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OCT-I?-ZO03 09:05AM FROM-ERMU ?$3-441-8099 T-$30 P.003/005 F-439 <br /> <br />Page 2 <br />Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission <br />October 15, 2003 <br /> <br />5.2 Review Street Light Maintenance S.u. rve¥ <br /> <br /> At the request of the Commission, Bryan Adams compiled a survey of other communities regarding <br />street light maintenance. There does not appear to be a norm for the maintenance. Discussion followed on <br />the various ways that street light issues are handled. Further discussion of this topic will continue at a future <br />meeting. Staff, and Commission will continue to seek more information, and agreements that may be on <br />file. No action necessary. <br /> <br />5.3 Review Bulk Water Rate Survey <br /> <br /> Bryan Adams reported on the survey conducted concerning the rates for bulk water sales. It appears that <br />most communities conduct business as the ERMU has been doing. Normal water rates are in the $1.00 to <br />$2.00 per 1000 gallon range. ER.MU charges a flat $10.00 per load. Communities utilizing automatic fill <br />stations charge approximately .25 per 100 gallons, and that appears to be the cost I~RMU will use. John <br />Dietz asked for clarification of the procedures, and discussion continued regarding back flow prevention, and <br />illegal use of hydrants. John Dietz further questions whether or not the Utility will be able to realize any pay <br />back for the cost of the installation of the bulk station, and notes that he believes some administrative <br />charges should be put into place. Discussion will continue at a future meeting. <br /> <br />5.4 Update Great River Energy Wholesale Electric Rate <br /> <br /> B~an Adams updated the Commission on the first cut at the revised two tier rates being proposed by <br />Great River Energy, resulting in a 7.3% increase to ERMU. The exact rate structure is still undetermined. <br />This item, with associated spread sheet, is for discussion only. James Tralle asked what the driver for the <br />increase in natural gas prices. Staff responded that de-regulation and high demand are the main reasons. No <br />action necessary. <br /> <br />5.5 Review Revised Electric Capital Bad_ggtt <br /> <br /> The electric capital budget for 2004 was presented at the SepTember 9, 2003. Since that time, Staffha$ <br />analyzed the need for additional capacity to support further growth. The revised distribution projects, the <br />time schedule for furore projects, and the revised 10 year capital project projections were presented, and <br />discussed. Causes for expansion were further reviewed. The load growth is driving the necessary revisions, <br />as well as continued territory acquisition. The probable need for bonding in 2004, for projects was <br />discussed. No action necessary. <br /> <br />6. i Review & Consider Proposed Expense Budget <br /> <br /> Staff presented the detailed revenue, and expense budget, with overviews, comparisons, and <br />summaries. Revenue, and expense increases on a percentage basis were reviewed. A general discussion <br />between Staff, and Commission continued. No action necessary. Final budget will be presented at the <br />November 2004 meeting. <br /> <br /> <br />