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increases by ERMU's power supplier. If we haven't used that money this year,could it be given to <br /> customers?Troy Adams said he would rather save that money and use it for the territory acquisition to <br /> help offset how much bonding will need to be done. <br /> Wade Lovelette added to his staff update that the Lead Electrical Technician, Michael Price, <br /> had his 15 year anniversary with ERMU last month. <br /> Tom Sagstetter wanted to reiterate how much of an eye-opening experience a class he went to <br /> was. The class focused on how utilities' business model will change drastically in the next few years. <br /> He wanted the commissioners to keep their eyes out for utility related stories when reading trade <br /> publications and watching the news. Troy Adams said it is a good opportunity to make sure local <br /> officials know what affects us negatively and how they can help during the legislative sessions. Tom <br /> Sagstetter also gave an update on the landfill. The second engine has failed so production numbers <br /> will be low until that is replaced later in the month.Two other engines will be replaced next year. <br /> John Dietz wanted to talk about the new Fire Hydrant Maintenance program ERMU is <br /> offering as a service. There are several businesses that have private hydrants and he is concerned that <br /> people are not aware that they are private and need to know that this is their responsibility. Staff sent <br /> out a letter informing people about the hydrants they own and that we would service them for a fee. <br /> Minnesota Fire Code states that hydrants need to be maintained.John Dietz would like to make sure <br /> the Fire Chief is enforcing the hydrant maintenance. Troy Adams said that we will have <br /> documentation for those that sign up for our maintenance program and we can provide that to the fire <br /> department. <br /> 5.1 Wage and Benefits Committee Update <br /> The Wage & Benefits committee wanted to bring three items to the commission for <br /> consideration: the 2014 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), Commissioner's compensation, and <br /> the clothing policy for non-field employees. <br /> There were two options the committee wanted to recommend to the commission for the <br /> COLA. The first option was to award a 2.5% increase to all pay groups. The second option was <br /> to award a 2.5% increase to the lineman and a 2.1% increase for the rest of the pay groups. John <br /> Dietz said that the commission made the decision to divide the company into four pay groups. A <br /> mid-year adjustment was made for the lineman to solve a retention problem. His <br /> recommendation was that the commission award a 2.5% increase for the lineman and a 2.1% <br /> increase for everyone else as that is what the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is listed at. He pointed <br /> out that there have not been any retention problems with any other group and awarding a 2.5% <br /> increase for the lineman would keep that pay group at the"metro average." <br /> Daryl Thompson asked Troy Adams if the 2.1 CPI is for the year 2012 or 2013. Troy <br /> Adams said it is looking backwards. John Dietz wanted to mention that the company is also <br /> meeting almost all of the goals for the Performance Metrics Bonus program so it is likely that <br /> employees will get a 2% bonus of their wage also. <br /> Page 4 <br /> Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission <br /> November 12,2013 <br />