12-11-2001 ERMU MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 2 Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission December 11, 2001 5.3 Administration Building Update Pat Klaers and representatives from Tushie Montgomery Architects appeared to discuss the plans for the City Hall expansion, including the time frames. Pat Klaers advised that the City Council is prepared to make decisions on the time frames for the planning on December 18, 2001. The City Council would like to be advised on the plans of the Utility by that time. The Architect representatives, and Pat Klaers presented plans with three options the City is considering, with Utility space included in all three plans. A proposal from the City's architect to do the necessary architectural/engineering work for the Utilities' portion of the project. George Zabee questioned the cost estimates, and the bidding process. He further added that he feels the present location of the Utilities is adequate for at least five years, and asks if the area could be made available in the future. The architects replied favorably, noting that construction of the Utility portion would be the final stage, with completion later in 2004. John Dietz approves of the Utility portion being at the tail end of the construction stage. It would guarantee that the Utility would be able to take advantage of the present bidding system, with cost savings. George Zabee is not prepared to make a decision at this meeting, preferring to postpone finalization until all Commissioners are present. It was decided to call a Special Meeting for Thursday, December 20, 2001 to discuss the option of the Utilities being included in the City Hall expansion. 5.4 Landfill Gas Project Update The remaining contract issues between Sherburne County, Waste Management, and ERMU have tentatively been resolved, as well as the engineering drawing review. Staff presented the Commission with spread sheets explaining the revenues, operation, and maintenance cost portions of the project. Staff recommends that Attorney Ron Black review each agreement with the Commission at a future meeting. 5.5 Substation North Connection Agreement The Connection Agreement between GRE and ERMU was presented for consideration and review by Commission. The terms and conditions of the agreement are similar to previous Connection Agreements except that in this case, GRE will pay for their transmission modifications and metering. A savings of $250,000 will be realized by the ERMU. At the same time, GRE would like to purchase the metering for station 14 and sub bank 1 & 2 along with 69 Kv switch at west sub bank 1, at approximately $21,500. The time frames for bidding, construction, and completion were discussed. Completion is anticipated in late Summer, 2002. George Zabee moved to authorize Staff to execute the Connection Agreement between GRE and Elk River Municipal Utilities. John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 2-0. 6.1 Review & Consider Policy Change for Budget Billing The Minnesota Energy Security &Reliability Act will in 2002 require utilities to provide a customer budget billing plan. To comply with this requirement, Staff is proposing to add the Budget Helper Plan Section 13 of our Meter Deposit&Related Services Policy.