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Page 3 <br /> Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission <br /> August 13,2012 <br /> 5.3 Review and Consider Fiber Optic Network Partnership <br /> ERMU has been struggling with limitations in the phone and computer network systems. <br /> Dependent upon a third party provider of communication conductivity between the office and the <br /> field services building, the Utilities have experienced limited bandwidth, poor sound quality, and <br /> poor customer service. ERMU has been considering installing a dedicated communication link <br /> between the field services building and the office. The City of Elk River has been experiencing <br /> similar issues serving their remote buildings. Their IT division has been exploring options to <br /> create a city fiber optic network. Sherburne County and the City of Elk River have also been <br /> discussing the installation of a dedicated communication link between the Sherburne County <br /> Government Center and City Hall. <br /> Mi-Tech, a division of Michel's Corporation, will be installing fiber optics throughout Elk <br /> River for a third party communications company. They have contacted ERMU about attaching <br /> to the power poles. This would be the opportunity for a cost sharing partnership on their project. <br /> ERMU, the City of Elk River, and Sherburne County have entered into discussions with <br /> Mi-Tech and Michel's to explore the possibility of collaborating to build a fiber optic network <br /> loop. Discussion followed. Consensus was to move forward with this project as long as the City <br /> of Elk River and Sherburne County share in the cost. <br /> Daryl Thompson moved to authorize John Dietz and Troy Adams to execute an agreement <br /> with Mi-Tech for the fiber optic network loop at an amount not to exceed $99,000. Al <br /> Nadeau seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. <br /> 5.4 Review and Consider Purchase of Property <br /> The property at 1639 Main Street, north of ERMU's Field Services building is for sale. <br /> Because of this property's location, it would be desirable for the Utilities to acquire for future <br /> expansion, storage, or parking needs. <br /> Troy Adams asked Commissioners if they would like to call a closed meeting to talk about <br /> this item. Consensus of the Commission was to discuss this in the open meeting. Discussion <br /> followed regarding the location, value, zoning, and management of this property. <br /> Daryl Thompson moved to authorize Troy Adams to enter into negotiations for the <br /> property located at 1639 Main Street NW and to bring back to the commission for <br /> consideration. Motion carried 3-0. <br /> 6.0 OTHER BUSINESS <br /> 6.1 Staff Updates <br /> John Dietz asked staff about the current phone system and messaging, staff responded. <br /> Discussion followed. <br />