06-09-1998 ERMU MIN ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
ELK RIVER UTILITIES COMMISSION
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES OFFICE
JUNE 9, 1998
Members Present: President, George Zabee; Vice Chair, James Tralle; Trustee, John
Dietz
Staff Present: Bryan Adams, General Manager; Glenn Sundeen, Line Superintendent;
Robert McCartney, Water Superintendent; Patricia Hemza, Office Manager
Others Present: Wade Lovelette, Line Foreman; Mark Fuchs, Lead Lineman; Lloyd
Lorenzen, Lead Lineman
1. Call meeting to order at 3:00 P.M.,June 9, 1998
2. Consider Utilities Agenda
James Tralle moved to approve the Utilities Agenda as presented. John Dietz
seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
3. Consider Consent Agenda
James Tralle moved to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
5-19-98 Minutes
5-26-98 Special Meeting Minutes
May Check Register
Financials
5.1 Review and consider 1998/1999 Employee Wage & Benefit Request
Discussion of the proposed annual employee compensation request was discussed,
with responses from Staff. George Zabee indicated that in June, 1999, he would like
to consider mode and median, as well as the mean of the surveyed groups.
James Tralle moved to increase salaries 3.21% for 1998-1999, for linemen, and
to buy five more shirts for the linemen as of June 1, 1998, and replace as needed.
George Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-1. John Dietz voting nae,
John Dietz indicated that he voted nae because he voted to give the City employees
3%, and he needs to be consistent.
Discussion continued regarding other employees. Staff presented three options
for consideration.
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Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
June 9, 1998
James Tralle moved to increase salaries per Staff's Alternate#3 recommendation.
The difference between the percentage raises will satisfy current Comparable Worth
requirements for the Utilities. George Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried
2-1. John Dietz voted nae for the reason that he thought all three male Supervisors
should be treated the same.
A certain employee was discussed with regard to performance, pay equity and salary.
James Tralle moved to freeze the salary of the discussed employee, with Staff
directed to return to the Commission in six months with a report on the progress of
the employee. John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
The meter reading done by a Contract Meter Reader was discussed and the request
by McBrady Meter Reading for an increase in his contract amount considered.
George Zabee moved to pay McBrady Meter Reading $.48 per Electric Meter,
$.31 per Water Meter, $5.75 per Reconnect/Disconnect,plus $.15 per demand meter,
for the year 5-1-98 to 5-1-99. On 5-1-99 the compensation will be $.50 per Electric
Meter, $.33 per Water Meter, Reconnect/Disconnects and demand meter extras
will remain the same.
5.1 Review Street Light Committee Recommendation
The Street Light Committee received a request from residents on the 13000 block
of Riverview Drive, to have the City of Elk River and Elk River Municipal Utilities
change the lighting on the street from Security Lights to Street Lights. To comply
with the Utilities Street Light policies, we would have to move one light to the
intersection of Joplin Street and Riverview Drive, and remove one light, leaving
only three lights. The residents are aware of this and the majority are in favor of
the changeover. The Street Light Committee recommends approval of this request.
James Tralle moved to approve the change from Security Lights to Street Lights on
the 13000 block of Riverview Drive, as presented by the Street Light Committee.
George Zabee seconded the motion. The motion passed 2-0. John Dietz abstained
because of a personal interest in the decision.
With no other business to discuss, James Tralle moved to adjourn the June 9, 1998
meeting of the Elk River Utilities Commission. John Dietz seconded the motion.
Motion carried 3-0.
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Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
June 9, 1998
The next regular scheduled meeting of the Elk River Utilities Commission will be on
July 14, 1998 at 4:00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia Hemza
Office Manager