ERMUSR Misc Issues 07-12-2005Elk River
Municipal
13069 Orono Parkway
Elk River, MN 55330
July 5, 2005
To: Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
Jerry Takle
Jim Tralle
John Dietz
From: Bryan Adams
Subject: Miscellaneous Issues
phone; 763.441,2020
Fax: 763.441.8099
Enclosed is the packet for Tuesday July 12, 2005 commission meeting at 4:00 p.m.
This has been a very busy month for your entire staff. There have been many small
projects to deal with, but no major issues. With the hot and stormy weather, our electric
and water systems held up well with very minimal outages. The electric system
established a new peak of 43.5 M.W. Without our load management efforts of dispersed
generation customers, controlling air conditioners and controlling our water well
pumpage, our peak would have been in the 46 M.W. range. Although we pumped a lot of
water in June, our peak day was one half of what it was last year.
Joan Carlson of Abdo, Eick & Meyers, started the IRS audit on June 21, 2005. She has
called the IRS with some questions and documentation requests but we are still awaiting
a response. We did receive over $22,000 rebates from the IRS. Theresa will update you
further at our meeting.
You, as well as most of our customers, received two credits on your June utility bill. One
is the fuel cost adjustment. The other credit is a refund for your May bill for Aprils
consumption. Due to a computer error, the summer rates went into effect a month to
soon. The refund reflects the correction between summer and winter rates for the April
consumption. We have since changed some office procedures to verify bills before they
are calculated, printed and mailed.
ties
Company pension plans are starting to be of concern, for many are not fully funded.
Attached is an interesting article in The Kiplinger Letter titled, "Pensions" for your
review.
The Minnesota Office of Pipeline Safety did succeed in their rule making effort to require
water and wastewater system operators to locate service laterals in public right-of--way.
Attached is a summary of this rule taken from the MNOPS newsletter.
I had an opportunity to attend a video conference in St. Paul on Principals of Leadership.
Stephen Covey, Rudolph Giuliani and Jack Welch were the presenters. Attached are my
notes from this video conference.
Previously, the street department and now the park and recreation have taken care of our
lawn and landscaping needs. Attached is a list of our facilities that need care. This year
the park and recreation department has had a tough time keeping current with our lawn
care and landscaping needs partly due to weather and partly due to the change in
departments. We all will have to get through the problem this year, but next year some
changes will need to happen.
Coborns Superstore Grocery just completed a large re-lamping of their store with high
efficiency lamps. Their utility rebate for this project is $13,840. This rebate will come
from Great River Energy/Connexus. We are also starting discussions with the school
district concerning the rebates for energy efficient equipment for the eastern Elk River
elementary school in the River Park Development. This rebate could be in the $40,000 to
$50,000 range.
Glen and I have been reviewing our proposed capital projects for this year and next year.
Some projects that were planned for this year will probably be delayed. Next year has
the potential of being a very large construction year. We are looking at the possibility of
doing some 2006 projects this year to level out the work load and cash flow. As our plan
develops, we will present it to this commission.
A couple of years ago, we installed a secondary electrical system in Orono Park to
accommodate the Chamber of Commerce July 4t" festivities. This year at the request of
the chamber, we added another 200 amp service to accommodate the carnival. Those
electrical enhancements have helped this celebration go much smoother from an
operation perspective.
As a final note, attached is an e-mail addressing the city councils desire to again have an
annual goal-setting work session with all boards and commissions. We should discuss
this at our meeting.
^ ^
e ~ in er etter
FORECASTS FOR MANAGEMENT DECISIONMAKING
1729 H St. NW, Washington, DC 20006-3938 • KiplingerForecasts.com • Vol. 82, No. 21
Dear Client:
Is a broad pension collapse coming? No.
At least, nothing like the 1980s' S&L crisis,
which wound up costing taxpayers $125 billion.
Many pension plans ARE under stress,
underfunded by $450 billion. The ailing airline
and auto sectors, with 3 million plan members,
account for $80 billion. Companies whose bonds
are rated junk account for $96 billion in all.
® A handful of Plans will doubtless fail.
But most won't. Rising stock markets
and interest rates will boost fund returns,
eliminating much of the underfunding problem.
Even if all at-risk plans defaulted...
The Qovernment insurer could handle it,
although thousands of individuals would see their
Washington, May 27, 2005
Housing Lending, commissions
Travel Airlines, automobiles
Politics Congressional moderates
Selling Internet ads, cable TV
Defe€lse Space weapons
Trade Central America, U.S.-EU regs
Health Geriatricians, Medicare
The Economy Growth rates
benefits trimmed.
Congress will shore up the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
to ensure the agency has the resources to absorb failed pension plans.
Annual fees charged employers will go up, from $19 per worker
to $30. Surcharges on badly underfunded plans will also be increased.
And expect tighter rules for firms that fall behind on payments.
They'll have to put in more, sooner, and inform workers of problems.
Lawmakers will also forbid firms from promising better pension benefits
to employees in lieu of immediate annual increases in wages and benefits.
In return...more predictability for employers, helping them
to anticipate funding needs. Instead of setting formulas each year or two,
Congress will back a permanent plan based on average corporate bond rates.
Also on tap: Tax benefits for making extra contributions
in good years to build surpluses as a hedge against market volatility.
That won't stop the retreat from defined-benefit plans, however.
Over 80,000 businesses, mostly small, have already dropped such plans.
Only 30,000 companies still offer them, but most are large firms...
including 75% of the Fortune 500. As a result, the number of participants,
counting retirees, has continued to increase over the past decade.
Most employers that still have plans won't abandon them entirely.
But many will take steps to end growth and limit their liability:
They'll freeze benefits for current employees to curb costs.
Offer new hires only 401(k) plans with company contributions.
Or convert to cash-balance plans, particularly after Congress
or the courts resolve some legal questions. Court rulings so far
have differed on whether conversions discriminate against older workers.
But companies like the plans because employer contributions are fixed.
And many workers, especially younger ones, find the portability appealing.
Tne Kiphnger Lener (ISSN i 628~7t301 is published weekly for $g4/one year, g 154,mvo years, $2221three years $ubSCIIphOC illquiriBS: 800544-0155 or subservices~a kiplingercom
by The Kiphnger Washington Etlrtors, 1729 N SL.. NW, Washington. DC 20006.3938. EdifOri21 i/If01m2fi0/1: Tel 202-B87~6462; Far, 202J78.8976;
Periodicals postage paid a; Washington, DG.
POSTMASTER Sentl address changes to The Kiphnger Lener, P 0. Bor 3295, Harlan. IA 6'~ 593. Email, letters@kiplmgercom; or Web site, KiplingerForecasls ccm
Mnops Adopts New Rules
~~, illark Palma
On ;Al arch 3], 2007 Administrative Law fudge Kichard C.
I ~uis issued his Report on the Proposed Rules i7rodifying
Chapter 760, kno~~~n to many as the "Gopher State One Call'
rules. In addition tq Minnesota Statutes Chapter 216D, these
two bodies of la.+~, the statutes and the rules define the duties
ice must follow in 1'Iinnesota.
His Report culminates a 2+ ~~ear e(fott by the ~~linnesota
Office of Pipeline Safety (1V'InOpsj to update and change tyre
law in A~rnnesota as it relates to the duties of excavators,
underground facility operators; and GSOC itself.
It is fair to say that the rules have something for everyone;
although, not everyone considers the Rules to be a positive
outcome in ever} case.
'hhc rules may be found through GSOC.org's link to the
~~1n0~~>s website.
Turning to the changes to the riles, this is au vvervie~~ oI
the changes:
1560.0100 Definitions.
These new definitions ha~~e been added in the Rules, they
include defining:
• a "meet"
• the "public right-of-way" ~
• a "service lateral"
These definitions are important due to other changes made
in the rules and should be read carefully.
7560150 Public Right-of-«'ay Responsibilities.
Several netiv duties ~~-ere placed by 11~InOps on facility oper-
atorsfor facilities within the area defined as the public right-
of-way (RO~~'j after 12/31/05:
• An operator must rnap its underground facilities in the
IZO~'.
• An operator must install locating wire on non-condud-
Coritinued on paKe 3 and 4
Continued from page 1 New Rules
ctiye underground facilities
installed after shat date. .An
exemption exists Ior minor repairs.
7560.0225, subd. 3 Locate
Defined a Locate as remaining valid
for 14 days from the excavation com-
mencement time.
7560.250 Locating
Changes the rules related to locating
in several new ways. Nuw locators must.
• Use suitable methods of marking
based on the surface condition
(paint or flags).
• Provide the "approximate route" of
the underground facility.
• Indicate the name, abbreviation or
Lugo if more than one operator
using the same AP~~'A color is un
the ticket.
• \-lark tkte width of all facilities
wider than 8"
• Indicate the number of facilities (if
more than one).
• Starting ]anuary 1, ?006 partici-
pate in "Positive Response".
(Note: this will be the subjer.t of
an article in the Fall Newsletter.)
7560.0325 Emergency Excavation.
In an unusual policy move, 1~1nOps has
now indicated that an excavator can com-
mence emergency excavation prior to con-
tacting GSOC. Now notice must be given
"as soon as practicable."
However, several clarifications have
been made to the emergency excavation
process:
• The excavator must provide a con-
tinuously staffed telephone num-
ber throughout the emergency.
• The actual start time, if not imme-
diate must be provided.
• The facility operator must attempt to
contact the excavator within I hour
of the issuance of a ticket and locate
within 3 hours (unless delayed start
is to occur).
7560.0350 Meets.
Meets have never been ether defined
or clearly delineated under Minnesota law.
Now the Rules provide:
• Excavators must provide a contact
Continued from prxge 3 New Rules
(name and telephone number) to
facilitate in scheduling the meet.
• Excavators must tell C~OC the
entire excavation area at the time of
filing the ticket.
• Excavators must also use white paint
(unless impractical).
• Excavation cannot begin prior to one
(I) business da}' after the meet.
• Excavators must maintain written
documentation of each meet contain-
ing at least the following:
- Date and time of ;~'1eet
- Name, company affiliates and con-
tact information fur each attendee
at a 1~1ect.
- the precise excavation lneation,
dates and times (in a sketch, dia-
gram or description)
- agreed schedule of all future
Meets.
7560.0375 Locating Service Laterals.
Avery controversial and difficult series of
issues were identified and addressed in con-
nection with this requirement.
• Operators oI gas (natural or propane)
or electric facilities must locate serv-
ice lateral up to either (i) the meter,
or (ii) the connection to the c us-
tomer's underground facility,
whichever is closer to the `'end-use
customer." However, at a minimum,
the operator must at least locate the
entire service lateral in the public
right-of-way.
• Operators of communication facili-
ties must locate the service lateral
up to the entry of the first building.
if no building is present up to the
fence or wall that surrounds the
equipment.
• Operators of sewage or water facili-
tres must after December 31, 2005
locate or provide any information
available on those laterals up to
where the service lateral leaves the
public right-of-way. If no informa-
tion is available, this requirement is
waived.
• Operators must maintain records of
sewer or water laterals installed after
December 31, 2005.
Principles of Leadership from
Stephen Covey
Rudi Giuliani
Jack Welch
Notes from 6-15-OS Meeting
Rudi Giulani
Leaders are made - a product of there environment, books, values, experience
Learn from ones crises in the workplace and personal environment
Guiding principals
1. Develop & communicate your strong beliefs. Know what you believe. Be passionate about beliefs
Have goals or a destination.
2. Be optimistic. People follow hopes and dreams
Offer solution not road blocks. Visualize and pursue dreams
3. Be courageous, this is not an absence of fear. Fear is healthy to a degree.
Learn to manage fear of the unknown or of an unpopular decision
4.Be ethical - have a good since of right & wrong, and follow
5. Prepare relentlessly. Always do home work. Preparation will help you in dealing with the
unanticipated events. Luck is when preparation meets opportunity
6. Understand teamwork and surround yourself with great people.
Teach and motivate other people. Know your weaknesses and find other people with
strengths to make up for your weakness.
People are more important than you. Everybody is accountable all of the time
Be able to measure results
7.Be a good communicator. Do the items above and communication will follow.
If you know what you are talking about, it is easier to talk.
8. Have a sense of humor. Enjoy being with people.
Care about people. Be there when things are going wrong, not when things a going right.
75% positive motivation , 25% negative effective action
Jack Welch
Team with the best players wins. Up-grade team continually. Get & keep great players
Leaders/ managers biggest job is to hire great players, coach and train them
You can not have bad players on a team
Segment team into -20% winners and reward them to keep them
70 % followers coach and teach them
10 % losers -get rid of them in a respectful way -turn over team
Team is more important than the individual players.
All employees must have a. Personal energy
b. Ability to energize others
c. Edge -ability to make tough decisions yes or no
d. Execute- ability to deliver the goods
e. Need passion for what they are doing
You want your team to win- not me to win
Employees should know there they stand, don't surprise them & tell them often
Good interview question- Tell me about your last job? And let them talk.
Company mission statement should be clear and hard -from top down
Company value statement -how to achieve mission statement -from bottom up
Reward good behavior, punish bad behavior
Values drive results
Be candid about communication, candor builds trust, say it the way it is
Have guts to make tough unpopular decisions .
Leaders make decisions with imperfect data.
Be curious, inquisitive, ask questions, get new ideas. Celebrate small success.
Being aleader / manager is often lonely
Stephen Covey
The soft stuff is the hard stuff.
Establish a learning ethic. A learning ethic is just as important as a work ethic.
What is the companies priority -did everyone know it.
Management is moral authority, Leadership is a choice, not a position.
The 8 Habits
1 Be Proactive
2 Begin with the end in mind
3 Put first things first
4 Think win/win
5 Seek first to understand, then to be understood
6 Synergize
7 Sharpen the saw
8 Find your voice and inspire others to find theirs
Other thoughts
Traits of Greatness
Leadership- not management
Responsibility- not blame
Enthusiasm -not indifference
Goals -not dreams
Perseverance -not talent
Management is doing things right, leadership is doing the right things.
A group becomes a team when all members are sure enough of themselves
and their contributions to praise the skills of others.
Good, Fast, Cheap, you can have any 2 of the 3
When negotiating a solution, determine the other persons and your core interests
Solve the core interests and don't get sidetracked in all of the side issues.
=1k River Municipal Utilities
Landscaping ~ Lawn Care Needs
Location Address Requirements
Station 14 17845 Hwy 169 None
West SubBank 1 & 2 19002 Elk Lake Rd Weed whip fence or chemical treat
& Transformer Yard Mow east and south areas
Chemically treat gravel areas bi annually
Substation North 21310 Hwy 169 Weed whip area above retaining wall
Chemically treat gravel areas bi annually
Otsego Substation Ohland Ave & Co Rd 39 None
Power plant 1705 Main St Mow west lawn & weed whip
Chemically treat gravel areas bi annually
Well #2 505 Great River Energy Drive Weed whip around bldg.
Mow south & west of bldg
Well #3 741 Quinn Mow lot
Weed whip along fence and in drive
Well #4 18586 Gary St Mow lot around bldg & water tower
Weed whip around bldg, tower, backwash pit fence, well- transformer area
Mow 4' from fence on flat area inside backwash pit
Well #5 19533 Auburn St Mow lot around bldg & water tower
Weed whip around bldg, tower & backwash pit fence
Mow 4' from fence on flat area inside backwash pit
Well #6 19506 Old Railroad City Trail Mow lot around bldg
Weed whip around bldg & backwash pit fence
Mow 4' from fence on flat area inside backwash pit
Leave Ivey on Fence
Well #7 18561 Twin Lakes Road Mow lot
Weed whip around bldg, well, transformer, waterboy
Well #8 11001 190 Av NW Weed whip entrance, man way 8 equipment
Freeport Water Tower 19119 Freeport St Mow lot
Weed whip around tower, fence, stairs, man way & transformer
Johnson St Water Tower 17721 Johnson St Mow 5' around tower, equipment 8~ entrance road
Weed whip edge entrance road, around tower & equipment
Meadowvale Booster Stat. 12955 Meadowvale Rd Mow 5' around man way 8 equipment
Weed whip around man way & equipment
Perkins Booster Stat. 268 Elk Hills Dr Mow 5' around man way & equipment
Weed whip around man way & equipment
175 St Booster Stat 17501 Tyler St Mow 5' around man way & equipment
Weed whip around man way 8~ equipment
landscaping requirements
Page 1 of 1
Bryan Adams
From: "Schmidt, Joan" <JSchmidt@ci.elk-river.mn.us>
To: "Rohlf, Steve" <SRohlf@ci.elk-river.mn.us>; "Mehelich, Catherine" <CMehelich@ci.elk-
river.mn.us>; "Mcpherson, Michele" <MMcpherson@ci.elk-river.mn.us>; "Maertz, Bill"
<BMaertz@ci.elk-river.mn.us>; "Adams, Bryan" <bryada@nsatel.net>; <marion1234@aol.com>
Cc: "Klaers, Pat" <PKlaers@ci.elk-river.mn.us>; "Johnson, Lori" <Ljohnson@ci.elk-river.mn.us>
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2005 10:25 AM
Subject: Joint Mtg with Brds/Commissions
On Monday, July 11, the City Council will be discussing boards and
commissions and the setting of the date for the annual goal-setting
worksession. In reviewing last years minutes (October 11, 2004) of the
joint meeting, Mayor Klinzing had stated that she would like to continue
these meetings and encouraged the members to talk within their groups as to
how the members felt on having these types of joint meetings in the future.
She wanted them to discuss if they felt it added value.
Please email me by Monday, July 11, with your thoughts as to how the
commission/board members feel about these joint meetings. Did they discuss
after the joint meeting if they felt this type of joint meeting was
worthwhile, if it added value?
Also, a reminder that I would appreciate any type of questions that you as a
staff liaison would like to see applicants asked when interviewed for
placement on the commission/boards. Thank you.
7/7/2005