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City Council Minutes August 23, 1982 Page Two ~ Councilman Schuldt indicated that he agreed with Mayor Hinkle's comments regarding the Elk River water department. Councilman Schuldt indicated that the Elk River Utilities Commission would have to get authorization from the City Council for any bonding or construction of additional water facilities and therefore, felt as it was the City Council's ultimate authority over the water department, the jursidiction of the water department should be transferred to the City Council. Councilman Schuldt indicated that the City is presently looking at major improvements for the water system in the City of Elk River and the City Council would be responsible for the decisions regarding those major improvements. Councilman Schuldt further indicated that the City maintenance department has equipment at this time that can be used for the maintenance of the water lines and facilities, and further indicated that it would just make good common sense for the water department to be under the City Coun- cil's jurisdiction. Councilman Duitsman indicated that he felt that the Elk River Utilities Commission's jurisdiction over the water department has worked well in the past and further in- dicated that he felt it was good to have a commission to review the operation of the water department. General discussion was carried on regarding the utility billing and how that billing process would be handled. The City Administrator indicated that the Elk River Utilities office currently does the billing for the water department, the sewer department and the electric department. The City Administrator further indicated that he felt there would be no need to add additional staff if the water department was transferred to the City Council's jurisdiction. The City Administra- tor indicated that the sewer rates are based upon water usage and that. it was recom- mended that the sewer department and water department be operated in conjunction with each other. Further discussion was carried on regarding the possibility of the users reading their own meters. Councilman Duitsman indicated that the Utilities Commission has reviewed that possibility of the users reading their own meters on an annual basis and further indicated that the Commission did not feel it was feasible due to cash flow problems. The City Administrator indicated that the City would have less cash flow problems than the Elk River Utilities would have. Councilman Engstrom indicated that he was in agreement with Mayor Hinkle and Council- man Schuldt regarding the operation of the water department under the jurisdiction of the City Council. Councilman Engstrom further indicated that it would be the City Council's responsibility should there be a water pressure problem in the City due to fire or some other cause. Councilman Engstrom further indicated that the City of Elk River has a good water treatment facility and that he felt the sewer department and water department should work as one unit, which would be better for the City of Elk River. Councilman Duitsman indicated that the three commissioners nOw review the operation of the water department: Councilman Toth questioned t'he possibility of personnel transfer. The City Administrator indicated that one person and possibly one office staff person may be transferred to the City of Elk River.