4.2. SR 07-16-2001MEMORANDUM
Item 4.2.
TO:
Mayor and City Council
FROM:
Pat Klaers, City Administrator
DATE: July 16, 2001
SUBJECT: Utilities Commission Update
Councilmember John Dictz is thc City Council representative on the Elk River Municipal
Ut_iht/es Commission. At this July 16, 2001, City Council meeting, John is scheduled to
provide the Council with an update on Utilities activities. Attached for your review are the
minutes from the July 10, 2001, Ut/lit/es Commission meeting.
JUL-1Z-ZOOi iZ:I1PM FRObI-"ERMU ?63-441-BOgB T-235 P.OOI/O03 F-509
ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
UTILITIES COMMISSION
Jul?~ 10, 2001
Members Present: George Zabce, President: lames Tralle, Vice Chair
gtaffPresent: Bryan Adams, Oeneral Manager; Olenn Sundeen, Line Superintendent; David Berg, Water
Superintendent; Patricia Hemza, Office Manager
1. CalLmeefin~ to order at 4:00 PM July 10. 2{}01
2. Consider Utili.ti,es A_~enda
James Tralle will have one item, concerning water under Other Business.
James Tralle moved to approve the Utilities Agenda for July 10, 2001, with one addition under Other
Business. George Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.
3. Consider Consent Agenda
James Tralle moved to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
Jtme Check Register
Financials
June 12, 2001 Minutes
A brief discussion followed, of general subjects, with one question from George Zabee.
George Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.
5.1 Update Well #7? Proposed Eastern Water Tower
Bryan Adams updated Commission on the Progress of Well #7, and the Eastern Water Tower. The
drilling of the well has been completed, and the progress of the engineering phase for f'flter plant #7 is still in
progress. The City Planning Commission was unable to decide on roof type, exterior wall text~e, color or
architectural treatment for the filter plant at the June 26, 2001 meeting, and tabled the topic until the July
10, 2001 meeting. The City Park Commission has required 4 acres of land for parks, causing the progress
for the Eastern Water Tower to be delayed. A new schedule has been implemented.
5.2 Undate Administration Buildin~
Staffpresented a Feasibility/Planning study for new Municipal Utilities Administrative Offices at the
Main Street Mall Building. Estimated costs, floor plans, mechanical problems, size and parking were
discussed. It was the consensus that the building would be adaptable, and acceptable for Administrative
Offices. George Zabee voiced concerns regarding parking, the age or,he building, and the floor plan. Staff
was asked to explore other possible options for new offices, without ruling out the proposed site.
JUL-12-ZO01 1Z:11PM FROM-.ERMU 763-441-8099 T-235 P.OOZ/O03 F-500
Page 2
Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
July 10, 2001
5.3 Continue disc_ussio~n_of~Iome Computer Purcha:~e Assi~tan,ce
The discussion for no interest loans to employees in the amount of $1,200.00 was continued from
previous meetings. James Tralle voiced his support for the plan, citing development and improvement of
employee computer skills as a main reason. George Zabee asked about the terms for re-payment of the loan,
and directed Staffto have a policy legally drafted. James Tralle asked that new equipment only, be allowed.
lames Tralle moved to offer Home Computer Purchase Assistance Loans at 0% interest to employees
of the Elk River Municipal UtiIities for new computers, contingent upon the drafting of a policy. George
Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.
5.4 Up_date_Radio Meter Reading system
Bryan Adams reported to the Commission on the benefits of radio read systems, with thc cost as the
down side. Actual devices were presented. Staff recommends initiating the process of the system.
George Zabee moved to secure a radio frequency from the FCC for the radio read meter reading
system, as a preliminary step. James Tralle seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0.
5.5 APPA & MMU~_ASummacy
Bryan Adams presented summaries of the APPA and MMUA annual meetings, with special
emphasis to the Commission on laws affecting Minnesota. Special areas of interest and discussion were
Distributed Generation, such as the stand-by generator at Cub, Consumer Protection, and Distribution
Reliability. George Zabee noted that he is very impressed with the Distribution reliability of the Utilities,
with acknowledgment from Glenn Sundeen.
5.6 LFG Pro_ieet Update
Several changes to thc LFG project were reported on. New pricing schedules, as well as time tables
were discussed. Risk to the Utilities is considered to be in the area of maintenance of the engine generators.
No action necessary.
6.1 Freeport Water Tower Inspection Report
Smffreviewed the two year warranty Freeport Water Tower Inspection. Certain necessary repairs
will be made in 2001 early fall. At that time a cathodic protection will be re-installed at an approximate cost
of $5,000.00 to prevent further corrosion if the paint coating system should become damaged.
JUL-1Z-Z001 12:11PM FROM-ERMU 763-441-6069 T-H5 P.003/003 F-509
Page 3
Regular meeting of the ELk Riv~ Municipal Utilities Commission
July 10, 2001
Other Business
James Tralle inquired about the status of enforcement of sprinkling restrictions. Bryan Adams responded by
saying that at this time we are only asking customers to abide by the ~ules, but if heat and dry conditions
persist we may have to more strictly enforce. Further discussion of the seriousness of the condition of water
usage followed. It was noted that if all equipment is performing at peak performance, capacity is 6.4 million
gallons per day. On Monday, July 9, 2001, 5.5 million gallons were pumped.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Cormnission will be Tuesday,
August 14, 2001, in the Elk River Utilkics Offices.
Ad~iourn_m_ent
President Zabee adjourned thc meeting of thc Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission at $:30 PM>
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia Hemza
Office Manager