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UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
TO:FROM:
ERMU Commission Theresa Slominski –General Manager
MEETING DATE: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:
April12, 2022 6.1a
SUBJECT:
Staff Update
ACTION REQUESTED:
None
DISCUSSION:
TheBoard of Directors of the Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (MMPA) met on
March 22, 2022, at Chaska City Hall in Chaska, Minnesota and via videoconference.
Both Commissioner Mary Stewart and I were in attendancevia videoconference. A
publicsummary of the meeting follows:
o The Board reviewed the Agency’s financial and operating performance for
February2022.
o The Board discussed COVID-19 and its effects on supply chains and labor
markets.
o The Board approved a three-year extension of the Agency’s $20,000,000 credit
facility with U.S. Bank. This facility provides financial flexibility for the Agency
and supports MMPA’s strong bond rating with Fitch (A+) and Moody’s (A1).
o The Board approved a resolution requesting that MMPA member cities extend
their Power Sales Agreements with the Agency through December 31, 2060.
MMPA’s debt is secured by its Power Sales Agreements with members. MMPA
expects to make capital investments financed with 30-year debt during the next
eight years. This extension would allow MMPA to issue 30-year debt through
2030.
o There was an increase of 7 customers participating in MMPA’s residential Clean
Energy Choice program from January to February. Customer penetration of the
program for residential customers remains at 3.8%.
I have had some conversations with Verizon regarding a lease for antennae attachments
to the Gary Street Water Tower. We have not been able to come to an agreement and I
am not sure that we will be able to. ERMU has a standard lease amendment with
specific costs, and Verizon would like to negotiate the lease to a zero or near-zero cost.
Both parties feel the other is being unreasonable.
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UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
TO:FROM:
ERMU Commission Melissa Karpinski –FinanceManager
MEETING DATE: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:
April 12, 2022 6.1c
SUBJECT:
Staff Update
ACTION REQUESTED:
None
DISCUSSION:
A lot of time and effort has goneinto producing the audited financial statements. With
thatbeing said, I want to extend a thank you to the accounting department fortheir
hard work in gathering all the information that is provided to our auditors and for taking
prideintheirworkdaily. The effort thatis put in throughout the year pays off when we
get to year end. I also want to thank the entire ERMU staff as it is an ongoing,
collaborative effort to produce quality financial statements.
Staff continued work on annual surveys which will be completed shortly.
Currently working on Property & Casualty Insurance renewal application for 2022-2023.
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UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
TO:FROM:
ERMU CommissionSara Youngs – Customer Service Manager
MEETING DATE: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:
April 12, 20226.1d
SUBJECT:
Staff Update
ACTION REQUESTED:
None
DISCUSSION:
Staff is starting to see an increase in calls from customers who are having late fees
added to their accounts after the 5-day grace period.
Staff is beginning the discovery process for a chat feature as an additional tool for
customers to contact the customer service team.
Staff continues to have 1:1 meetings with the ERMU management team to better
understand their roles and how my teams interacts with and impacts their daily tasks.
Solar panel workflow has been updated due to the increase in solar panel installation
requests.
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UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
TO:FROM:
ERMU Commission Tom Sagstetter – Conservation & Key Accounts Manager
MEETING DATE: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:
April12, 2022 6.1e
SUBJECT:
Staff Update
ACTION REQUESTED:
None
DISCUSSION:
In the last 30 days, the level two charger located downtown had 39 sessions and
provided customers with 422kWh. The DC fast charger at the Coborn’s fuel station had
39sessions and provided792kWh. The charger in the ERMU/City Hall parking lot is
currently experiencing communication issuesbut cancharge vehicles.
The carpet installationatthe office is complete.Work began on Monday, March 28with
crews working after normal business hours in the customer service area on Thursday,
March 31. This approach allowed ERMU to maintain normal operations for customers
throughout the project.
Staff met with a new commercial customer that is moving operations to Elk River. We
conducted a walkthrough of their large building to help them understand how it
operates and utilizes electricity. We reviewed the lighting, heating, ventilation, and
water circulation systems and provided ideas on how to lower electric consumption
during the remodeling process. Staff talked extensively about the rebate opportunities
to upgrade the existing lighting and HVAC systems. The rebates would provide for an
initial cost reduction and the new energy efficient equipment would lower the ongoing
energy use and operating expenses.
The Energy City Commission (ECC) held a special meeting on Tuesday, April 5 to create
the groups mission, vision, and values. A draft was competed and will be provided to the
full ECC at the regular meeting on May 18. Over the next few months city staff and the
ECC will finalize the documents for approval by the City Council.
Staff provided a facilities tour to a local Girl Scouts group, consisting of 8 scouts and
their parents. They learned about electric vehicles, different charging technologies, solar
and wind energy production, as well as how to use energy wisely. Each participant
received a home energy guide, two LED bulbs, information on Clean Energy Choice, and
a reusable tote bag to reduce the need for single-use plastic bags.
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UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
TO:FROM:
ERMU Commission Tony Mauren – Executive Administrative Manager
MEETING DATE: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:
April 12, 2022 6.1f
SUBJECT:
Staff Update
ACTION REQUESTED:
None
DISCUSSION:
Staff is pleased to share that Jenn Foss’s first day as Communications & Administrative
Coordinator is April 12. ERMU will benefit greatly from the skills that Jennifer brings
along with an eagerness to learn about her new role! Please help me welcome her.
In February all residential electric customers will receive the AC Tune-Up rebate flyer
and all water customers will receive the Water Conservation rebate flyer. Electronic
versions of both are attached.
February and March social media posts feature a variety of topics including energy
savings in the home, the deadline for the ERMU scholarship, and spring cleaning with
conservation in mind. Staff will also be posting public service announcements such as
details on the upcoming commission meeting, changes to the garbage/recycling pick up
schedule, and Daylight Saving Time.
Staff would like to gauge the Commission’s interest in adding additional stipend
distribution days to the monthly schedule – currently there is one. The goal is to be able
to provide commissioner stipends for activities in a timelier manner. Dates would
coincide with normal payroll distributions for staff, and our payroll specialist assures it
does not create additional work.
Speaking of commissioner activities, theMinnesota Municipal Utilities Association’s
summer conference is August 22-24 at Madden’s on Gull Lake. Please let me know
whether or not you plan to attend, if you are bringing a spouse, the days you will need
lodging, and plans for golf. Click here for more information.
Q Market Research has provided staff with analysis from the first round of customer
satisfaction surveys that were returned. We will report on the findings at the May
commission meeting.
ATTACHMENTS:
Bill Insert – AC Tune-Up Rebate Flyer
Bill Insert – Water Conservation Rebate Flyer
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AC TUNE-UP PROGRAM
TUNE UP AND SAVE!
There is never a good time to have your AC
unit break down, but you really don’t want
it to happen in the middle of summer! The
best way to ensure its optimal performance
is an AC tune-up.
With ERMU’s AC Tune-Up Program, our
electric customers can receive up to a $75
bill credit for having their central AC unit
tuned up by a professional HVAC contractor.
• 15%.
• Durability - If your AC unit is working harder than it should be it can cause excessive wear
and tear. Performing any necessary maintenance will help to ensure your system lasts longer.
• Cost - Using an AC that is not operating properly will cost you more on your energy
bills. Additionally, if you have to purchase a new system prematurely it will also cost you.
How do I apply for a rebate?
• Contact ERMU prior to hiring an HVAC contractor to ensure funds are still available.
• Contact a professional HVAC contractor that is licensed and insured to schedule your tune-up.
You will be responsible for paying the HVAC contractor.
• Have the HVAC contractor performing the tune-up complete the AC Tune-Up Checklist. (See back)
• Submit the completed checklist and a copy of the invoice/receipt to ERMU via mail or
electronically on our website at www.ERMUMN.com.
NOTE: Applicant must have ERMU electric service to quality for the rebate. Rebate will be given in the form of
a credit on electric utility bill. AC Tune-Up rebate is only available once every three years per property.
ERMUMN.COM | 763.441.2020 | 13069 ORONO PARKWAY | PO BOX 430 | ELK RIVER, MN 55330-0430
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DO-IT-YOURSELF
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
There are two areas where a homeowner can easily improve their air
AC Furnace Air Filter:
3
Outdoor Unit (condenser, compressor, fan):
Air Conditioner Tune-Up Checklist
*Customer MUST return completed checklist and a copy of the receipt to ERMU for rebate credit*
AssessmentAction
Air Filter Condition:
Cooling Coil:
Condensate Tray/Line:
Refrigerant Pressures:
Outdoor Condenser:
Electrical Connections and Controls:
Fan Motor:
Blower Motor:
Coolant Type: 410 A R 22
AC Make and Model #:
Type:
Install Date:
Recommended Repairs:
Contractor: Contractor Phone #:
Technician:
Were Recommended Repairs Done? ERMU Account #:
Homeowner Name:Homeowner Phone #:
Address:
ERMUMN.COM | 763.441.2020 | 13069 ORONO PARKWAY | PO BOX 430 | ELK RIVER, MN 55330-0430
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WATER CONSERVATION
REBATES
REDUCE YOUR USE AND COSTS!
The easiest and most cost effective way
to save water is to use less. ERMU water
customers can apply for rebates for these
®
WaterSense and ENERGY STARappliances,
®
ENERGY STAR CERTIFIED CLOTHES WASHER – $40 REBATE
®
The average American family washes approximately 300 loads of laundry each year. ENERGY STAR
25% less energy and 45% less water than regular washers.
®
ENERGY STAR CERTIFIED DISHWASHER – $40 REBATE
1994 wastes more than 10 gallons of water per cycle? A new,
®
ENERGY STAR 3,870 gallons of water over its lifetime.
WATERSENSE LABELED FAUCETS – $10 REBATE
40%
WATERSENSE LABELED TOILETS – $25 REBATE
30 percent of an average
than $110 per year in water costs, and $2,200 over the lifetime of the toilet.
WATERSENSE LABELED SMART IRRIGATION CONTROLLERS – UP TO A $250 REBATE
Experts estimate that as much as 50%
irrigation controller can save an average home nearly 8,800 gallons of water annually.
ERMUMN.COM | 763.441.2020 | 13069 ORONO PARKWAY | PO BOX 430 | ELK RIVER, MN 55330-0430
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WATER CONSERVATION
REBATE APPLICATION
CUSTOMER INFORMATION
Name Account #
Address
City State Zip
Phone Email
APPLIANCE INFORMATION
Appliance Type Brand Model #
Appliance Purchased:
®
5.5 or less to qualify for $40
®
$40
$10
1.28$25
50%, not to
exceed $250,
to local weather via internet or phone connection.
Date of Purchase Copy of Receipt or Sales Invoice Attached
IMPORTANT
763.441.2020
31.
ERMUMN.COM | 763.441.2020 | 13069 ORONO PARKWAY | PO BOX 430 | ELK RIVER, MN 55330-0430
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UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
TO:FROM:
ERMU Commission Thomas Geiser – Operations Director
MEETING DATE: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:
April 12, 2022 6.1g
SUBJECT:
Staff Update
ACTION REQUESTED:
None
DISCUSSION:
Staff has been attending meetings with Sherburne County to plan for the County Road
44 project.
With the electric department being short staffed due to an injury, we are advertising for
a temporary apprentice lineworker.
th
Avenue and School
Staff has torn down all overhead lines along Highway 169 at 197
Street. Once frost is out, we will pull all the remaining poles.
Attended American Public Power Association’s Lineworker Rodeo in Austin, Texas,
March 25-26. Our lineworkersdid a great job. It was good to see how crews from
different states get along and help each other.
Staff has been attending a lotof meetings forprojects coming inspring. Weanticipate
construction season will be in full swing by April 18.
Material orders are an ongoingissue for all departments. Lead times and prices
continue to grow.
The Otsego substation was broken into and some of our copper grounds were taken.
Grounds belonging toGreat River Energyand Wright Hennepin substation structures
were also taken. The Wright County Sheriff was notified and thosegrounds have been
replaced.
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UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
TO:FROM:
ERMU Commission Chris Sumstad– Electric Superintendent
MEETING DATE: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:
April 12, 2022 6.1h
SUBJECT:
Staff Update
ACTION REQUESTED:
None
DISCUSSION:
Installed 13 new residential services, which involves the connection of a secondary line
once the customer requests service.
Tree trimming continued in the month of March for both ERMU crews and our
contractor, Carr’s Tree Service. The contractor finished on April 4 and will return in
November. Our crews will end theirtrimmingseason in mid-April.
Crews continue to inspect electrical infrastructure across the territory to verify map
accuracy. We are also checking for any equipment defects, using an infrared camera to
make sure connections are not overheating, changing out old fault indicators, and
making sure warning stickers are in place.
Joe Schmidt from Minesota Municipal Utilities Associationwas here on March 31 for
safety training on traffic control. ERMU’s field crew foreperson also certified employees
in DOT flagging guidelines. Traffic control is a big part of the job, especially on the state
and county roads in our territory.
DOT inspections on our trucks and trailers were completed in March.
nd
St in Elk River – the repairs are completed.
A vehicle knocked over a streetlight on 2
An underground transformer on County Road 1 and an overhead pole at County Road
33 were each hit by cars that left the road during the snow event on the morning of
March 30. The box pad for the transformer will be replaced soon and the pole did not
require attention from ERMU.
The new line is energized for phase two of the County Road 35 rebuild project. Once
sometransfers are completed that project will be done. Approximately 4500 feet
remain until we reach Meadowvale Road.
We removed the electric services to the old Salvation Army building and the KFC
building this past month as a part of the Highway 169 Redefine project.
As we look to the beginning of work on Highway 169 we have some planned projects
this spring near Highway 101. We anticipate that other needs will arise as work goes on.
We continue to get projects ready for the spring construction season. The frost is out, or
close to it, in many locations. Our goal is to begin digging by April 15.
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UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
TO:FROM:
ERMU Commission Mike Tietz –Technical Services Superintendent
MEETING DATE: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:
April12, 2022 6.1i
SUBJECT:
Staff Update
ACTION REQUESTED:
None
DISCUSSION:
• In March, the locators processed 327 locate tickets. These consisted of 2 emergency
tickets, 289 normal tickets, 17 updated tickets, 8 cancellations, 10 meets, and 1
boundary survey. This resulted in a 267.4% increase of tickets from the previous month
and an 8.9% decrease from the prior March. The locators continue to infrared
equipment and validate data for the electric GIS maps as time allows.
• Electrical Technicians completed 314 service ordertasks, updated the power bill,
attended to customer meter issues and off-peak concerns.
• On March 17, staff ran generators #1 & #2 without incident. Staff also performed web
deflections on the following day and has done maintenance on the air intakes for these
two engines. We are still working on procuring the replacement exhaust baffle for
Engine #4. We will perform web deflections on #3 & #4 later this year.
• Mapping department has been busy working on the GIS backlog and other projects. Our
GIS/Mapping Technician attended the Mid-West ESRI Utility Users Group meeting in
Rochester, MN, March 23-25. There was much discussion about field maps and utility
network this year. An interesting note was made that out of the 60 attendees, only one
has fully integrated Utility Network and about 6 are currently in the testing phase of
deployment. We will be sure to follow their progress and learn from these utilities as we
make plans to migrate our existing GIS from the Geometric Network to Utility Network.
• The substation apparatus technician has been finalizing the relay panel layouts for the
West substation and Station #14 panel replacement projects. Also, staff completed the
substation arrestor replacements for West Bank #1 & #2. Our technician also attended
the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association’s Substation School in Marshall, MN, April
5-7. Topics ranged from maintenance and inspections to testing of equipment and even
a session on building a substation.
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UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
TO: FROM:
ERMU Commission Dave Ninow – Water Superintendent
MEETING DATE: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:
April 12, 2022 6.1j
SUBJECT:
Staff Update
ACTION REQUESTED:
None
DISCUSSION:
Delivered and sealed elevennew water meters.
Completed 15 BACTI/Total Chlorine Residual Samples
o All confirmednegative for Coliform Bacteria
o Bacteriological/Disinfectant Residual Monthly Report submitted to the MDH
Completed 23 routine fluoride samples
o All samples met MDH standards
o Submitted MDH Fluoride Report
Submitted the Discharge Monitoring Report for the diesel generation plant to the
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Completed and submitted the 2021 Water Conservation Report totheDNR.
We receivedinitial results from the MDH Statewide PFAS Testing Project. There was one
low-level detection of Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA); this value does not exceed any
MDH health-based guidance valuesand there will be no need for follow up testing. MDH
plans to send a more detailed results memo in a few weeks to months.
On March 23 we received a report of water flowing out of the ground along Great River
Energy Drive. The watercame from a breakin a privateline for Great River Energy’s
facilities. Water department staff assisted in shutting off water main supply, locating the
break in the pipe, and coordinating with the contractor hired to perform the repair.
A verbal agreement on cost for water main work done in the County Road 13
rehabilitation project has been reachedwith the contractor for the project. Sherburne
County will still need to approve the change order.
The Water Operators have washed the interior tank of Auburn Street Water Tower. A
two-year paint warranty inspection will be performed before we chlorinate, refill the
tank, test the water, and put the tower back into service.
We will begin flushing hydrants the week of May 9. Customers will be notified and a
map with the zones and dates for flushing will be made public. Flushing is expected to
be completed by the end of the week but could extend into the next if there are delays.
ATTACHMENTS:
March 2022 Pumping by Well
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