06-08-1999 ERMU MIN ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
ELK RIVER UTILITIES COMMISSION
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES OFFICE
June 8, 1999
Members Present: President, James Tralle; Vice Chairman, John Dietz; Trustee, George
Zabee
Staff Present: Bryan Adams, General Manager; Robert McCartney, Water
Superintendent; Patricia Hemza, Office Manager
Others Present: Pat Klaers, Elk River City Administrator; Lori Johnson, Elk River
Assistant City Administrator; Darrell Mack, Sewer Superintendent
Elk River Municipal Utilities Employee Present: Art Gatchell
1. Call meeting to order at 4:00 PM,June 8, 1999
2. Consider Utilities Agenda
George Zabee moved to approve the Utilities Agenda. John Dietz seconded the
motion. Motion carried 3-0.
3. Consider Consent Agenda
James Tralle asked to have the May 11, 1999 minutes amended in the last
paragraph under 5.1, to read James Tralle suggested, rather than James Tralle
moved.
George Zabee moved to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
5-11-99 Minutes, as amended
May Check Register
Financials
John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
5.1 Review Water & Sewer Department Coordination
James Tralle reviewed the subject of the Water& Sewer Department
coordination. George Zabee offered his opinion of the letter from Ron Black,
Attorney, regarding the legal issues involved.
James Tralle asked John Dietz if it was still his intention to combine Water and
Sewer Department Head positions. Discussion of the logistics followed, with
positives and negatives addressed by Staff and Commission. The Commission
reviewed the responsibilities of the present Water Superintendent with Robert
McCartney, in a question and answer format concerning duties dealing with
environmental issues and meter technology.
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Regular Meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
June 8, 1999
Wage and benefit problems, and time frames were further reviewed. Bryan
Adams responded to further comments from the Commission. George Zabee
summed up the issue with comments stating that he believes the combining of
Department Heads would work,but not without difficulties. He added that the
Water and Sewer Departments are working very well the way they are presently
managed. Pat Klaers, City Administrator, in response to George Zabee
commented on the memo written by Bryan Adams,taking exception to several
items,particularly regarding inferences of political influence.
George Zabee moved to continue the present policy of a Water Superintendent
solely under the direction of the Utilities Commission. James Tralle seconded the
motion. Motion carried 2-1, John Dietz voting nae.
5.2 Review the filling of position for pending Staff Retirement
John Dietz opened the discussion by asking where the advertising was done for
the position of Water Superintendent. Bryan responded, and added that it is
the recommendation of Staff to hire the internal candidate, Art Gatchell,who is
the most qualified and best candidate.
Time frames and the need to hire an additional lineman at this time were
discussed. Commission asked several questions of Art Gatchell, regarding his
experience, licenses, skills and accomplishments.
James Tralle moved to appoint Art Gatchell to Water Superintendent,per the
job description, to begin in the November time frame at the 4th step of the five
step program, and to move to the top of the salary schedule after one year.
George Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-1, John Dietz voting nae.
The reasons for hiring an apprentice lineman at this time were reviewed, with
George Zabee stating that he sees a clear need for it.
George Zabee moved to authorize Staff to hire an apprentice lineman as soon as
possible. James Tralle seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0, John Dietz
abstaining.
5.3 Review Electric Wheeling Tariff
Bryan Adams presented the Commission with an analysis from R.W. Beck
for the financial implications for the Wind Generator and the landfill gas
fueled generator for Sherburne County. Bryan further reviewed the way the
tariff was arrived at, and indicates that we may need to give a credit to the
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Regular Meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
June 8, 1999
wind generator project. James Tralle asked if there are contract considerations
in place for the projects. Bryan responded positively. Staff was directed to
continue with plans to finalize the tariff and prepare contracts. Contracts will
again be presented to Commission for final approval.
6.1 Review& Consider Water Confidence Report
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires all community water
systems to submit an annual water quality report to their customers. The
1999 report deadline is October 19, thereafter the deadline will be July 1
each year. The draft was reviewed, with the consensus to include a brochure
of the report in the bill of every Utility customer.
6.2 Consider Special Employee Compensation
Staff advised the Commission of two employees who have picked up added
duties, with superior performance in their jobs. Discussion of an increase in
wages followed. George Zabee recommended reviewing the position description
questionnaire and job points for the positions before proceeding.
James Tralle moves to increase the hourly wage by .25 for Meter Tech/Electric
Tech/Security. John Dietz seconded the motion.
Further discussion centered on job descriptions, points, skills and added duties.
John Dietz rescinds his second to the above motion, and James Tralle withdrew
the motion.
Staff is directed to proceed with evaluation of the two jobs and return to the
Commission at a future meeting.
Other Business
No other business
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Regular Meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
June 8, 1999
The next scheduled meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission will be
July 13, 1999 at 4:00 PM.
John Dietz moved to adjourn the June 8, 1999 Regular Meeting of the Elk River
Municipal Utilities Commission. George Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried
3-0.
The June 8, 1999 meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities adjourned at 5:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia Hemza
Office Manager