04-05-1994 ERMU MIN {
/ ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES
2
322 King Avenue
Elk River, Minnesota 55330
Phone (612) 441-2020
UTILITIES COMMISSION MINUTES
April 5, 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
Roger Holmgren Elk River City Council
Ron Bratlie Elk River School Board
1) The meeting was called to order at 3:00 P.M. by President
Simpson.
2) Motion by Mr. Zabee, seconded by Mr. Tralle to approve the
agenda as amended. The Motion carried.
3) Motion by Mr. Zabee, seconded by Mr. Tralle to approve the
minutes of the previous meeting as distributed. The motion
carried.
4) The President reported that he attended the closing on the
Clinkscales Trust Property and the property is now ours. The
Commissioners furthur instructed staff to see that insurance
is in effect on the property.
5) Roger Holmgren and Ron Bratlie stated that the reason they were
at this meeting was to ask the Commissioners to seriously
consider the possibility of relocating the power line along
School Street between Jackson and Hiway 169 underground. The
following elements were considered by the Commissioners:
A. Underground electricity is esthetically much more
pleasing and far less obtrusive.
B. Underground electricity would require no tree trimming.
C. To construct this line underground would cost the
Utilities approximately $80,000 to $100,000 more than to
do the work overhead.
D. Underground would eliminate very few poles (if any)
because of street light requirements.
E. We would require and additional 10' easement to place the
large underground switching boxes and cable.
F. It is not considered good practice to place main feeders
underground as it tends to increase outage time and is
very difficult to operate or tap for new customers.
G. We presently place almost all new distribution
underground with the exception of main feeders and older
areas where overhead cables already exist.
The Commissioners felt that they would be glad to place the
line underground if some way could be found to pay for it other
than to place this burden on the rate payers. They also
expressed a concern that very few poles would be eliminated
because of street lights. They decided to take no action at
this time but would welcome input from Roger and Ron at a
future date.
6) Glenn reported that the Boy Scouts had approached him and asked
us to donate a service at a planned future building. The
Commissioners requested that a representative of the affected
Scout organization appear before the Commission so that
questions could be answered.
7) Bob Palmquist of Associated Consultants reported on the status
of various Generation projects in the area. The General
Manager reported that he had gone over the numbers very
carefully and was convinced that a similar project could be
viable for Elk River Utilities which would lock in the future
cost of generation. Motion by Mr. Tralle, seconded by Mr.
Zabee to authorize Associated Consultants to undertake a
feasibility study not to exceed $9,500 on the possibility of
future generation for Elk River Utilities. The Motion carried.
8) The General Manager reported that a customer had requested
three phase service for a very light usage. He reported that
he would approach the customer with an option for an annual
minimum.
9) The Line Superintendent updated the Commissioners on the status
of construction projects and other operating conditions.
10) The General Manager reviewed the December financial statements
with the Commissioners.
11) Motion by Mr. Tralle, seconded by Mr. Zabee, to approve the
check register.
12) The next meeting was set for Tuesday, May 10, 1994 at 3:00 P.M.
at the Utilities office.
12) Motion by Mr. Trailer seconded by Mr. Zabee to adjourn. The
motion Carried. Meeting adjourned at 4:45 P.M.
Bill Birrenkott
General Manager