03-14-2000 ERMU MIN ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
UTILITIES COMMISSION
MARCH 14, 2000
Members Present: President, James Tralle; Vice Chairman, John Dietz; Trustee, George
Zabee
Staff Present: Bryan Adams, General Manager; David Berg, Water Superintendent;
Patricia Hemza, Office Manager
1. Call meeting to order at 4:00 P.M. March 14, 2000
2. Consider Utilities Agenda
John Dietz moved to approve the Agenda with two additions from Bryan Adams,
and one addition from James Tralle, to be discussed under Other Business.
2A. Election of officers for 2000
Motion by George Zabee, seconded by John Dietz to nominate the following
slate of officers for 2000.
John Dietz President
George Zabee Vice Chairman
James Tralle Trustee
Motion carried 3-0.
John Dietz, as 2000 President of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
took over the chair of the 3-14-2000 meeting.
3. Consider Consent Agenda
James Tralle moved to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
February check register, with one correction
Sales and Production Reports
Approval of February 15, 2000 minutes
George Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
5.1 Review and approve Connexus Amendment to Electric Service Agreement
Bryan Adams reviewed the Amendment to All Requirements Contract between
Connexus Energy and Elk River Municipal Utilities, explaining that the document
has been reviewed by FERC attorney, Robert McDiarmid. He further explained
how the rate and monthly power bills will effect the Utilities.
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Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
March 14, 2000
James Tralle moved to authorize the execution of the Amendment to All
Requirements Contract between Connexus Energy and Elk River Municipal
Utilities. George Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
Staff is further authorized to review electric rates impacted by the Amendment
with R.W.Beck.
5.2 Review and Authorize Portions of Wellhead Protection Plan
Bryan Adams reviewed the Wellhead Protection Plan with the Commission,
regarding the procedures for implementation. Staff responded to questions by
Commissioners.
James Tralle moved to accept the WHPA, DWSHA, and Vulnerability
Assessment, and to authorize the mailing of the following items to Sherburne
County and to the City of Elk River.
1. Map of the Wellhead Protection Area delineation (WHPA)
2. Map of the Drinking Water Supply Management Area boundary
(DWSMA)
3. Vulnerability Assessment
George Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
James Tralle moved that a Public Information Meeting for the general public
regarding the WHPA, DWSMA and Vulnerability Assessment at the next
regularly scheduled meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission,
April 11, 2000. George Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
6.1 Review Western Area Feasibility Study
John Dietz reported that the City of Elk River, at their Council meeting of
March 13, 2000 approved Western Area Improvements Phase IV. Bryan
further reviewed the Study and the funding with the Commission, for the
Elk River Municipal Utilities portion of the Watermain on the north side of
Highway 10. Financing of construction and associated engineering costs were
discussed.
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Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
March 14, 2000
James Tralle moved to approve payment by the Elk River Municipal Utilities for
the assumed construction costs of the project, estimated at $94,500.00. George
Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0. John Dietz abstained.
6.2 Review and Consider Electric Territory Acquisition for 2000
The 2000 Budget of the Elk River Municipal Utilities contains $350,000 for the
acquisition of Areas 13 and 14. Bryan Adams reviewed policies and added that
the Utilities will be required to install approximately 3400 LF of underground at a
cost of$40,000, which was not budgeted. Commissioners asked if overhead
would be a possibility, and Bryan Adams responded why underground is the
preferred option for this application.
George Zabee moved to approve the purchase of Areas 13 and 14 for territory
acquisition, and further to approve the installation of the necessary underground
on the south side of County Road 33, at an approximate cost of$40,000. James
Tralle seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
6.3 Discuss Request by Sprint for Aerial On/By Water tower
Sprint approached the Commission in July 1997 and in 2000 approached John
Dietz regarding the installation of aerials on our water tower. Commission and
Staff considered the ramifications of approving the aerial installation, noting that
liability, safety and security would be compromised by someone other than
authorized staff having direct access to our tower. Sprint had offered $500.00 per
month for the access.
The consensus of the Commission is non-interest in allowing the water tower to
be used by Sprint. No action taken.
Other Business
Staff advised Commission of the water main break in Industrial Park, which drained the
Hillside tower on March 3, 2000. David Berg explained how the problem was located
and what was done to rectify the situation.
Bryan Adams noted that the City Street Department has asked the Utilities if there would
be interest in the purchase of their building, if it should become available in the future..
Consensus is that it would not be a feasible plan.
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Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
March 14, 2000
James Tralle noted that he noticed tents and campers on the river by the Power Plant,
which he asked the Elk River Police Department to investigate. No permission had been
given and the tents and campers left the site.
The next scheduled meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission will be
April 11, 2000. A Public Hearing regarding Wellhead Protection will be held at the
beginning of the meeting at 4:00 P.M.
James Tralle moved to adjourn the March 14, 2000 meeting. George Zabee seconded
the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
The March 14, 2000 meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission adjourned
at 5:20 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia Hemza
Office Manager