03-18-2003 ERMU MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 2 Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission March 18, 2003 6.2 Review Payment Penalty Section 11 of the "Meter Deposits and Related Services Policies regarding Penalties for delinquent accounts was reviewed. It has been the position of the Commission that the penalty should not apply to churches. The churches, with one exception, have historically made their payments in a timely matter. The consensus of the Commission is to allow no more special treatment of the church in question, with no exemptions of the penalty allowed. 6.3 Review & Consider Phone System Staff has recommended to the Commission that a new phone system be purchased to accommodate the new plant, as well as enhance the present system in the administrative offices. The recommended phone system would have the capability to be moved to the new administration building, when it is finished. Lori Johnson, and Bob Pearson, City of Elk River appeared to discuss the bids the City has received for a new phone system for City Hall. The Staff at the City is in the process of reviewing bids, and has not yet reached a recommendation. The bids were structured to include the Utilities in the City Hall phone system. Bryan Adams again noted that his concerns are with reliability, as well as vulnerability issues. He can, however, see that there are advantages in sharing. Lori Johnson stated that reliability is as important to the City, as it is to the Utilities. James Tralle asked Bob Pearson what he would consider any down side problems with the proposed system, and Bob responded that he could not think of any. John Dietz is in favor of only one system for both City and Utilities to enable immediate transferring capabilities between the offices. John Dietz added that he feels with the proper structuring of the system reliability is not an issue. James Tralle stated that his concerns are that fail-safe systems will be in place. Management of the system was discussed. Lori Johnson said only two people would have access to the system. It was suggested that the City complete the evaluation, select the system, and finalize the architecture of the phone system, and then return to the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission. John Dietz requested Lori Johnson and Bob Pearson be present at the April meeting to further discuss the recommendations for the phone system, and they replied affirmatively. 6.1 Well Water Meters The accuracy of the water meters at the water production facility has become a concern with staff. Differences between water produced, and water sold, even with normal exceptions, is considered to be too great. Staff explained metering accuracy with flow meters, versus other meters with magnet flow or sonic type meters with Teflon coated walls to minimize the build up of manganese. Staff is recommending replacement of meters located in facilities 2,3, and 6. John Dietz asked if the replacement of the meters is a budget item for 2003, and Staff responded that it is not,but reserves could be used. James Tralle moved to authorize purchase of replacement meters for facilities 2,3, and 6. Jerry Takle seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.