04-10-2001 ERMU MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 2 Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission April 10, 2001 5.1 Update Mechanics Position Bryan Adams reviewed the issue of an equipment and vehicle mechanic. The issue of contracting with the City, when they re-organize the City Garage to add additional bays, and hire another mechanic was discussed. Bryan Adams and Glenn Sundeen presented their viewpoints, adding the reasons that they feel a Utility mechanic position, with an equipment repair bay added to the proposed Utility Garage would be advantageous. Michael Price responded with comments about the need for maintenance and repair of the Plant Engines. John Dietz is concerned that adding a Utility mechanic would be duplicating expenses. Glenn Sundeen was asked if he could prepare a maintenance schedule to coordinate with the City. The amount of work that would have to be done outside the City or Utility was discussed. James Tralle agreed with John Dietz that sharing the task should be tested for a period of time. Staff again mentioned the critical need for plant engine maintenance and operation. George Zabee moved to use the City Operation for maintenance and repair, at the time they re-organize their garage and hire a new mechanic, for a period of nine months to a year. James Tralle seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. 6.2 Review Wage Request from ERMU Employees Art Gatchell, Mark Fuchs, Wade Lovelette, and Michael Price appeared on behalf of the operational employees, with a request for a 4.44%wage increase, to keep up with metro average pay scale. It was noted that the 4.44% increase average was for linemen only. Bryan Adams asked the Commission to be aware of the competition for lineman among electric utilities, difficulty of hiring good employees, and the need to keep trained qualified people in the organization. James Tralle agreed that point is important. George Zabee noted he would prefer to use a median, rather than the mean average, but will not do that for this year. Mr. Zabee further observed that a select group is used for comparisons. Bryan Adams noted that the groups used are comparables of the Utilities and is ERMU competition for employees. Michael Price advised that because of the increase in costs to the employees for certain benefits, some employees have not recognized a pay increase. James Tralle moved to increase the pay of the Operations people 4.44%. George Zabee seconded the motion. Motion was further discussed before voting. Motion failed 1-2, George Zabee and John Dietz voting nae. George Zabee moved to increase the pay of the Linemen 4.44%. James Tralle seconded. Motion carried 2-1. John Dietz voting nae.