3.0 ERMU MINUTES 03-08-2005ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
UTILITIES COMMISSION
February 8, 2005
Members Present: Jerry Takle, President; James Tralle, Vice Chair; John Dietz, Trustee
Staff Present: Bryan Adams, General Manager; David Berg, Water Superintendent;
Patricia Hemza, Office Manager
Others Present: Theresa Slominski
1. Call meeting to order February 8, 2005
President Jerry Takle called the February 8, 2005, meeting to order.
2. Consider Utilities Agenda
James Tralle moved to approve the January 11, 2005, Utilities Agenda with the addition of
one item for discussion under Other Business. John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried
3-0.
3. Consider Consent Agenda
John Dietz questioned a couple of checks on the check register, staff responded.
James Tralle moved to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
January Check Register
January 11, 2005 Minutes
Financials
John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
5.1 Staff Up -dates
Bryans Adams informed the Commission on the LFG electric generation plant operating at
GRE's peak for all 12 months in 2004. There have been a few complaints of smell coming from
the area of the landfill, possibly from the LFG facility. This is being investigated. The water
department budgeted for a water conservation program this year, and the commissioners were
shown a soil moisture tester. The Commission was in favor of sending them out to our water
customers. Water meter reading problems are still being researched and resolved. Also included
in the Agenda packet was a draft of the Elk River Municipal Utilities benefit survey including
health and dental insurance. Jerry Takle asked if we will be looking into customizing the
insurance plan to better fit our needs. John Dietz questioned the possibility of offering two plans
similar to what the City offers. Discussion followed on the type of insurance pool we are now in.
The proposed benefit survey will be conducted and brought back to the Commissioners at a later
date.
David Berg reported on the maintenance being done on Well #2 which should be ready by
spring. Eight more security systems were sold the month of January. John Dietz questioned if the
security person installs the system himself Staff responded that depending on schedule and
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Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
February 8, 2005
workload he is getting help with somejobs. He is also dealing with current accounts and the
monitoring company. Staff is currently looking into a local monitoring company as the one we
have been using has recently relocated out of state.
5.2 Review and Consider 2005 Territory Acquisition
The 2005 budget contains a $570,000 item for electric service territory acquisition. Bryan
Adams reviewed this Area 16 along with the future cable replacement of this area. Discussion
followed regarding future acquisitions and the possibility of continuing on after the current
agreement ends in 2008.
Motion by James Tralle to approve the acquisition of Area 16 and to continue looking into future
acquisitions. John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
5.3 Review Water and Sewer Lateral Locating Proposed Rule
Bryan Adams informed the Commission of the new state rule that will take effect January 1,
2006 requiring "an operator of a sewer or water facility at a minimum shall locate that portion of a
service lateral within a public right-of-way installed after that date." Discussion followed
regarding the cost and liability issues. No further action taken.
6.1 Review MMUA Electric Rate Survey
Minnesota Municipal Utility Association (MMUA) completes an electric rate survey for all
electric municipal utilities in Minnesota on an annual basis. American Public Power Association
(APPA) also conducts an annual electric rate comparison. The MMUA & APPA survey and rate
comparisons were reviewed. No further action taken.
6.2 Review Proposed Annual Report
Each year an annual report is provide to the City of Elk River, City Council and placed on the
City's web site. Commission was pleased with the report. James Tralle asked if the abbreviation
AC could be typed out to read air conditioning. There were no further changes.
6.3 Consider Staff Retirement
Patricia Hemza informed the Commission of her retirement in April of 2005. The Accounts
Payable/Payroll Clerk (A/P-P/R) Theresa Slominski is being recommended for the Finance
Director/Office Manager position. After an internal posting process, staff is recommending the
vacated position of A/P-P/R be filled by a current employee Staci Althouse. Staff is also
requesting to hire an employee to replace the receptionist position that will be open when Staci
Althouse moves to the A/P-P/R position and Theresa Slominski moves to the Finance
Director/Office Manager position.
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Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
February 8, 2005
Motion by James Tralle to accept staffs recommendation to move Theresa Slominski to Finance
Director/Office Manager, Staci Althouse to A/P-P/R clerk, and hire a replacement for receptionist.
John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carred 3-0.
6.4 Commercial Meter Policy
The Elk River community is having more multi tenant facilities being constructed both
residential and commercial. Meter reading and meter maintenance in and around buildings is
getting more challenging and difficult. Staff is recommending the following language be added to
the Metering Facilities section of our Electric Rules.
"In multi tenant facilities, both residential and commercial except apartment complex's and
town homes, shall have all electric meters banked in one area on the exterior of the building. The
meter box shall be clearly and permanently marked identifying what individual space the meter
serves."
Motion by James Tralle to add to our Electric Rules the above recormnended language. John
Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
Other Business
John Dietz added an item regarding the insurance and benefit survey however, that was covered in
the staff updates. Jerry Takle shared a few articles from the MMUA newsletter. One regarding
the importance of electric primary equipment placement to minimize damage by third parties,
including vehicles thus avoiding major outages. The other was regarding low income assistance
programs. Discussion followed regarding the status of our customers and the assistance programs.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission will be
Tuesday, March 8, 2005.
President Jerry Takle adjourned the regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities
Commission at 5:15 p.m.
.dg Clerk
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