08-25-2021 ERMU MIN ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE UTILITIES COMMISSION
HELD AT UTILITIES CONFERENCE ROOM
August 25,2021
Members Present: Chair John Dietz,and Commissioners Mary Stewart and Matt Westgaard
Members Absent: Commissioners Al Nadeau and Paul Bell
ERMU Staff Present: Theresa Slominski,General Manager
Dave Ninow,Water Superintendent
Michelle Canterbury, Executive Administrative Manager
Tony Mauren,Communications&Administrative Coordinator
Others Present: Peter Beck,Attorney;and Kristie Elfering, Elfering&Associates
1.0 GOVERNANCE
1.1 Call Meeting to Order
The special meeting of the Utilities Commission was called to order at 1:35 p.m. by Chair Dietz.
1.2 Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
1.3 Consider the Agenda
There were no additions or corrections to the agenda.
Moved by Commissioner Westgaard seconded by Commissioner Stewart to approve the
August 25,2021,agenda.Motion carried 3-0.
2.0 BUSINESS ACTION
2.1 2021 Watermain Relocation Improvements ProjectâAward of Bid
Staff has been working with Elfering &Associates to design and bid the 2021 Watermain
Relocation Improvements project associated with the Highway 169 Redefine project.
Kristie Elfering with Elfering&Associates was present virtually to share the bid results and
letter of recommendation for award.
Ms. Elfering introduced herself and shared that bids were opened for the project on
Thursday, August 19, 2021; four bids were received.The low bid was from G. F.Jedlicki
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August 25, 2021
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with a total base bid of$955,190.00, and total base bid with alternate of$1,021,645.00.
As noted in the letter of recommendation, although the bid is over the anticipated
construction costs, Elfering &Associates believes that ERMU received a competitive bid
for the work, and that the higher total is a result of the current upward trend in
construction costs and materials.
Ms. Elfering shared that ERMU has been working to obtain a grant of easement for
drainage and utility purposes from two of the commercial businesses that will be affected
by the watermain relocation. Ms. Elfering shared that if the easements are obtained, we
will be able to go with the total base bid of$955,190.00, and if they are not obtained we
will need to go with the total base bid with alternate, in the amount of$1,021,645.00.
Attorney Beck provided some background on the efforts that have been made to obtain
the easements and shared that one of the commercial property owners has granted us
the easement, and he is hopeful that we will obtain the second one.To allow some
flexibility, Attorney Beck recommended the commission award the total base bid with
alternate, with the understanding that if we receive the required easements, the award of
the total base bid without the alternate would be awarded instead.
Chair Diez inquired how this project was being funded. Ms. Slominski shared the amount
that had been budgeted for this capital project.
Moved by Commissioner Westgaard and seconded by Commissioner Stewart to approve
award of the total base bid with alternate of$1,021,645.00 to G.F.Jedlicki, Inc. with the
understanding that if the required easements are obtained,the award of the total base
bid of$955,190.00 to G.F.Jedlicki, Inc.would be awarded instead. Motion carried 3-0.
Ms. Elfering stated she appreciated the commission holding a special meeting to keep things
on track and moving forward with the project.
Commissioner Stewart asked staff if they knew if the watermain relocation improvements
project may qualify for funding for aging infrastructure that is part of the recently passed
federal infrastructure bill. Ms. Slominski stated that she did not think it would not be
eligible.
3.0 ADJOURN SPECIAL MEETING
There being no further business,Chair Dietz adjourned the special meeting of the Utilities
Commission at 1:45 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Michelle Canterbury.
Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission Meeting Minutes
August 25, 2021
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J n J. z, Commission Chair
Tina Allard, ' Clerk
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