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09-09-1997 ERMU MIN REGULAR MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES COMMISSION HELD AT THE ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES OFFICES SEPTEMBER 9, 1997 Members Present: President, John Dietz; Vice Chairman, George Zabee, Trustee; James Tralle Staff Present: Bryan Adams, General Manager; Glenn Sundeen, Line Superintendent; Robert McCartney, Water Superintendent; Patricia Hemza, Office Manager Others Present: Steve Nordahl, ERMU Security Specialist 1. Call meeting to order at 4:00 P.M. September 9, 1997 2. Consider Utilities Agenda Mr. Tralle moved to approve the 9-9-97 Agenda. Mr. Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. 3. *Consider Consent Agenda Mr. Zabee moved to approve the Consent Agenda as follows: 8-12-97 Minutes Check Register Financials Mr. Tralle seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. 5.1 Up-date Security System Information Security System data and statistics were reviewed by Commission. Steve Nordahl appeared to report and answer questions regarding Security. Options for marketing were discussed. It was generally felt that the Security System is a viable service to our customers and the community. Staff was directed to return to the Commission at a future meeting with alternative plans for the marketing and sales of the Systems, as well as explore membership with the Builders Association of Elk River. 5.2 Up-date Landfill Gas Generation Proposal Bryan Adams presented August 27, 1997 correspondence to Power Strategies, AEC letter dated September 2, 1997 regarding the Landfill Generation Project and an economic analysis of the proposed project. Landfill gas and wind generation were discussed. Regular meeting of the Elk River Utilities Commission September 9, 1997 Page 2 Mr. Tralle moved to execute the proposal for the sale of electric power fueled by landfill gas operated by RECO, located at the USA Waste Services, Inc. Elk River Landfill to the Elk River Municipal Utilities,pending the outcome from the Elk River Council and Power Strategies. Mr. Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. 5.3 Up-date#3 Unit Engine Overhaul Bryan Adams advised the Commission of the engine repair progress. The repairs are going very well, and the engine is being reassembled at this time, even though there has been a small delay, due to the unexpected repair of the supercharger. Discussion followed concerning the importance of the Power Plant, and the need to keep it up and running for future considerations. 5.4 Up-date Part-time Office Help Commission reviewed the job description,the evaluation form to be used during interviewing, and the ad that was in the newspapers. There are presently over forty applications and the closing date for further applications is September 10, 1997. 6.1 Review APPA Investor Owned Electric Rate Study Reminding the Commission of the electric rate study comparing Minnesota Municipal Utilities, done by MMUA, Bryan Adams presented a study done by American Public Power Association of investor-owned utilities. Discussion followed regarding our rates, cost of purchased power and the growth in our area. 6.2 Review Operating and Maintenance Policy Manual for ERMU At the September 11, 1996 Elk River Utilities Commission meeting a list of priorities was discussed. One of the highest was a policy manual. A proposed table of contents for the manual, with advisement of completed portions was presented to the Commission for discussion and reviewal. The Commissioners indicated that they wish to receive copies of the manual in progress and feel it is a valuable project. 6.3 Review and adopt Meter Deposit and Related Services Policy Commission was presented with a complete Meter Deposit and Related Services Policy for their consideration. The information has not been gathered into a formal policy in the past. Staff recommends the formal adoption of the policy, with related documents. Regular meeting of the Elk River Utilities Commission September 9, 1997 Page 3 Mr. Zabee moved to adopt the Meter Deposit and Related Service Policy. Mr. Tralle seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. 6.4 Review purchase of used dump truck Earlier in 1997,the Commission suggested the possibility of purchasing a used dump truck instead of a new vehicle. Researching specifications for a line truck presented possibilities for a used dump truck. Staff presented a quotation from Boyer Ford for the used cab and chassis and Crysteel Truck Equipment for the contractors body. Mr. Tralle moved to approve the purchase of a used bump truck in the amount of $23,404.00 and the contractors body for $8,404.35 from Boyer Ford. Mr. Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. 6.5 Review feasibility study for Sherburne County Government Center The Feasibility Study for Sherburne County Government Center Expansion prepared by Howard R. Green, Consulting Engineers was presented. After discussion of the study, it was the consensus to receive and file the report. Other Business John Dietz brought up the need for street lighting on Joplin and asked the Street Lighting Committee to look at the problem and return with their recommendation. Bryan Adams advised the Commission of the availability for federal assistance from FEMA for relief from storm damage expenses. Mr. Zabee moved to pass a Resolution Authorizing Execution of Sub-Grant Agreement. Mr. Tralle seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0. Staff reported that requirements for flame-retardant clothing for linemen are being redefined due to additional test data. The Nomax clothing is very warm and uncomfortable in the summer-time, cold in the winter time and also very expensive in comparison to other alternatives. Staff was directed to return to a future meeting with options. A problem with vandalism and mischief at the pole yard at the plant was brought up and discussed with the Commission. Staff was directed to bring options to the Commission at a future meeting for ways to alleviate the problem. Regular meeting of the Elk River Utilities Commission September 9, 1997 Page 4 With no further business to be discussed, Mr. Tralle moved to adjourn. Mr. Zabee seconded the motion. The meeting of the Elk River Utilities Commission adjourned at 5:25 P.M. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission will be October 21, 1997 at 4:00 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Patricia Hemza Office Manager ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES COMMISSION I,John Dietz,President of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission,hereby request a special meeting of the Elk River Muinicipal Utilities on Wednesday, October 8, 1997, at 4:00 P.M.,to be held at the Elk River Utility Offices. The purpose of the special meeting is to review and consider award of bid for construction of Substation#14. n 44 1 1 ' (-Wj /. ./ il, Dietz,'resident , Date I HEREBY CERTIFY, THAT THIS NOTICE HAS BEEN POSTED AND I HAVE SERVED THIS NOTICE UPON THE MEMBERS OF THE Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission by mail at least one day prior to the above-called Special Utilities Commission meeting. .a./,ce.eL4elilt6ef-)34 Patricia Hemza,Office Manager Date /O-3 9 7