08-13-2013 ERMU MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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4.0 OLD BUSINESS There is no old business. 5.0 NEW BUSINESS 5.1 2014 Budget: Schedule, Travel and Training, Dues/Subscriptions/Fees, Personnel The Travel and Training budget has less than a 1% increase over the prior year. Staff has established a schedule for training so all employees would get a more consistent training opportunity. Discussion followed. The Dues, Subscriptions, and Fees budget has a 4% increase reflecting various known and projected increases for 2014. Troy Adams also presented a proposed organizational chart through the year 2018 as well as a chart for next year's proposed personnel additions. Staff is looking to hire two new positions next year especially with potential territory acquisition. Daryl Thompson requested that whenever we hire a new person, they come to the first commission meeting so everyone can meet them. Discussion followed. 5.2 Wage and Benefits Committee Update In June 2013, one of ERMU's Journeyman Lineworkers gave notice to leave to work for Xcel Energy. This was the 6th lineworker to leave for Xcel in 2 years. Of the 11 lineworkers that were working in the field in 2008, there are only 3 still working in the field. And currently over 50% of ERMU lineworkers have 2 years or less experience. At the recommendation of staff at the July Utilities Commission Meeting, the Commission gave direction for the Wage and Benefits Committee to analyze the issue and bring back a recommendation at the August meeting. The minimum qualifications for our lineworker position require the completion of a one year lineworker vocational program. Once hired, the apprentice lineworker is required to complete a four year apprentice program to become a journeyman lineworker. The apprentice program involves bookwork that is completed afterhours, examinations, and hours of experience. Once completed, the apprentice program is equivalent to a four-year degree. Troy Adams pointed out that the lineworkers were not getting credit for their education when the points system was initially calculated. Once the calculation was made including the education, the lineworkers automatically moved up one pay grade. Staff also proposed splitting staff into four separate groups: Lineman, Field Staff, Office, and Management so everyone does not always follow the same trend as they are all Page 2 Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission August 13, 2013