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The Elk River Heritage Preservation Commission(HPC), <br /> however, fought to save the 88-year-old water tower. In <br /> 2012, the now 92-year-old water tower was listed in the <br /> National Register of Historic Places, which opened up <br /> options for funding maintenance and long-term <br /> preservation. The Elk River Star News quoted Elk River <br /> mayor (and ERMU Chair) John Dietz: "It's a great thing for <br /> the city. . . . To me that tower is history. It's been a <br /> landmark in this town since I was a kid. I think it is worth <br /> preserving and getting [it] on the National Register helps us <br /> accomplish that preservation effort." The commission and <br /> the HPC continue to collaborate on finding funding to <br /> preserve the tower.139 <br /> Challenges Lead to Great Opportunities <br /> In December 2008, Bryan Adams resigned as general <br /> manager. Instead of simply filling that position, the <br /> commission decided to evaluate ERMU's organizational <br /> structure. During the process, the commission retained its <br /> conservation consultant, Vance Zehringer, as interim <br /> general manager. The commission ultimately chose to fill <br /> the vacant leadership position from within, promoting Troy <br /> Adams (no relation to Bryan Adams),who had been hired in <br /> 2006 to manage the newly created engineering department. <br /> Since Troy had only been with ERMU for two years, <br /> Commissioner John Dietz felt that it was important to allow Historic Jackson Street <br /> him time to grow into this new position and recommended Water Tower <br /> restructuring ERMU's management. (Elk River Municipal Utilities) <br /> The position of general manager was eliminated and the management of the electric and water <br /> utilities was separated between two directors. As director of operations, Troy Adams was <br /> responsible for managing the electric utility, technical services, and administration. Management <br /> of the water, sewer, and storm services was united under the city's public works director Terry <br /> Maurer, an arrangement made possible through a shared personnel agreement between the city <br /> and ERMU. The agreement was called a"perfect fit" and passed the city council by a unanimous <br /> vote.140 <br /> 139 Joni Astrup,"Elk River Water Tower Named to National Register of Historic Places,"Elk River Star News,June <br /> 7,2012. <br /> 140 Troy Adams in conversation with Rachel Peterson,June 2,2014;"New Organizational Structure at Utilities,"Elk <br /> River Star News,March 5,2009. <br /> 38 <br />