3.0 ERMUSR 03-09-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 2 Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission February 10, 2004 5.2 Review Elk River Park Commission Request Michele McPherson, Director of Planning for the City of Elk River appeared to explain the request for the ERMU to share in the cost of maintenance for the prairie plantings at Royal Valley Park. John Dietz stated that he feels prairie grass is an amenity, and that an outside firm should not be hired to care for the project, and that it should be maintained by City employees. Jerry Takle asked why the Utilities should participate in the maintenance. Ms McPherson explained the particular care needed for the maintenance of prairie plantings. Bryan asked if Phil Hals, of the City of Elk River had offered to do the maintenance of the Royal Valley Park. Ms McPherson responded that Phil had offered, but the Park Commission is of the opinion that an outside firm would be more qualified to care for the prairie plantings. John Dietz asked if the Well had not been installed at that site, would prairie plantings have been considered, and Ms McPherson replied that she did not believe so. John Dietz stated that he thinks the Utilities has done more than their share of restoration of the site, and should not pay for maintenance. Jerry Take believes that Utilities customers should not pay for maintenance of the park. Ms McPherson thanked the Commission for their consideration, and noted that she would advise the Park Commission of the Elk River Municipal Utilities refusal to participate in the maintenance at Royal Valley Park. 5.3 Review& Consider Pick-up Truck Bids Bryan Adams explained the 2004 budget item for the purchase of two pick-up trucks. John Dietz asked who would be driving the trucks, and their purpose. Bryan Adams reviewed the vehicle needs of outside employees in conjunction with their duties. Commission, and Staff discussed the bids received for the vehicles. Jerry Takle moved to accept the local bid from Elk River Ford for two Ford pick-ups. John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0. 5.4 Review Wholesale Electric Rate FERC Action Bryan Adams explained the wholesale electric rate structure, and the document filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. A short discussion followed. No action necessary. 6.1 Review 2003 Annual Report Staff presented the Annual Report to City Council to the Commission, and asked for comments with any additions or deletions. After a short review Bryan Adams thanked the Commission for their support of the Utilities staff. He further noted that the Utility is stressing vision, and projections. The MMUA rate study of municipal utilities was presented to Commission, with explanations of the ERMU place in the study. The connection fees were discussed, with the understanding that developing areas are the driving force behind the fees. No action necessary; receive and file.