05-30-2000 ERMU SPECIAL MTG MIN ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
UTILITIES COMMISSION
MAY 30, 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: Terry Maurer, Howard R. Green Company
1. Call meeting to order at 4:00 May 30, 2000
2. Consider Utilities Agenda
James Tralle has one additional item to be discussed under Other Utility Business.
James Tralle moved to approve the Utilities Agenda, with one additional item to
be discussed under Other Business. George Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried
3-0.
4.1 Consider Proposed 2000 Employee Compensation Increase
Commission and Staff reviewed the 2000 Employee Compensation issues, noting
that the Commission awarded the electric line department 3.21%wage increase, plus
increasing the employees insurance contribution to 25% at the April 11, 2000
Commission meeting. Bryan Adams reviewed the pay equity study, with attention
particularly given to the compliance analysis. The salary surveys that were conducted in
conjunction with the issue were discussed.
John Dietz stated his view that the Utility Worker positions are overpaid with
regard to the points awarded on the pay equity study, and their relation to the female
classes. George Zabee agreed with John Dietz on this topic. The relationship of female
classes/male classes and the point system was once more reviewed by Bryan Adams.
James Tralle moved to approve the raises as presented, 3.21% across the board
increase, based upon the top step, + $0.17 for the Clerk/Receptionist positions, +$0.31
for the Clerk/Purchasing, Accounts Payable/Payroll positions, +$1.00 for the Electronic
Technician/Security position, and a 25% employee contribution to insurance coverage.
George Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-1. John Dietz voting nae.
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Special meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
May 30, 2000
John Dietz noted that he is opposed to anything other than the 3.21% across the
board increase, which was awarded to the electric line crew.
James Tralle moved to re-evaluate the points for the Utility Worker positions.
The motion died due to the lack of a second.
Staff was directed to re-visit the issue of points in relation to the Utility Worker
positions in the fall of 2000.
4.2 Review and Consider Bids for Underground Electric Cable Installation Elk
River Crossings Development
Staff and Commission reviewed the Bid Tabulation for the Underground
Electrical Cable Installation for Elk River Crossings. Staff views the bids as very good,
and recommends the Bid be awarded to the apparent low bidder, Aconite Corporation at
$28,225.00. George asked about the cost of junction boxes, and was responded to by
Bryan Adams and Glenn Sundeen.
James Tralle moved to award the Bid for Underground Electric Cable Installation
for Elk River Crossings to Aconite Corporation. George Zabee seconded the motion.
Motion carried 3-0.
5.1 Review and Consider Eastern Area Water Pressure Zone Re-Configuration
Low water pressure in the Trott Brook Farm development area has led to concern
with the further development of the eastern area. Staff has directed Howard R. Green
Company personnel to review the situation and present their findings and opinions to the
Commission. The study concluded that due to the higher ground elevation north of
County Road 12, and East of the new Tyler Street, the lower pressure water system
cannot adequately serve the area. The high water pressure system will be required to
serve this area. In order to provide a high pressure water system to this area, the system
operation must be modified along with approximately $1,327,00.00 of new construction.
Some of these costs can be delayed and some of these costs may be developer paid. A
detailed discussion followed.
James Tralle moved to install pressure reducing valves in the Elk Hills Addition,
Barrington Place, and Johnson Plat areas for approximately $32,000.00. George Zabee
seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. This will allow this area to be converted from
the low pressure system, to the high pressure system.
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Special meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
May 30, 2000
George Zabee moved to authorize Howard R. Green Company to do the necessary
engineering to up-size to 16", the water main on Main Street, and incorporate this
construction into the Main Street re-surfacing project. James Tralle seconded the motion.
Motion carried 3-0.
The engineering is to include the necessary changes at County Road 12 and Tyler
Street to accommodate a future pressure reducing and booster station. Up-sized water
main shall extend on Main Street from north entrance to Elk River Crossings west to
Carson Street. The portion from Carson Street to Gates Avenue shall be bid as an
alternate. Estimated project cost is $380,000.00 to $580,000.00, depending if the
alternate bid is accepted. Staff indicated the project can be funded with cash reserves.
Other Business
James Tralle has noted the presence of campers near the dam, and wonders if there is a
solution for eliminating the camping. Glenn Sundeen responded by agreeing to re-key
the fenced area.
John Dietz addressed Patricia Hemza regarding the Utility Minutes. He indicated that he
and the Elk River City Council are dissatisfied with the minutes from the Utilities and
wish to have more detail. He further suggested that taping the Utility meetings could be
of help, as well as more detailed notes.
No Elk River Municipal Utility Meeting will be held in June. The next regular meeting
of the Elk River Municipal Utility Commission will be July 11, 2000.
James Tralle moved to adjourn the May 30, 2000 Special Meeting of the Elk River
Municipal Utilities Commission. George Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried
3-0.
The May 30, 2000 meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities adjourned at 5:30 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
ci;2/14.66;U/"Krelya-)
Patricia Hemza
Office Manager