06-11-1996 ERMU MIN REGULAR MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
MUNICIPAL UTILITIES COMMISSION
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER MUTNICIPAL
UTILITIES OFFICE
JUNE 11 , 1996
Members Present : President James Tralle, Vice Chairman John
Dietz, Trustee George Zabee
Others Present : Terry Mauer; Dave Berg, R.W. Beck; 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. Zabee moved to approve the 6-11-96 Agenda. Mr. Dietz
seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0 .
3 . Consider Consent Agenda
Mr. Zabee moved to approve the Consent Agenda as follows :
3 . 5-14-96 minutes -- approved
13 . Check register -- approved.
4 . Report from Steve Rohlf on Utilities Building
Mr. Rohlf discussed the problems and concerns with the
Utilities Office Building and possible solutions. Repairs
and solutions were weighed against cost . Mr. Sundeen was
directed to contact Introspect to give the Commission a
quote on over-seeing the roofing project . All other
repairs would be taken care of after the roof is
completed.
5 . Regional safety instructor
Mr. Sundeen reported that he has met with Mike Willette,
Regional Safety Instructor from MMUA. Charges to the
Utility with and without City involvement were discussed.
Mr. Zabee senses the need for staff involvement in this
issue.
Mr. Dietz moved to proceed with committment to MMUA for
their services . Mr. Zabee seconded the motion.
Motion carried 3-0 .
Regular meeting Elk River Utilities Commission
June 11, 1996
Page 2
6 . R.W. Beck study
Dave Berg of R.W.Beck gave a slide presentation for a
rate study, as well as his preliminary observations of
the present rate structure of the Utilities . The
proposal is firm with a detailed scope of services with
options for future negotiations with UPA//AEC for
purchased power. Timing was discussed to coincide with
the final stages to take place when a new General Manager
is in place.
Mr. Zabee moved to approve the R.W.Beck contract to Task
16 . Mr. Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0 .
7 . Main Street Underground
Mr. Sundeen presented estimated material/labor costs for
installing URD primary on Main St . from Lowell Avenue
to the Parrish Avenue Bridge. Information only, no
action taken.
8 . Updates on Electric and Water Positions
Mr. Sundeen reported that thirty resumes were submitted,
six interviews were held, and recommends the hiring of
Trevor Gwiazdon at Step 2 of the lineman' s scale .
Mr. Zabee moved to hire Trevor Gwiazdon at Step 2 . Mr.
Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0 .
Mr. Dietz moved that Wade Lovelette be moved into the new
position of Line Foreman. Mr. Zabee seconded the motion.
Motion carried 3-0 .
Mr. McCartney advised that applications have closed and
no interviews have taken place as of this meeting.
9 . Request for additional office person
Ms Hemza presented a report detailing office history and
the need for additional staff .
Mr. Zabee moved that an additional office person be hired.
Mr. Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0 .
Mr. Zabee moved that Vivian Schmidt be moved to Assistant
Office Manager. Mr. Dietz seconded the motion. Motion
carried 3-0 .
Regular meeting Elk River Utilities Commission
June 11, 1996
Page 3
10 . Meter Reader Update - request for pay increase
After a review of the progress, scope of services and
competency of McBrady Meter Reading Service, it was
the general concensus that an excellent job is being
done for the Utilities .
Mr. Dietz moved to increase the payment to McBrady Meter
Reading Service to $ . 37 per electric meter, $ .25 per
water meter and $5 . 75 per disconnect/reconnect . Mr.
Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0 .
11 . Insurance Coverage
Mr. Dietz moved to approve the coverages presented. Mr.
Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0 .
12 . Cherry Hills Bluff, 4th Addition Watermain
Mr. Terry Mauer appeared to discuss looping the mains
with Mr. McCartney adding information. Discussion was
held and staff was asked for a policy statement for the
Utilities .
Mr. Zabee moved that the Utilities take the position of
looping watermains . Mr. Dietz seconded the motion. Motion
carried 3-0 .
14 . Other business
City Hall lawn sprinkler system problems were discussed
with input from Mr. McCartney. No action necessary.
The next scheduled meeting of the Elk River Utilities Commission
will be July 9, 1996.
Mr. Dietz moved to adjourn. Mr. Zabee seconded the motion.
Motion carried 3-0 .
The meeting of the Elk River Utilities Commission adjourned
at 6 : 15 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
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Patricia Hemza
Office Manager