06-14-2011 ERMU MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 4 Regulaz meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission June 14, 2011 5.3 Review 2010 Annual URGE Test Results Wade Lovelette reported ERMU operates and maintains four diesel generation units at the power plant. These units are contracted to Great River Energy (GRE) through a Power Transaction Agreement at the current price of $2.75/kW/month based upon the proven capacity from the annual Uniform Rating of Generating Equipment (URGE) test. The 2011 URGE test went well and will result in $352,968 compensation from GRE over the next year. The slats have shown an increase in performance every yeaz since at least 2005. This trend is directly related to a high priority in maintenance, training, and staff familiarity with the plant. The staff consisting of Steve Ziemer, Michael Price, and Adam Freiberg do an excellent job. John Dietz asked staffto tell the guys they are doing a great job. Discussion followed regarding the area of coverage and length of time the engines could be utilized in a time of need. The engines are exercised once a month. Al Nadeau asked when the next run would be so he could attend. Staff responded. 5.4 Review and Consider Proposed Flexible Benefits Plan Revisions Theresa Slominski informed the Commission that there were Legislative changes in 2010 due to health care reform that affects the ERMU Flexible Benefits Plan Document. This necessitates revisions that can be addressed through an amendment to the existing plan. The changes affected are 1) the over the counter drugs and medicines (other than insulin) that will require a prescription for reimbursement, and 2) in 2013 the maximum reimbursement for the health FSA will be changing from $3,000 to $2,500. (Staffrecommends incorporating this change now rather than amending the plan again at a later date.) Daryl Thompson moved to amend the Flexible Benefits Plan as presented. Al Nadeau seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. 6.1 Staff Updates Troy Adams commented on the recent agreement reached between the City of Elk River and the Landfill for consideration of future expansion. Theresa Slominski wanted to recognize employee Michelle Martindale for the completion of her Leadership Certificate. The Commissioners directed staff to thank her for her commitment. Troy Adams said David Berg had an item he wanted discussed that pertained to water connections for homes that are for sale and not hooked up to the ERMU water service. Consensus of the Commission was that the property should be hooked up to the ERMU water service prior to the sale of the home.