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The drawdown on ERMU's wells combined with another possible drought this summer <br /> poses a large problem for the Water Departments revenue. The DNR has talked about enforcing <br /> water restrictions to help conserve water. In other words, reducing or banning lawn sprinkling <br /> altogether. Summertime is when the bulk of the water department's income is made. Without <br /> that revenue, ERMU could potentially have to dip further into the reserves to pay for the <br /> necessary planned projects. <br /> In the event that the DNR does enforce water restrictions, ERMU will need to take steps to <br /> compensate for the potential reduction in water sales. <br /> Discussion followed. Troy Adams and David Berg were instructed to bring back some <br /> figures for rate increases in the event that the DNR does enforce water restrictions. <br /> 5.5 Legal Services <br /> ERMU has used a number of different attorneys in the past including the City Attorney, <br /> Peter Beck, with Gray Plant Mooty. At the April 2009 Utilities Commission meeting, the <br /> Commission approved using the City Attorney for future legal issues. A monthly retainer of <br /> $1,000 was established for general legal counsel. <br /> At the January 8, 2013 Commission meeting, Peter Beck announced his retirement from <br /> Gray Plant Mooty and the opening of his private practice, Beck Law Office. Similar to the <br /> arrangement with Gray Plant Mooty, Peter Beck has arranged for Cambell Knutson to provide <br /> support and depth of service for work outside of the general retainer. Cambell Knutson has <br /> experience representing municipal utilities including North St. Paul and Mora. <br /> Peter Beck has provided an Agreement for Legal Services for the Commission to <br /> consider. This agreement works under the same rates established in 2009. Peter Beck wanted to <br /> point out that this agreement was not intended to change anything, but to just document the <br /> arrangement. <br /> Daryl Thompson made a motion to approve the "Agreement for Legal Services". Al <br /> Nadeau seconded the motion. Motion approved 3-0. <br /> 5.6 Wire Bids <br /> ERMU went out for bid for wire in February. Troy Adams requested that the Commission <br /> give approval to award the wire bid to the lowest bidder during bid opening on March 18, 2013 <br /> and give an update to the Commission at the March 19, 2013 meeting. <br /> Daryl Thompson made a motion to approve awarding the wire bid to the lowest bidder. Al <br /> Nadeau seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. <br /> Page 4 <br /> Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission <br /> February 12,2013 <br />