06-12-2001 ERMU MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 3 Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission June 12, 2001 5.7 Update Omnibus Energy Bill The Omnibus Energy Bill was approved by the full House and Senate on Monday, May 21, 2001. Changes in the Conservation Improvement Program, Renewable Portfolio Standards, and Customer Protection Standards were reviewed. Bryan Adams explained the impact on ERMU, and possible solutions. It is not clear at this time how ERMU will proceed; further clarification will follow. 6.1 Consider Equipment Purchases The 2001 capital budget contains the purchase of a new cable plow. The cost of the cable plow will be under$50,000.00, requiring comparable bids rather than a formal bid process. A discussion of other equipment, their age and condition followed. Staff is recommending replacement of a 1991 GMC aerial bucket truck, because of age and condition. John Dietz moved to authorize Staff to trade-in, and replace the 455 Vermeer cable plow with a new cable plow, write specifications, and secure a formal bid to trade-in and replace the 1991 GMC aerial bucket truck. George Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0. 6.2 Review Building Appraisal A building appraisal of the Main Street Mall, currently occupied by First National Insurance, and First National Mortgage was presented. Discussion of the square footage, and the present needs of the office portion of the ERMU followed. John Dietz moved to have the City Building Inspector inspect the building, and to secure an architect to prepare possible layouts, and cost estimates to ensure the building could be used by ERMU at a reasonable cost. George Zabee seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0. 6.3 Review and Consider Water Point of Service Location The ERMU Water Rules, Section 103, Water Service Repairs, states that maintenance or repair from the main stop cock to the premises is the responsibility of the homeowner. Discussion of alternatives included changing the customers responsibility from the main to the curbbox, or meter, or possibly implementing an"Insurance Policy"to ease the cost of repairs while leaving the current policy in place. George Zabee prefers the curb box site as first choice. John Dietz would like the ERMU to use the same policy standard for water, as the City does for sewer. Pat Klaers advised that City Staff is presently looking at the Sewer Point of Service Location. It was the consensus of the Commission to address the question of point of service at a future meeting.