02-01-1994 ERMU MIN ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES
322 King Avenue
Elk River, Minnesota 55330
Phone (612) 441-2020
UTILITIES COMMISSION MINUTES
February 1, 1994
3:00 P.M.
Present Were: James Simpson President
George Zabee Vice Chairman
James Tralle Trustee
Others Present: Bill Birrenkott General Manager
Glenn Sundeen Line Superintendent
Bob McCartney Water Superintendent
1) The meeting was called to order at 3:00 P.M. by President
Tralle.
2) Motion by Mr. Simpson, seconded by Mr. Zabee to approve the
agenda as amended. The Motion carried.
3) Motion by Mr. Zabee, seconded by Mr. Tralle, to appoint Mr.
Simpson to the office of President for the coming year and Mr.
Zabee as Vice Chairman. The motion carried.
4 ) Motion by Mr. Zabee, seconded by Mr. Tralle to approve the
minutes of the previous meeting as distributed. The motion
carried.
5 ) The problem of people with frozen water services was discussed.
Bob McCartney reported that the Commissioners passed a motion
in 1977 forbidding the Utilities from thawing out the frozen
services because of the danger of fire. He further reported
that he has surveyed several cities and found none of them that
do it. Our insurance company has told us that they do not want
us to attempt to thaw frozen services. It was noted that the
service is under the ownership of the customer and they are
responsible for this. Never the less, the Commissioners felt
that we should do something in a proactive mode that will help
the customers prevent the freeze-up from happening. It was
agreed that, because of the severity of the current winter,
we will go through the records and find any parties that have
had freeze-ups in the past and contact them with possible
remedies to prevent this from happening.
6) The General Manager reviewed a billing situation with a current
customer and the possible use of a limited meter. No other
action was taken.
7) President Simpson informed the Commissioners of the situation
regarding the new Chamber of Commerce building. It was agreed
that the Utilities would waive the WAC fees for this project.
They further agreed that the Chamber should come to us in the
future when the costs have been tied down more closely.
8) President Simpson also informed the Commissioners that a new
2,500 seat hockey arena is being considered for the area and
the Utilities would be invited to participate. The
Commissioners discussed the possibility of using the Economic
Development Rate on this project. No other action was taken.
9) The Line Superintendent updated the Commissioners on the status
of construction projects and other operating conditions.
10) Motion by Mr. Tralle, seconded by Mr. Zabee, to approve the
check register.
11) The next meeting was set for Tuesday, March 8, 1994 at 3 : 00
P.M. at the Utilities office.
12) Motion by Mr. Simpson , seconded by Mr. Zabee to adjourn. The
motion Carried. Meeting adjourned at 4 :45 P.M.
Bill Birrenkott
General Manager