05-10-2016 ERMU MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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5.0 NEW BUSINESS 5.1 2016 First Quarter Delinquent Items Theresa Slominski presented the delinquent items for the first quarter which included a delinquent amounts listing report totaling$8,206.44 for all services. Theresa also presented a color-coded recap comparison with last year, identifying the running totals. Theresa noted that we collected approximately$22,000 from Revenue Recapture in 2016; of that, $10,500 was from a large commercial write-off in 2015. The amount for the first quarter write-offs is ($927.42), a credit due to collections on amounts previously written off, which is typical in the first quarter. John Dietz had some questions on the first quarter delinquent items. Staff responded. There was further discussion. Daryl Thompson made a motion to approve the First Quarter Delinquent Amounts Listing. Al Nadeau seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. 5.2 2016 MMUA Legislative Rally Update-Verbal Tom Sagstetter and Troy Adams attended the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association (MMUA) Legislative Rally held in St. Paul on April 19. Tom provided an update on the key issues and talking points which included: CIP Challenges, Railroad Right-of-Way Crossing Fees, Refundable Sales Tax for Construction Materials, Labeling of Non- Flushable Wipes,Regulatory Certainty for Effluent Limits, and Small Wireless Pole Attachments. Discussion followed. 5.3 Lunch and Break Policy for Field Staff At the previous commission meeting, Commission requested that staff provide a copy of the lunch and break policy for field staff. Mark Fuchs shared that ERMU does not have a written lunch and break policy and that we currently follow the Minnesota Statutes in regards to lunch and break times. Staff consulted legal counsel and the current practice meets all the requirements of the law. John Dietz inquired on whether the breaks where typically taken in the field or back at the plant. Staff responded that coffee breaks are typically taken out in the field, and that employees would not pack everything up to go back to the plant to take a break or lunch. Eric Volk and Mark Fuchs explained that our employees are very mindful of the task at hand and will wait to take a break until they get to a good stopping point. This is one of the reasons why we try not to be too rigid with the specific times the breaks and lunches need to be taken. There was further discussion. Troy Adams stated that after speaking with legal counsel, it was recommended that a section outlining the rules related to lunches and breaks be added to the annual employee handbook update. The updated handbook will be brought to the Commission for consideration in fall of 2016. John thanked staff for explaining and elaborating on the process we've been following regarding breaks. He shared that it helps the Commission to be informed so that Page 4 Regular Meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission May 10,2016