03-10-1998 ERMU MIN ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
ELK RIVER UTILITIES COMMISSION
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES OFFICE
MARCH 10, 1998
Members Present: President, George Zabee; Vice Chairman, James Tralle
Members Absent: Trustee, John Dietz
Staff Present: Bryan Adams, General Manager; Glenn Sundeen, Line
Superintendent; Robert McCartney, Water Superintendent; Patricia Hemza, Office
Manager
1. Call meeting to order at 4:00 P.M., March 10. 1998
2. Consider Utilities Agenda
James Tralle moved to approve the March 10, 1998 Agenda as presented. George
Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.
3. *Consider Consent Agenda
Mr. Tralle moved to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
02-10-98 Minutes
February Check Register
Financials
5.1 Review and consider fencing of Power Plant
Commission and Staff reviewed the necessity of fencing the area around the Pole
Yard at the Plant. Options were presented and discussed.
George Zabee moved to install the scaled down version of the fencing around the
south end of the pole pile. James Tralle seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.
5.2 Up-date on Electronic Technician and Security System Sales Person
Bryan Adams reported that Charlie Conway, Utility Worker(Electronic Technician),
began employment with the ERMU on 3-3-98. The Security System Sales Person
has declined the offer made. The search for a Sales Person will continue.
5.3 Up-date Miscellaneous Water Issues
Bryan Adams up-dated the Commission on several miscellaneous Water Issues.
Well #2 is back in operation after completion of repair work. Well #3 has been
removed from service for inspection and necessary repair. Repair cost estimates
Page 2
Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
March 10, 1998
have not been received. KLM Engineering, Inc. will be doing a float down
inspection of the Freeport Avenue water tower on April 1, 1998, which will tell us
if and when the tower will need repair work to the paint coating system and estimated
costs. The test well for Well#6 has been done and it has been determined that there is
a good source of water. Final pump tests and water sample tests have not been
received yet.
Engineering and inspection proposals for construction of Well #6 have been received.
These proposals define cost of engineering along with determining the correct
approach, proper technique and technology. It was recommended and authorized that
Howard Green Company prepare drawings and specifications for this project. The
issue of using engineering firms other than the City Engineer will be discussed at a
future meeting.
5.4 Up-date Methane Gas Generation and Wind Turbine Project
The ERMU has not received the proposed power purchase agreement from Power
Strategies. United Power Association has not acted on Northern Alternative Energy's
proposal to install a 750 kW Micon wind generator for our avoided cost of 33 mils,
and are looking at other alternatives. Spiegal & McDiarmid have responded to our
query on the legality of not accepting Northern Alternative Energy's proposal. Spiegel
&McDiarmid recommended that ERMU establish a wheeling rate for Qualifying
Facilities, and embody the rate in contractual agreements with QFs, including the
ERMU/RECO agreement.
5.5 Up-date on purchase of Electric Line Truck
On October 21, 1997, a contract was awarded to Amador Aerials to furnish and
deliver an electric line truck for $79,860. It now appears that Amador Aerials is in
the process of going out of business and will be unable to deliver the product to us.
Mr. Tralle moved to award the bid to the next lowest responsive bidder, Aspen of
Bloomington, MN at their bid price of$95,052. Mr. Zabee seconded the motion.
Motion carried 2-0.
6.1 OSHA Inspection
The Elk River Utilities, the City Street Department and Sewage Treatment Plant all
had OSHA inspections on February 9, 1998. All three units were cited with one
citation. We have not received the written citation, or the amount of the fine for the
exact violation of having a window fan without a three-prong grounded plug.
Page 3
Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
March 10, 1998
6.2 1998 Electric Wire Bids
Bids for 1998 Electrical wire will be received on March 17, 1998. James Tralle
moved to authorize Bryan Adams to award the contract to the lowest responsive
bidder. George Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.
6.3 Station 14 Transformer
Bryan Adams reported that we have a used transformer being retired, and that the
transformer will be put in storage for several years. Princeton Municipal Utilities
has contacted ERMU with the possibility of purchasing the transformer for their
immediate use. Bryan Adams, General Manager recommends the sale of the
transformer to Princeton Utilities.
James Tralle moved to sell the transformer to Princeton for $42,500.00, but not
. less than $40,000.00 George Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.
6.4 Spare parts for Unit#4 Worthington Diesel Generator
Bryan Adams advised the Commission of the availability of spare parts, a head and
piston liner for Unit#4. Since parts for this engine are difficult to find, it is
recommended that purchase be made.
James Tralle moved to have the General Manager verify the price and to purchase the
spare parts. George Zabee seconded the motion.
The City Manager has suggested the Commission have a joint meeting with the City
Council in April. The Elk River Utilities Commission is agreeable to the proposal, and
directed the General Manager to set a date in April.
James Tralle moved to adjourn the March 10, 1998 meeting of the Elk River Utilities
Commission. George Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.
The March 10, 1998 meeting of the Elk River Utilities Commission adjourned at 5:00
P.M.
The next scheduled meeting of the Elk River Utilities Commission will be on
April 14, 1998.
_Respectsubm. ed,
Patricia Hemza, Office Manager