05-13-1997 ERMU MIN REGULAR MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
MUNICIPAL UTILITIES COMMISSION
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER MUNCIPAL UTILITIES OFFICES
MAY 13, 1997
Members Present: President, John Dietz; Vice Chairman, George Zabee
Others Present : Bryan Adams, General Manager; Glenn Sundeen, Line Superintendent;
Robert McCartney, Water Superintendent; Patricia Hemza, Office Manager
1, Call Meeting to Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Utilities
Commission was called to order at 3:30 by President John Dietz.
2. Consider Utilities Agenda
Mr. Zabee moved to approve the 5-13-97 Agenda, with the addition of two
informational items from Bryan Adams and one additional item from George
Zabee. Seconded by Mr. Dietz. Motion carried 2-0.
3. *Consider Consent Agenda
Mr. Zabee moved to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
3. 4-8-97 Minutes—approved
4. Check Register—approved
5. Financials—approved
5.1 Review and consider Safety Shoe Policy
Recommendations by Staff were reviewed regarding safety shoes for
outside workers.
Mr. Zabee moved to continue the existing policy contained in Section 27
of the employee handbook, using the language, safety shoes, meeting the
requirements of ANSI Z41. Seconded by Mr. Dietz. Motion carried 2-0.
5.2 Review and consider American Disabilities Act Study by RSP
The evaluation was discussed and reviewed. Mr. Zabee moved to receive and
file the report. Seconded by Mr. Dietz. Motion carried 2-0
Regular meeting of the Elk River Utilities Commission
May 13, 1997
Page 2
5.3 Review and consider Elk River Economic Development Strategic Plan
The Economic Development Strategic Plan was presented and discussed.
Mr. Zabee moved to receive and file the Draft Plan. Mr. Dietz seconded the
motion. Motion carried 2-0.
5.4 Review and consider tariff sheets for electric and water rates
Proposed tariff sheets were presented that reflect the terms and conditions of
the rates that were adopted at the February 12, 1997 meeting. Power factors
in connection with the Demand Rate were discussed. Bryan Adams responded
to several questions by the Commission.
Bryan Adams recommended to the Commission two customers who qualify
for the Economic Development Rate.
Mr. Zabee moved to grant the Economic Development Rate for Barton
Gravel and the Sherburne County Courthouse, as large businesses in the newly
acquired territory, per the tariff sheet. Mr. Dietz seconded the motion. Motion
carried 2-0.
Bryan Adams asked the Commission to consider an Off-Peak rate and
stated the reasons it is needed. Mr. Adams also requested the Commission's
approval to contact R.W.Beck for assistance in the planning of the rate.
Mr. Zabee moved to have R.W.Beck assist Bryan Adams with the design
of an Off-Peak Rate, at a cost not to exceed$500.00. Mr. Dietz seconded the
motion. Motion carried 2-0.
The Street Light policies and tariff sheet were scrutinized in regard to the
different rates charged, regarding community. The policy of adding 15 lights
per year was discussed.
Mr. Zabee moved to no longer add 15 street lights automatically every year,
but rather to add street lights on a request and need basis. Mr. Dietz seconded
the motion. Motion carried 2-0.
Mr. Zabee moved to approve the tariff sheets, excepting the street light
tariff sheet. Mr. Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.
Regular meeting of the Elk River Utilities Commission
May 13, 1997
Page 3
5.5 MAPP Joint Membership through MMUA
Participation in the MAPP joint membership was considered and discussed.
Mr. Zabee moved to join the MAPP: Joint Membership. Mr. Dietz
seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.
6.1 1997 Chamber of Commerce Expo & ERMU 50th Anniversary
The possibility of combining recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the
Utilities with the Chamber's Business Expo in October, 1997 or with the
Heritage Fest was considered. It was unanimously decided to continue
participating in the Expo, and to continue to explore ideas for the 50th
Anniversary.
6.2 Review Electrical Generation Potential and letter of intent
The opportunities created by Energy City which entail electric
generation with landfill gas and/or wind were discussed, along
with the supporting documents.
No action taken.
6.3 Review 169 Highway Lighting Proposal by City of Elk River
Bryan Adams presented a memo from Pat Klaers, City Manager,
advising of the City's commitment for maintenance for 40 new
lights along Highway 169 between Main Street and 193rd Avenue.
No action taken.
Regular meeting of the Elk River Utilities Commission
May 13, 1997
Page 4
6.4 Review and consider policy change for charges for returned checks
Commission reviewed the present policy, which based charges on
the amount of the returned check to a cap of$20.00.
Mr. Dietz moved to charge a flat fee of$20.00 for each returned check,
without regard to the amount of the check. Mr. Zabee seconded the motion.
Motion carried 2-0.
6.5 Review and consider award of contract for 69 KV Breaker Panel, 12.5 KV
Reclosers and Highland Road Water Main
Bid tabulations for the three projects were submitted to the Commission.
Mr. Zabee moved to accept the bid for the 69 KV Relay Panel from
Keystone Electric. Mr. Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.
Mr. Zabee moved to accept the bid for the 12.5 KV Reclosers from
Border States Electric. Mr. Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.
Mr. Zabee moved to accept the bid for the Highland Road Watermain from
Richard Knutson, Inc. Mr. Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.
6.6 Preliminary report from Hay Management Consultants
The preliminary report from Hay Management Consultants was presented
to the Commission. After reviewing the report, with questions and comments
it was decided to have a special work meeting on May 27, 1997. Mr. Adams
will have options for compliance at that time, and all employees will have had
a chance to have their position reconsidered if desired.
Tabled from the March 11, 1997 meeting, the increase of$.50 for the Line
Foreman to bring the differential between Line Foreman and Lead Linemen to
$1.00 was discussed.
Mr. Zabee moved to increase the wage of the Line Foreman$.50 to bring the
differential of Line Foreman to Lead Linemen to $1.00, retroactive to January 1,
1997. Mr. Dietz seconded the motion. Motion passed 2-0.
Regular meeting of the Elk River Utilities
ties Commission
May 13, 1997
Page 5
Other Business
Bryan Adams reported on the Downtown Development Meeting he attended.
The question of water fountain maintenance arose again. The Utilities
were asked about the possibility of doing the maintenance. It is the concensus
of the Commission and Staff that it would not be something the Utilities could
commit to.
Bryan Adams advised the Commission he would be attending the School Board
Meeting May 13, 1997 regarding the purchase of the property, by Meadowvale
School for the proposed Well#6.
Mr. Zabee reported that a customer had voiced a concern about a street light that
shines into his home. Staff and Commission discussed various solutions to the
customer's problem. No action taken.
The next scheduled meeting of the Elk River Utilities Commission will be Wednesday,
June 4, 1997 at 3:30 P.M.
Mr. Dietz moved to adjourn. Mr. Zabee seconded the motion.
The meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission adjourned at 5:35 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
/6q"
Patricia Hemza
Office Manager