03-11-1997 ERMU MIN REGULAR MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL
UTILITIES COMMISSION
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES OFFICES
MARCH 11, 1997
MEMBERS PRESENT: President, John Dietz;Vice Chairman, George Zabee;Trustee,James Tralle
OTHERS PRESENT: Bryan Adams, General Manager; Glenn Sundeen, Line Superintendent; Robert
McCartney, Water Superintendent; Patrick Klaers, City Manager;Wade Lovelette, Line Foreman
1. Call Meeting to Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof,the meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities
Commission was called to order at 3:40 P.M. by President Dietz.
2. Consider Utilities Agenda
Mr.Tralle moved to approve the 3-11-97 Agenda, Mr. Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried
3-0.
3. Consider Consent Agenda
Mr. Dietz requested the minutes of 2-12-97 be changed to reflect the vote for Review Comparable
Worth Study Proposal.The vote should be changed from 2-0 to 2-1.
Mr. Tralle moved and Mr. Zabee seconded to accept the minutes of 2-12-97 meeting as amended,
minutes from 3-4-97 meeting as written, and Check Register. Motion carried 3-0.
5.1 Review 1996 Financial Year End Data
Commission reviewing the preliminary Year End Financial Data. Mr. Dietz asked a number of
questions about this information. Patricia Hemza, Office Manager,will respond to a couple of these
questions upon her return. Mr. Zabee moved to receive this report and file. Motion seconded by
Mr.Tralle, motion carried 3-0.
5.2 Award 69 KV Circuit Breaker for Station 14 Modification
Mr. Adams presented the bid tabulation from the bidding process and recommended that AEG
Power Systems, Inc.,the lowest responsive bidder be awarded the contract to furnish this
equipment for$31,640.00. Mr.Tralle moved to purchase this equipment from AEG. Mr.Zabee
seconded the motion and motion carried 3-0.
Regular Meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
March 11,1997
page 2
5.3 Review Brochures for Water Conservation&Security Systems
Mr. Adams presented the first cut for Water Conservation And Security System brochures
developed by Tartan Marketing,with staffs input. Some discussion ensued about proper time and
intervals to water lawns in Elk River due to sandy soil. By consensus the Commission was
• pleased with the brochures and directed to continue in the development process.
6.1 Consider Salary Requested byline Foreman
Mr. Adams presented the letter by Wade Lovelette concerning a request for an increase in pay
differential from 500 to$1.00/hour. Mr. Lovelette explained his request and it was understood that
upon accepting this position in June 1996, he would be re-evaluated in a couple of months. Mr.
Sundeen stated that Mr. Lovelette was doing a very good job and doing everything that was
expected of him.After much discussion Mr.Adams suggested that although a pay increase is
warranted, the Comparable Worth Study should be completed first,which would help define the
appropriate level of increase. By consensus,the Commission agreed to a pay increase upon
completion of the Comparable Worth Study and the increase is considered pay differential and
would be retroactive to six months after Mr. Lovelette was moved into this position.
6.2 ISD#728- ERMU Pole Attachment Agreement
ISD#728 is relocating the Administration Offices and desires to have telecommunication lines
between this new facility and the High School via Elk River Municipal Utilities' utility poles. Mr.
Adams presented a proposed Pole Attachment Agreement drafted by Elk River Municipal Utilities
attorney. It was also noted that Elk River Municipal Utilities has currently three pole agreements,all
at different prices. It was moved by Mr.Tralle and seconded by Mr. Zabee that the proposed
agreement be presented to ISD#728 with a rental price of$6.50/pole/year. Motion carried 3-0.The
Commission also directed Mr.Adams to review the existing pole agreements and raise the rental
rate to a minimum of$6.50/pole,when the agreement can be negotiated.
6.3 Review and Adopt Water System Maintenance Program
Mr.Adams and Mr. McCartney presented the proposed Water Maintenance program.After many
questions Mr. Zabee moved and Mr.Tralle seconded to adopt the presented material as a Water
Maintenance Policy. Motion carried 3-0. (Policy is attached to minutes for reference)
Regular Meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
March 11,1997
. . page 3
6.4 Review Elk River Police Departments Mid Block Street Lighting Project
Discussion was held concerning the need for Mid Block Street Lighting,who is to pay for these
lights, and appropriate distance between lights . After much discussion ,the Commission decided
to table this issue until the next meeting when Mr.Tom Zerwas, Chief of Police , and Steve Ach,
• City Planner, could present their views.
6.5 Review and Adopt Meter Deposit Policy
Current meter deposit policy is: After one year of prompt and timely payments, residential
customers are refunded their meter deposits only if they request the deposit. Commercial
customers are not refunded their deposits under any circumstances. Meter deposits receive, by
State Statute, 6% per annum interest. Currently Elk River Municipal Utilities receives'
approximately 3% interest in deposits and it takes considerable staff time to maintain the records
for customer deposits.After much discussion, it was moved by Mr.Tralle and seconded by Mr.
Zabee, that customer deposits be refunded after one year of timely payments with no overdue
payments or NSF checks.The status of this policy change be monitored, and reviewed in one
year. Motion carried 3-0.
6.6 Consider Joint MAPP Membership Through MMUA
The issue of joining MAPP through a joint membership option through MMUA was discussed.As
the cost of a joint membership through MMUA becomes better defined, Staff was directed to bring
this issue back to the Commission. The general consensus of the Commission was MAPP
membership would be beneficial to Elk River Municipal Utilities.
6.7 Elk River Energy City Update
Discussion was held on Elk River Energy City activities and their brochure on four demonstration
projects are now being considered,which include; Energy Efficient House, Solar Collection Panels,
Wind Turbine, and Electrical Generation with Landfill Methane Gas.
The next scheduled meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission will be Tuesday,April 8,
1997 at 3:30 P.M.
Mr.Tralle moved to adjourn. Mr. Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
The meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission adjourned at 4:55 P.M.
R pectfully submic
Ban C. Ad s
General Manager