03-20-2007 ERMU MINmV
ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE Z
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 meeting to order March 20, 2007
President Jeny Takle called the March 20, 2007, meeting to order.
2. Consider Utilities Agenda
James Tralle moved to approve the March 20, 2007, Utilities Agenda. Jerry Gumphrey
seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
3. Consider Consent Agenda
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 carved 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 4~' 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 if Northstar
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. Staff is
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 APPA Position Papers
Bryan Adams and Jerry Taale attended the APPA 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 28~'.
TOBACCO CESSATION REIMBURSEMENT
FOR CITY OF ELK RIVER & ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES EMPLOYEES
Although there are many free resources available to help people stop using tobacco, we
recognize the benefits of tobacco cessation and wish to help employees accomplish this goal.
Using funds received from the BlueCross BlueShield tobacco settlement, employees who
choose to quit using tobacco may be reimbursed up to $100.00 for tobacco cessation aids.
These aids include nicotine replacement therapy {ie: patches, gum, lozenges), prescription co-
pays, fees for hypnosis or acupuncture, and fees for group or individual classes through an
approved program. (Classes must be approved for reimbursement prior to enrolling.)
Over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapies are covered by the City's and Utilities'
prescription drug plans with a written prescription from your doctor. Call your doctor to get a
prescription, take the prescription to your pharmacy, and all you'll pay is the co-pay. You can
be reimbursed for the co-pay out of the $100 that is available to you through the tobacco
cessation reimbursement program. (Paying only the co-pay instead of the full cost of over-the-
counter items will make the $100 available to you to go further...)
Additionally, the City's and Utilities' health plans offer free support to members. Call Blue Print
for Health Stop Smoking Program at 1-888-662-2583.
Good luck and great success!
To receive reimbursement you must bean employee of the City of Elk River or Elk River
Municipal Utilities, complete this reimbursement form, attach your receipts, and submit your
request to:
City of Elk River employees: Lauren Wipper, Human Resource Representative
Elk River Municipal Utilities employees: Theresa Slominski, Finance Director
Prior Approval for Group or Individual Class:
Lauren Wipper or Theresa Slominski Signature Date
Name:
Address:
Tobacco Cessation Aid Purchased:
Amount of Reimbursement Requested:
I acknowledge and agree that all items included in this reimbursement request will be/were
used by me for the purpose of tobacco cessation.
Employee Signature Date