2.3 ERMUSR 05-09-2023ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE UTILITIES COMMISSION
HELD AT THE ERMU CONFERENCE ROOM
April 11, 2023
Members Present: Chair John Dietz, Vice Chair Mary Stewart, Commissioners Paul Bell, Matt
Westgaard, and Nick Zerwas
ERMU Staff Present: Mark Hanson, General Manager
Sara Youngs, Administrations Director
Tom Geiser, Operations Director
Dave Ninow, Water Superintendent
Tony Mauren, Governance & Communications Manager
Others Present: Robyn Hoerr, Groundwater Specialist with Minnesota Rural Water
Association
1.0 Call Meeting to Order
2.0 Public Hearing for 2023 Wellhead Protection Plan Amendment
Ms. Hoerr Presented background on the value of a Wellhead Protection Plan and the
steps followed by ERMU's planning group.
Ms. Hoerr explained that the portion for the Drinking Water Supply Management Area
labelled as moderately vulnerable could be due to a geological factor which may allow
surface water to penetrate the soil in less time, bypassing some of the filtration benefits
provided by the soil.
Ms. Hoerr explained one of the main considerations for Elk River going forward will be
population growth and providing adequate water to the community.
Ms. Hoerr informed the Commission there are limitations to constructing new wells in the
Mt. Simon -Hinckley Aquifer as experts and agencies look to preserve the resource.
Mr. Hanson explained that regulatory agencies are now looking for utilities to
demonstrate conservation efforts before approving a new well.
Chair Dietz asked if all cities are required to have a Wellhead Protection Plan.
Ms. Hoerr responded that all public water utilities accessing ground water are required to
have a plan.
Ms. Hoerr explained there had been a 60-day notice given for this public hearing with no
comments submitted prior to the meeting.
Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission Meeting Minutes
April 11, 2023
Page 1
.•
She estimated that the approval of the plan from the state could be provided sometime in
July or August.
Chair Dietz opened the public hearing. There was no one in attendance to speak.
3.0 Adiourn Special Meeting
Moved by Commissioner Bell and seconded by Commissioner Stewart to adjourn the special
meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission at 5:22 p.m. Motion carried 5-0.
Minutes prepared by Tony Mauren.
John J. Dietz, ERMU Commission Chair
Tina Allard, City Clerk
Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission Meeting Minutes
April 11, 2023
Page 2
50