09-11-2012 ERMU MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 2 Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission September 11,2012 4.0 OLD BUSINESS 4.1 Easement Considerations for Property Adiacent to Diesel Power Plant (Parcel ID#75-133-4210) Located east of ERMU's power plant is a 6.6 acre lot. This property has no recorded easement and currently accesses the property through the ERMU power plant property at 1705 Main Street. On July 17, the Utilities Commission authorized staff to begin evaluating the specifics of the issue and work towards developing a mutually beneficial solution. The authorization for preliminary work was limited to $4,000. Staff has been working with the City of Elk River on determining possible solutions. ERMU contracted Hakanson Anderson to provide survey work. Proposed access routes were staked. The City and State met at the site for a Technical Evaluation. Rebecca Haug, Environmental Administrator for the City of Elk River,reported the proposed route or any route that disrupts the wetland or wetland fringe would not be supported. Discussion followed regarding other options. Daryl Thompson said it was ultimately up to the property owner. Consensus was to grant a temporary license agreement for access and to have the property owner work with the City and State on alternatives. John Dietz directed staff to continue to consider options. 4.2 Purchase of Property(Parcel ID#75-411-0210) The property at 1639 Main St NW(Parcel ID#45-411-0210),north of ERMU's Field Services building,has been listed for sale. Because of the property's location,it would be desirable for ERMU to purchase for future expansion, storage,or parking needs. At the August 2012 ERMU Commission meeting,staff was authorized to negotiate the purchase of the property with final approval being awarded by the ERMU Commissioners. Staff met with the Real Estate agent and inspected the home. Staff submitted an offer letter and it was accepted. A purchase agreement has been drafted and is awaiting commission approval. Discussion followed. Al Nadeau moved to purchase the property at 1639 Main St NW for$134,900 and authorizes Troy Adams to execute the purchase agreement. Daryl Thompson seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Consensus was to allow staff to also explore the possibilities of purchasing the other adjacent properties. 4.3 Fiber Optic Network Update At the August 13,2012 ERMU Commission meeting, approval was given for ERMU to partner with the City of Elk River and Sherburne County in a fiber optic network. The ERMU Commission authorized an investment in 1/3 of the project for up to $99,000.