4.1a ERMUSR 10-12-2021
COMMISSION POLICY
Section: Category:
Governance Delegation to Management Policies
Policy Reference: Policy Title:
G.4l1 Use and Disposal of Utility Property
1.0 PERSONAL USE
All Utility property and equipment is publicly owned. Utility-owned equipment and facilities are
not available for personal use by employees except as explicitly authorized in this or other Utility
policies. Personal use of all Utility vehicles, machinery, tools, and other equipment is strictly
prohibited.
2.0 DISPOSAL
From time to time, Utility property becomes obsolete, is damaged, or is not needed. Such
propertyequipment will be disposed of by the Utility through salvage, trade, negotiated sale, or
public auction. If it is determined that a sale or auction is the best way to dispose of property, a
notice must be advertised in the official newspaper and/or the Utilities website and will be posted
at the Utilities office as set forth below. The appropriate department head will determine the
minimum price for each item to be sold.
Formatted: Indent: Left: 0", Numbered + Level: 1 +
A. In most instances property will be disposed of by public auction conducted by a qualified
Numbering Style: A, B, C, È + Start at: 1 + Alignment: Left +
third-party auctioneer.
Aligned at: 0.25" + Indent at: 0.5"
B. If it is determined that a negotiated sale is the best way to dispose of property, notice of the
sale must be advertised in the official newspaper and/or the Utilities website, and posted in
the Utilities office, for at least 5 business days. The appropriate department head will
determine the minimum price for items to be sold.
CA. In no instance will anything of value within the scope of this policy (i.e., Utility property
that becomes obsolete, damaged, or unnecessary) be given away free to anyone including
employees, except as follows:;
1. Except that iIn the case of used and unwanted utility poles, cross arms, wood chips,
wood cable reels, or other items where there is a disposal cost, the Utility may in its
Formatted: Not Highlight
discretion offer such items to the general public for a nominal price or at no charge.
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ERMU Commission Policy Î G.4l1 Use and Disposal of Utility Property
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Nothing in this policy shall be interpreted to prohibit employees from accessing any
such offer on the same terms and to the same extent as the general public;
2. Except that iIn the case of used and unwanted utility poles, other infrastructure
materials such as reclosers or fuses, meters, etc., the Utility may in its discretion
donate the items to training facilities, such as Minnesota Municipal Utilities
Association Training Center or other trade schools.
B. Excess Utility property determined to have a value of $5,000 or less, may be disposed of by
negotiated sale after posting a request for offers on the Utilities website and at the Utilities
office for a least 5 business days.
D. Employees involved in the auction or sale process, including the decision to sell, determining
the minimum sale price, pertaining to the administration and collection of sealed bids, or
negotiating trade values, are prohibited from purchasing Utility property.
E. An employee may purchase no more than one motor vehicle from the Utility or another Elk
River political subdivision in any 12-month period.
F. In all instances where Utility property is disposed of, other than by auction through a third-
party auctioneer, the property shall not be transferred or delivered to the buyer or donee until
the buyer or donee has executed and delivered to the Utility a release of liability and
indemnification agreement on a form approved by the Utility.
Unauthorized removal of Utility property or its conversion to personal use may result in
discipline up to and including termination.
3.0 USE OF UTILITY VEHICLES
Utility-owned vehicles are to be used only by Utility employees for official Utility business.
Employees who drive or may be required to drive Utility vehicles and equipment are responsible
for maintaining a safe driving record and for observing all traffic laws. Seat belts must be
properly used at all times. Drivers must carry a current, valid driverÓs license that is adequate for
the type of vehicle being driven. Any employee who operates a Utility vehicle without a valid
driverÓs license will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Passengers may be carried only when necessary to conduct Utility business and/or when their
transportation via Utility vehicle is in the best interests of the Utility. Utility vehicles may not be
used to travel from work to an employeeÓs residence for rest or lunch breaks without prior Utility
approval. Utility employees conducting official Utility business out of town (conventions,
meetings, etc.) may carry family members as passengers if such accompaniment does not
interfere with the best interests of the Utility and it has been approved by their department head.
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ERMU Commission Policy Î G.4l1 Use and Disposal of Utility Property
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POLICY HISTORY:
Adopted February 24December 22, 2009
Revised November 15, 2011
Revised February 9, 2016
Revised July 9, 2019
Revised October 12, 2021
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