09-25-2000 ERMU JOINT MTG MIN ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES
JOINT MEETING OF THE
UTILITIES COMMISSION
AND ELK RIVER CITY COUCIL
SEPTEMBER 25,2000
Members Present: John Dietz, President; George Zabee, Vice Chairman
Members Absent: James Tralle, Trustee
Staff Present: Bryan Adams, General Manager
Others Present: Mayor Klinzing; Council Members Dietz, Motin, and Thompson; Pat Klaers,
City Administrator; Sandra Peine, City Clerk; Terry Maurer, City Engineer; Lori
Johnson, Finance Director; Bruce West, Fire Chief; Phil Hals, Street
Superintendent
1. Water Department—water tower,well, and treatment facility sites in East
Elk River
Bryan Adams updated the Council on this issue. He noted that consideration is being given to
building a water tower in the eastern area of Elk River due to the rapid growth in that area. He
indicated that construction could begin in 2001. The Hillside park area is being considered for
the water tower, and the former Deschenes property is being considered for the well site.
Drawing we presented to the council.
2. Energy City Program
Bryan Adams updated the Council on the status of the landfill gas and wind generator projects.
3. Electric Line Relocation and Central Business District Sidewalk Project from Parrish
Avenue Bridge to Lowell Avenue
Bryan Adams informed the Council that he is gathering the necessary information to begin the
project of relocating overhead electric lines in the downtown area. He stated that this could be
done in conjunction with the downtown sidewalk replacement project. He explained that the
first step is to notify the business owners in the area. He stated that the timeframe for the
project is one to two years. Drawings were presented to the council.
4. Utilities Office Building
Bryan Adams informed the Council that the Utilities would out grow their existing office
building within the next 3 to 5 years. He indicated that he is looking at relocation options
which include space at the proposed office building at King and Main and the post office site.
Council discussion pursued as to what should happen to the existing building when it is
vacant. Suggestions included tearing it down to allow expansion of the parking lot, adding on
to the building for the Utilities use, or selling the building to another retail business Discussion
was also held regarding who actually owns the building. Council member Dietz noted that he
would like to see the Utilities stay in the central business district as their business generates a
great deal of traffic in the downtown business district.
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Joint meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission and City Council
September 25, 2000
5. Dukor and Associates,Inc.—Communication Strategy Plan for Utilities
Bryan Adams indicated that they have contracted with Anita Dukor to study communications
and public relations for Elk River Municipal Utilities. The City Administrator indicated that
the Utilities would also be looking at developing a consistent logo for letterhead, bills, forms,
etc. He indicated that all departments of the city should strive to achieve a consistent image to
present to the public and to clients. The City Administrator suggested the Council expand the
Utilities contract to include the city project in order to establish a unified, professional look
that can be used by all city departments. He noted that a formal proposal would be made to the
Council on October 9. Council member Dietz indicated that he agreed that the city should
strive to be unified in its logo design.
6. Other Business Updates
Bryan Adams updated the Council on the following issues.
- Expansion of electric territory
- Deregulation
- Gas turbine proposals
- Utility rates
Council member Thompson discussed the issue of residents having to pay more for the electric
connection in the winter as opposed to the summer because the homeowner has to dig their own
trench in the winter to lay the line as opposed to the Utilities digging the trench in the summer.
Bryan Adams indicated there was no difference in cost to the Utilities because of the extra
work required in the spring for cable buried in the winter.
Council member Dietz indicated that he feels it is a good idea to have a council representative
sit on the Utilities Commission as it opens up communication between the two groups.
ectfully,
c7131
B/y an C. Adams
General Manager