05-09-2000 ERMU MIN ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
UTILITIES COMMISSION
MAY 9, 2000
Members Present: John Dietz, President; George Zabee, Vice Chairman
Members Absent: James Tralle, Trustee
Staff Present: Bryan Adams, General Manager; Glenn Sundeen, Line Superintendent;
David Berg, Water Superintendent; Patricia Hemza, Office Manager
1. Call meeting to order at 4:00 P.M. May 9,2000
2. Consider Utilities Agenda
With one addition under Other Business from John Dietz, and three additional
items under Other Business from Bryan Adams, George Zabee moved to approve the
Utilities Agenda for May 9, 2000. John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.
3. Consider Consent Agenda
George Zabee moved to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
April Check Register
4-11-00 Minutes
Financials
John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.
5.1 Consider Proposed 2000 Employee Compensation Increase
Bryan re-iterated the pay-equity considerations involved with the proposed 2000
Compensation Increase. Discussion of the issues involved,points of opinion, questions
and concerns followed. John Dietz would like to review utility workers wages in order to
see how they affect the pay equity scale. George Zabee expressed his concern with the
issue of utility worker wages. No action was taken.
George Zabee moved to table the 2000 Employee Compensation Increase until
the next Utilities Commission meeting. John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried
2-0.
5.2 Review City/Utility Pick-up Truck Purchases
Staff presented Commission with specifications and bids for the pick-up trucks
recently purchased by the City and the Utilities. No action necessary, discussion only.
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Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
May 9, 2000
5.3 Update progress on Well#4 Rehabilitation
David Berg advised the commission that Well #4 will be in operation by
approximately May 15, 2000. The May 12, 2000 time table for shocking the pressure
filter is on schedule. The Commission was shown examples of hydrant flushing results.
Discussion, questions and answers followed.
6.1 Review and Consider Proposal for Electric Rate Study
The proposal from R.W. Beck for a complete rate structure study was reviewed.
The reasons for the rate study, time frames and the appropriate timing were discussed by
Staff and Commission.
George Zabee moved to accept the proposal by R.W.Beck for an Electric Rate
Study. John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.
6.2 Review ERMU Strategies to compete in Electric Deregulation
Staff and Commission reviewed the Elk River Municipal Utilities Strategy to
Compete in the Electric Deregulation Environment, written by Bryan Adams, General
Manager.
Other Business
John Dietz asked what other Utilities are doing with vacation/sick leave, and if they are
going to Paid Time Off or Wellness Days, rather than the traditional days. Bryan
responded by citing his employment survey.
Bryan Adams advised the Commission of the resignation of Dennis Clifford II, Lineman.
Staff is directed to review resumes for possible candidates and fill the open position.
Street Light Recommendations from the Lighting Committee were presented, with a
petition from the affected residents. They are requesting a mid-block street light be
installed in the area of York Avenue and Circuit Lane.
George Zabee moved to approve the installation of a mid-block street light in the
area of York Avenue and Circuit Lane. John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried
2-0.
Bryan Adams submitted the new Electric Conservation Brochure to the Commission for
their reviewal.
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Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
May 9, 2000
A Special Meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities is called for May 30, 2000 for the
purpose of awarding construction material bids, consider employee compensation and
review the Water Pressure Study for the Eastern Area.
A Special Meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission will be May 30,
2000 at 4:00 P.M.
George Zabee moved to adjourn the May 9, 2000 Regular Meeting of the Elk River
Municipal Utilities Commission. John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.
The May 9, 2000 meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities adjourned at 5:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia Hemza
Office Manager