to the water system followed. Further research
and information is needed on this subject to update Commission and Staff. The topic will be again
brought to the April, 2001 meeting.
James Tralle moved to add to the Water Rules, under Request for Service:
If domestic water service is not installed, the monthly fee shall be based on the size of
the fire service line from the rate schedule. John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
Other Business
Bryan Adams presented the resignation from Steve Nordahl, Electronics Technician, on March
14, 2001. James Tralle moved to accept the resignation. John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion
carried 2-0.
The replacement of Steve Nordahl was discussed. John Dietz asked about a job description for
the replacement of Steve Nordahl, and where the job would be advertised. Bryan Adams responded
with an overview of the position, and that the Utilities would advertise internally, in the Star News,
and the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
John Dietz asked for clarification and explanation of attorney charges listed on the check
register. The claim was reviewed.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission will be
Tuesday, April 10, 2001 in the Utilities Offices.
Adjournment
John Dietz adjourned the meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities at 5:00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Eke. vylU
Patricia Hemza
Office Manager