05-08-2001 ERMU MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Page 3 Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission May 8, 2001 Operational employees,who are on-call, are required to live within an eight mile radius of the power plant for response time. Staff recommends changing the 8 mile radius to a 10 mile radius of the power plant, excluding the area south of I-94, and including the entire townships of Big Lake, Orrock, and Livonia. Distance versus response time was discussed with Commission and Staff. John Dietz objects to affordable housing being used to extend the area, and states that he is in favor of looking at response time,rather than distance. James Tralle moved to table the question of distance from the Power Plant for On-Call people until comparisons with the Fire Department policy of response time is reviewed and compared. George Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. A suggestion from Staff regarding interest free loans to employees for the purchase of home computers was presented. The effort would be to encourage all employees to develop and improve their computer skills. John Dietz directs Staff to check with the Auditors on the legality of the plan, and return to a future meeting with the answer. 5.4 Update Miscellaneous Issues from April 2001 Commission Meeting John Dietz asked Staff to address the following three items. 1. A formal policy for payment of contractor charges, allowing for approval of the project. Bryan Adams responded with the General Instructions for Technical Specifications, and policies for payment. 2. Walk in customers at our office location on 322 King Avenue were documented by Staff for 18 days, from April 9, 2001 through May 2, 2001. The results were reported, broken down by counter, drop box, new customer registrations, contractors, and customer arrangements. Jeff Gongoll spoke about the need for the downtown location of the Utilities. Further discussion followed, with no action taken. 3. Prices for Magnetic versus Vinyl signs for vehicles were reviewed, with the Magnet being the least costly. 6.1 Review and Consider Bids for Ridges of Rice Lake A formal bid process is being used to install the electrical distribution system for Ridges of Rice Lake due to costs exceeding $50,000.00. Staff requests permission to award the project to the lowest responsive bidder. Should problems arise, Staff will return to the Commission for resolution. Questions of legality in the authorization of Staff were discussed. Staff is directed to check with the Auditors. James Tralle moved to authorize Staff to award the project to the lowest responsive bidder for installation of the electrical distribution system for Ridges of Rice Lake, pending approval of the Auditors. John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.