04-11-2000 ERMU MIN ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
UTILITIES COMMISSION
APRIL 11, 2000
Members Present: John Dietz, President; George Zabee, Vice Chairman; James Tralle,
Trustee
Staff Present: Bryan Adams, General Manager; Glenn Sundeen, Line Superintendent;
David Berg, Water Superintendent; Patricia Hemza, Office Manager
Others Present: Robin Buhmann, MN Rural Water Association; Steven McDonald,
Abdo, Abdo, Eick& Meyer
Other Employees Present: Art Gatchell, Lead Lineman; Wade Lovelette, Line Foreman;
Mark Fuchs, Lead Lineman
1. Call meeting to order at 4:00 P.M. April 11, 2000
2. Consider Utilities Agenda
James Tralle moved to approve the Agenda. George Zabee seconded the motion.
Motion carried 3-0.
3. Consider Consent Agenda
George Zabee moved to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
March check register
3-14-00 Minutes
Financials
James Tralle seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
5.1 Public Information Meeting on WHPP
Robin Buhmann from Minnesota Rural Water Association (MRWA) appeared to
answer any questions about the plan, and to explain the issues associated with the Well
Head Protection Plan(WHPP). Ms. Buhmann reiterated time frames, the need for public
education, and responded to comments by Staff and Commission.
Page 2
Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
April 11, 2000
5.2 Review and Consider 1999 Audit
Steve McDonald, Abdo, Abdo, Eick&Meyers, appeared to discuss the 1999
Audit, the Management Letter and associated information. Discussion between Mr.
McDonald and the Commissioners ensued.
George Zabee moved to receive and approve the 1999 Audit from Abdo, Abdo,
Eick and Meyers. James Tralle seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
5.3 Review and Consider Wind Generator Wheeling Contract
Bryan Adams presented and explained the agreement between ERMU and Metro
Wind LLC to wheel power on our distribution system to the 69kv transmission system.
The project was discussed between Commission and Staff.
James Tralle moved to approve the agreement between Elk River Municipal
Utilities and Metro Wind LLC, with minor word changes if required, to wheel power on
our distribution system to the 69 kv transmission system. George Zabee seconded the
motion. Motion carried 3-0.
5.4 Up-date GRE 1-5-2000 Transmission Failure
Bryan Adams advised the Commission of two claims from customers who claim
damage due to the January 5, 2000 Great River Energy transmission failure that damaged
the Utilities distribution system. Attorney, Ron Black has drafted release forms to limit
our or Great River Energy's exposure. Staff recommends compensating the two
customers claims, and then resolve the dispute with Great River Energy.
George Zabee moved to pay the two cash claims to our customers for $1229 to
satisfy their concerns and claims, contingent upon the signing of the release forms, and
then attempt to resolve the dispute with Great River Energy. James Tralle seconded the
motion. Motion carried 3-0.
Page 3
Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
April 11, 2000
6.1 Review Wage Request from ERMU employees
Wade Lovelette, Line Foreman; Art Gatchell, Lead Lineman; and Mark Fuchs,
Lead Lineman, appeared to present a Wage Increase Proposal. The results of the salary
survey were presented and discussed. Further, the Employee—Utility shares of health
insurance was discussed.
George Zabee moved to approve a 3.21% increase for the line workers salaries,
and to increase the employee share of health and dental premiums to 25%. James Tralle
seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
Staff is directed to return to the Commission at the May Meeting, a proposal for
the remaining ERMU employees.
Other Business
John Dietz up-dated the Commission on the Western Area Improvements Phase IV. The
City Council is re-considering the original plans for the improvements.
John Dietz and Staff discussed the request by Sprint for the installation of aerials on the
Utility's water tower.
Commission directed staff to research and review the prices of pickup trucks paid by the
City of Elk River and the Elk River Municipal Utilities
The next scheduled meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission will be
May 9, 2000 at 4:00 P.M. in the Elk River Municipal Utilities Office.
James Tralle moved to adjourn the April 11, 2000 meeting. George Zabee seconded the
motion. Motion carried 3-0.
The April 11, 2000 meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission adjourned
at 5:25 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
C;;2&: i Ie
Patricia Hemza
Office Manager