INFORMATION #4 04-02-2007
ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
UTILITIES COMMISSION
March 20, 2007
Members Present: Jerry Takle, President; Jerry Gumphrey, Vice Chair; James Tralle, Trustee
Staff Present: Bryan Adams, General Manager; Glenn Sundeen, Line Superintendent;
David Berg, Water Superintendent;
Theresa Slominski, Finance Director/Office Manager;
Troy Adams, Engineering Manager; Judy McSpadden, Recording Clerk
1. Call meetin2: to order March 20. 2007
President Jerry Takle called the March 20,2007, meeting to order.
2. Consider Utilities A2:enda
James Tralle moved to approve the March 20,2007, Utilities Agenda. Jerry Gumphrey
seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
3. Consider Consent A2:enda
James Tralle moved to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
February Check Register
February 20,2007, Minutes
Financial Reports
Jerry Gumphrey seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
5.1 Staff Up-dates
Bryan Adams recently presented an annual report to Sherburne County on the Landfill
Gas Recovery project. The addition of the 4th engine has increased the electric generation of
this facility. Jerry Gumphrey commented on the future of Energy City. A developer has
approached GRE to construct a facility to produce renewable energy products out of the refuse
derived fuel. Discussion followed regarding the rate structure for this proposed facility.
James Tralle updated on the progress of the wireless internet service through Northstar
Access. Service was questionable in the beginning but Northstar Access has since moved the
receiver higher on the tower and service is working well. Bryan stated that ifNorthstar
Access promotes this wireless network and it becomes successful they may use our water
towers to add more receivers.
Glenn Sundeen reviewed the electrical projects that are in progress. James Tralle asked
what construction predictions would be for 2007. Glenn responded new construction is slow.
James Tralle also asked the overtime status for 2007. Glenn responded that with the
construction being slow there would not be much overtime.
Troy Adams reported 15 security system sales for the month of February. Staffis
currently working on water map books, fuse coordination study with USG, and upgrading
water and electric meters.
Page 2
Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
March 20, 2007
David Berg said the maintenance on the last two :filter plants were completed. A
Magmeter has been installed in Well #5 completing our changeover from mechanical to
electronic meters in all the Wells. Well #5 should be on-line by the end of March.
Theresa Slominski reported the audit was finished. Steve McDonald of Abdo Eick &
Meyers will do a formal presentation at the April meeting. The auditors would like to see a
quarterly reconciliation of inventory material versus only at year end. Discussion followed
regarding the wire theft that has affected the utilities this past year. James Tralle asked about
installing a security camera at the plant. Staff will look into this. The new payment
processing system is still being tested but will need a two month period to test. Theresa
presented a Tobacco Cessation Reimbursement form from the City of Elk River and Elk River
Municipal Utilities.
James Tralle moved to adopt the Tobacco Cessation Reimbursement form. Jerry Gumphrey
seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
5.2 Review and Consider Bid Tabulation to Install UG Cable
On March 8, 2007, bids were received to install the two underground feeders from the
new Waco Substation to the United Health Group data center facility. Staff recommends
awarding to the lowest responsive bidder, Michels Pipeline Construction.
James Tralle moved to award Michels Pipeline Construction, to install the underground feeder
for the Waco Substation. Jerry Gumphrey seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
5.3 Review and Consider Bid Tabulation to Furnish Station Material
On March 19,2007, bids were received to furnish the substation material for the Waco
Substation. Staff recommends awarding to the lowest responsive bidder, L & L Substations.
James Tralle moved to award L & L Substations, to furnish Station material for the Waco
Substation. Jerry Gumphrey seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
5.4 Review APP A Position Papers
Bryan Adams and Jerry Takle attended the APP A legislative rally held in Washington
D.C. Discussion followed regarding the issues and topics that were addressed.
5.5 Review Waco Substation & Electric Feeder Schedule
The material and installation schedule for the Waco Substation project was reviewed. As
to date the project is on schedule.
5.6 Update Electric Revenue Bond Sale
The 2007 bond issue was assigned a bond rating of A2, which is good. Our rate will be
at 4.0699% for the 2007 bond issue of $2,875,000. The closing date is set for March 28th.
Page 3
Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
March 20, 2007
Other Business
There was no other business.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
will be Tuesday, April 10, 2007.
President Jerry Takle adjourned the regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities
Commission at 5:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Judy McSpadden
Recording Clerk