12-13-2011 ERMU MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 2 Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission December 13, 2011 release of a Request For Proposal (RFP). The RFP was issued on November 15, 2010. In May 2011, the ERMU Commission authorized entering into "Phase 2b" of the resource planning study which will include risk assessment of the proposals. In addition to working with the Resource Planning Coalition, staff continues to explore other power supply options. The RFP analysis has been completed by CMMPA as well as the building of participant specific resource portfolios. Kyle Haeming of CMMPA gave a presentation. Discussion followed. 4.2 Review and Consider 2012 Wade and Benefts At the recommendation of staffdunng October 11, 2011, ERMU Commission meeting, the Commission formed a Wage and Benefits Committee. The committee was comprised of Commissioner, John Dietz; Utilities Director, Troy Adams; Finance and Office Manager, Theresa Slominski; and Electric Superintendent, Mark Fuchs. The intent of this committee was to be able to review and analyze wage and benefits information, receive comments and questions from employees relating to wage and benefits, function as a forum for discussion, and ultimately present wage and benefit information to the ERMU Commission for their consideration. Troy Adams presented new information regarding the dental insurance plan. Discussion followed. John Dietz reviewed the options and gave his recommendations. This yeaz the health insurance decreased but previous years were an increase so this will be a savings for both ERMU and employees. The clothing issue is best resolved by installing a washer and dryer at the plant. As for the comp day, John Dietz stated he was willing to do that but would not be in favor of them getting a stipend also. For wages, John Dietz said he has thought long and hazd on this. His recommendation is fora 2.3% increase which would not lose any ground on the metro average at this point. This would be the largest increase over the last four years and hopefully as things keep recovering we can start to make up the difference. As for the Long Term Care (LTC) insurance, the presentation did not seem to agree with many people and for right now this should be a voluntary insurance for the employees to get on their own through the LTC group if they choose. Al Nadeau agreed with John Dietz on the LTC insw'ance. AI Nadeau said he would like to see a guideline plan as to what will be done with the wages on an annual basis to show the younger employees or future employees that ERMU is a great place to build a cazeer and raise a family. Al Nadeau said he doesn't feel that 2.3% is enough and to start making ground up he is recommending 3% minimal. AI Nadeau said it is important to keep good, trained employees and he knows the economy isn't pretty but ERMU does make a profit. Daryl Thompson agreed with John Dietz and Al Nadeau on the LTC insurance. Daryl Thompson agrees with John Dietz on the holiday comp day, giving an extra day is a cost to ERMU. Daryl Thompson said Theresa Slominski has done a good job presenting the best Dental, Long Term Disability (LTD), and Life Insurance plans for the employees. Daryl Thompson wanted the employees to know they are appreciated for the hazd work that they do day in and day out. The economy has been a real stickler and he is willing to compromise on a 2.75% wage increase.