03-09-1999 ERMU MIN ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
ELK RIVER UTILITIES COMMISSION
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES OFFICE
MARCH 9, 1999
Members Present: President, James Tralle; Vice Chairman, John Dietz; Trustee, George
Zabee
Staff Present: Bryan Adams, General Manager; Glenn Sundeen, Line Superintendent;
Robert McCartney, Water Superintendent; Patricia Hemza, Office Manager
Others Present: Dave Anderson, Softball Association
1. Call meeting to order at 4:00 P.M.. March 9, 1999
2. Consider Utilities Agenda
Bryan Adams will have two informational items to add under Other Business.
James Tralle moved to approve the Utilities Agenda, with the two additions under
Other Business. John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
3. Consider Consent Agenda
James Tralle moved to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
2-16-99 Minutes
February Check Register
Financials
5.1 Review and Consider Pinwheel Ball Field Contribution
Dave Anderson appeared to request relief from charges for electrical services for
ballfield lighting. He outlined the improvements to the fields, indicating that if
the Softball Association were to pay the electric bills for lighting, improvements
would be curtailed. He feels the participants would not be able to afford
increased charges for playing. Mr. Anderson also suggested that he would
like to see the Demand Meters removed, and a different rate designed for the
ballfields. He also stated that he feels the Softball Association can do more for
the Community than paying for electrical consumption.
Discussion by the Commission centered on the setting of precedents, why the
electrical charges do not fall under the City Recreation Budget, and ways to
soften the amount paid by the Association. George Zabee indicated that he is in
favor of increasing the donations, rather than removing the Demand Meter. John
Dietz feels different metering would be appropriate. James Tralle expressed
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Regular Meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
March 9, 1999
concern about setting a precedent for similar organizations who might ask for
rate relief in the future.
John Dietz moved to donate 80% of the costs for electricity for the Ballfields,
for an indefinite amount of time,retroactive to the 1998 season. George Zabee
seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.
5.2 Well #6 and Freeport Water Tower Painting Up-date
A verbal presentation regarding progress of Well#6 was given by Robert
McCartney. He reported that the well has been completed and video-taped.
Bryan Adams advised the Commission about the construction schedule for
the Freeport Water Tower project. Tower rigging and structural repairs will
begin the week starting March 15, 1999 in advance of the painting schedule.
5.3 Review WAC Fees for Sherburne County Jail Project
Sherburne County requested a reduction in WAC fees (water availability
charges)regarding the county jail construction project, previously discussed
at the September 15, 1998 regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities.
James Tralle moved to reduce the WAC to .8 units per 2.5 beds for the jail
complex. George Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
The December 1998 invoice that was billed will be amended to reflect the
change in fees.
5.4 Review CBD Visioning Process and Up-date
Bryan Adams up-dated the Commission on the status of the Visioning Process
regarding the downtown area, and how it affects the Elk River Municipal
Utilities. Discussion between staff and commission followed, with no action
necessary.
5.5 Review and consider Water Rules for Procedure Manual
The proposed water rules for the procedure manual were presented at the
February, 1999 meeting and discussed. No action was taken in anticipation of a
change in the section pertaining to backflow preventers. The section on backflow
preventers now places the responsibility on the Elk River Utilities. Discussion
regarding the program for future commercial and industrial customers was
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Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
March 9, 1999
discussed, with questions by the Commission and response from Staff.
George Zabee moved to adopt the Water Rules, previously presented
with changes to the backflow prevention section to be included in the Elk River
Municipal Utilities Procedure Manual. John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion
carried 3-0.
6.1 Review ERMU Annual Report to City Council
The Annual Report to be presented to the Elk River City Council was reviewed
by the Commission. Bryan Adams particularly asked Commission to note the
section on accomplishments achieved in 1998. James Tralle asked that the
MDH Inspection Report, which recommends chlorination of the water system, be
included with the Annual Report.
6.2 Review State of MN Municipal Water System Inspection Report
Staff reviewed the Minnesota Department of Health's annual report on the
Elk River Municipal Water System, with recommendations. Bryan Adams
advised that the lack of recommendations is an example of the excellent
operation and maintenance of the Water System by staff.
Bryan Adams further up-dated the Commission of the Chlorination process
beginning in 1999 with recommendations by the MN Department of Health.
6.3 Consider Replacement for Staff Retirement
The retirement of Robert McCartney, and subsequent replacement possibilities
were discussed. Bryan Adams offered a summary of job qualifications,
duties and responsibilities. Wording, advertising and posting of the position
were reviewed, with suggestions by Commission. John Dietz directed Bryan
Adams to meet with Lori Johnson, City of Elk River to evaluate the public works
system, and to survey other Cities.
John Dietz moved to post the job opening within the Utilities, and to advertise
for the position. George Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
6.4 Proposed Wind Turbine Project
Bryan Adams informed the Commission of the possibility of a Wind Turbine
Project that may be constructed in our service territory. Ramifications and
associated issues were discussed. Commission was up-dated on the progress of
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Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
March 9, 1999
the proposed Gas Turbine Project. This project is pending, depending upon the
outcome of proposed legislation on exempting gas peaking plants from property
tax.
6.5 Review Electric Rate Comparisons
American Public Power Association's electric rate comparisons for year 1977
were reviewed, with comments by Staff and Commission.
Other Business
1. A copy of a letter from Paul Steinman, Director of Economic Development to
Northstar Die Casting, regarding their Economic Development Loan was reviewed by
Staff and Commission.
2. Bryan Adams advised the Commission of the possibility of purchasing land from the
State of Minnesota for Well #7. The location was clarified for Commission as well
as the fact that the purchase could take as long as two years.
John Dietz moved to direct Staff to explore the possibility further, and to hire Bud
Storm of Evergreen Land Services to do the ground work for purchase. George
Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
The next scheduled meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission will be
April 13, 1999.
John Dietz moved to adjourn the March 9, 1999 Regular meeting of the Elk River
Municipal Utilities Commission. George Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried
3-0.
The March 9, 1999 Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
adjourned at 6:50 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
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Patricia Hemza
Office Manager