6.1h ERMUSR 07-08-2025______________________________________________________________________________
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UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
TO:
ERMU Commission
FROM:
Dave Ninow – Water Superintendent
MEETING DATE:
July 8, 2025
AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:
6.1h
SUBJECT:
Staff Update
ACTION REQUESTED:
None
DISCUSSION:
• Delivered 14 new water meters, installed a Smart Point module, and took curb stop ties.
• Completed 20 BACTI/Total Chlorine Residual Samples.
o All confirmed negative for Coliform Bacteria.
o Bacteriological/Disinfectant Residual Monthly Report submitted to the MDH.
• Completed 20 routine fluoride samples.
o All samples met MDH standards.
o Submitted MDH Fluoride Report.
• Submitted Discharge Monitoring Report to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for
the Diesel Generation Plant.
• Completed and submitted annual cyber security assessment of our water system
operational technology to MDH.
• The Gary Street Water Tower was taken offline and completely drained to replace the
main isolation valve outside the tower and have the interior wet tank cleaned. Per
American Water Works Association standards, water towers should be washed out and
inspected at least once every three years. This process involves draining the tank,
removing debris and sediment, and scrubbing the interior. The tower has been
disinfected, refilled, bacteria tested and returned to service. The tower’s exterior was
completely pressure-washed as well (see attached photos).
• Road repairs have been completed for the water main break repair on Polk Street and
the water service leak repair on Business Center Drive.
• Water Quality Report clarification regarding the “Range” column in the regulated
substances chart in the report. The range column reflects the results of testing
performed, not a range of allowable limits. ERMU’s results fall well below the EPA limits
shown in the MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level) and MCLG (Maximum Contaminant
Level Goal) columns. MCLGs are non-enforceable public health goals, while MCLs are
legally enforceable limits for contaminants in drinking water.
• Eric Plude started on June 12 as a water department seasonal employee and will assist
with fire hydrant maintenance, water main valve exercising, and GIS mapping of water
system infrastructure.
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• Fire hydrant flushing has been completed for this year.
• Water Department staff continue to perform water meter exchanges for the AMI
project.
• The 2025 Pumping by Well data is only available through May due to changes in the
June commission meeting schedule and the timing of the Fourth of July holiday. June
and July data will be reported at the August 2025 meeting.
ATTACHMENTS:
• Pictures - Gary Street Water Tower Exterior Pressure Washing
• May 2025 Pumping by Well
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Pictures—Gary Street Water Tower Exterior Pressure Washing
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Values Are Displayed in Millions of Gallons (Well #, Gallons Pumped, Percentage of Pumping)
Well #2, 9.305, 9%
Well #3, 12.261, 12%
Well #4, 18.429, 19%
Well #5, 11.388, 12%Well #6, 11.209, 11%
Well #7, 12.861, 13%
Well #8, 12.281, 13%
Well #9, 11.104, 11%
May 2025 Monthly Pumping By Well
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Tuesday, January 14:
•Annual Review of Committee Charters
Tuesday, February 11:
•Review Strategic Plan and 2024 Annual Business
Plan Results
Tuesday, March 11:
•Oath of Office
•Election of Officers
•Annual Commissioner Orientation and Review
Governance Responsibilities and Role
Tuesday, April 8:
•Audit of 2024 Financial Report
•Financial Reserves Allocations
•Review 2024 Performance Metrics
Tuesday, May 13:
•Annual General Manager Performance
Evaluation and Goal Setting
Tuesday, June 3:
•Annual Commission Performance Evaluation
Tuesday, July 8: Tuesday, August 12:
•Annual Business Plan – Review Proposed 2026
Travel, Training, Dues, Subscriptions, and Fees
Budget
•Review and Update Strategic Plan
Tuesday, September 9:
•Annual Business Plan – Review Proposed 2026
Capital Projects Budget
Tuesday, October 14:
•Annual Business Plan – Review Proposed 2026
Expenses Budget
Wednesday, November 12:
•Annual Business Plan - Review Proposed 2026
Rates and Other Revenue
•Adopt 2026 Fee Schedule
•2026 Stakeholder Communication Plan
Tuesday, December 9:
•Adopt 2026 Official Depository and Delegate
Authority for Electronic Funds Transfers
•Designate Official 2026 Newspaper
•Approve 2026 Regular Meeting Schedule
•Adopt 2026 Governance Agenda
•Adopt 2026 Annual Business Plan
2025 GOVERNANCE AGENDA
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