05-14-1996 ERMU MIN REGULAR MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
MUNICIPAL UTILITIES COMMISSION
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL
UTILITIES OFFICE
May 14 , 1996
Members Present : President James Tralle, Vice Chairman John
Dietz, Trustee George Zabee
Others Present : Pat Klaers, City Administrator; James Brimeyer,
Brimeyer Group Inc . ; Gary Groen, Auditor, 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 : 00 P.M. by President James Tralle.
2 . Consider Utilities Agenda
Mr. Dietz moved to approve the 5-14-96 Agenda. Mr. Zabee
seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0 .
3 . Consider Consent Agenda
Mr. Dietz moved to approve the Consent Agenda as follows :
3 . 04-09-96, 04-16-96 minutes -- approved
12 . Check register -- approved.
4 . Update from James Brimeyer
Mr. Brimeyer presented the General Manager Position Profile
informational booklet prepared for candidates . He also
advised the Commission of the time-table involved.
5 . Engines at Power Plant
Mr. Sundeen reported that #3 engine is down, and must be
repaired, and #3 and #4 turbos need servicing. He
reviewed options and costs for the repairs .
Mr. Dietz moved to have Wheeler Inc. analyze the problems
and report back to the Commission. Mr. Zabee seconded
the motion. Motion carried 3-0 .
Regular meeting Elk River Utilities Commission Meeting
May 14, 1996
Page 2
6 . 2001 Committee Report
Mr. Tralle explained that the City of Elk River has
requested that the Utilities make available to them, the
names and addresses of new residents who sign up for
utility services .
Mr. Dietz moved to have the Utilities Office prepare
a list of names and addresses of new residents on a
monthly basis to be given to the City for the 2001
Committee . Mr. Zabee seconded the motion. Motion
carried 3-0 .
7 . Tree Trimming Update
Mr. Sundeen reported on a tree-trimming dispute in Dayton,
with Ms . Gina Larson. A letter has been written by
Terpstra, Black, Brandell & Hoffman explaining the
Utility' s policy.
8 . Gary Groen, Abdo, Abdo & Eick
Mr. Groen discussed with the Commissioners, the management
letter provided with the annual audit . Several issues were
reviewed. Mr. Tralle requested Mr. Groen to provide the
Commission with some options for dealing with the excess
vacation accruals . Commission directed Mrs Hemza to work
with Lori, to certify as a special assessment, the loan
made to the Elk River Country Club.
9 . Wage Negotiations
Wade Lovelette, Lloyd Lorenzen and Mark Fuchs presented
the proposal for the wage increase percentage for the out-
side crew. Commission discussed the proposal, regarding the
average arrived at and the Utilities that were polled.
Mr. Tralle moved to increase wages effective June 1, 1996
3 . 91196 . Mr. Zabee seconded the motion. Motion passed
2-0 . Mr. Dietz abstained.
10 . Consideration of additional positions for Electric/Water
Mr. Sundeen has requested an additional apprentice line-
man be hired, and a new position of Line Foreman be
created. Mr. Zabee stressed that proper hiring pro-
cedures must be followed.
Mr. Zabee moved to create the position of Line Foreman,
with the salary to be $ . 50 over the Lead Lineman Position
Regular meeting Elk River Utilities Commission Meeting
May 14, 1996
Page 3
and to hire an Apprentice Lineman. Mr. Dietz seconded the
motion. Motion caried 3-0 .
Mr. Zabee reported his views and observations on the need
to add a person for the Water Department .
Mr. Zabee moved to add one person to the Water Department
at the Water Service/Groundsman level . Mr. Dietz seconded
the motion. Motion carried 3-0 .
11 . Reviewal of R.W. Beck study
Mr. Dietz moved to ask R.W. Beck for a firm proposal for
the rate study. Mr. Zabee seconded the motion. Motion
carried 3-0 .
13 . Other Business
The proposal from Emmer and Associates was discussed and
it was decided to delay any decisions until a new General
Manager has been hired.
Mr. McCartney reported water surge complaints and water
pressure fluctuation. Charts were presented for the
discussion along with a written report . Mr. McCartney
was directed to get quotes to proceed with corrections
to the problems .
Mr. Dietz discussed the Sustainable City Showcase
regarding the buy back of excess power generated.
The Regional Safety Program by Michael Willettes was
discussed. Mr. Sundeen was directed to check with
MMUA to find out if the Utilities are committed to
the program.
The next scheduled meeting of the Elk River Utilities
Commission will be June 11, 1996, at 4 : 00 P.M.
Mr. Dietz moved to adjourn. Mr. Zabee seconded the motion.
Motion carried 3-0 .
The meeting of the Elk River Utilities Commission adjourned
at 7 : 00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia Hemza
Office Manager