08-16-2005 ERMU MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 2 Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission August 16,2005 Theresa Slominski notified the Commission we are currently interviewing for clerk/receptionist position. The IRS tax issue is being dealt with. An electronic payment system is being looked into as an optional source for customers to pay their bill. It would cost the utilities$25.00 per month but would save time in the posting process. 5.2 Review Target Data Center Proposal Staff continues to work on the proposed Target Data Center facility. Bryan Adams and Jerry Talde recently toured Target Data Center facility in Brooklyn Park. Ryan Companies, working on behalf of the Target Data Center,is asking for a will-serve letter as part of their operational analysis. Elk River Municipal Utilities responded to this will-serve letter with schedule,terms,and conditions thus committing our resources to this project. The question still remains as to the form of assurance that adequate electric revenues will be derived from this facility. Pat Klaers asked if Target has made a commitment as to how many years they would be here. John Dietz asked if we would require a commitment letter. Bryan Adams replied we cannot require one as it would jeopardize our tax exempt bond status. Staff has confirmed the expansion of Substation 14 with GRE using USG as engineers,along with meeting Terry Maurer,City Engineer and MNDOT to find the best electric feeder route and avoid future problems. A new rate structure for the high capacity availability is being looked into for the Target facility. 5.3 Update Otsego Growth On August 8,2005, Otsego City Council with Planning Commission recommendation, approved the expansion of the Otsego substation located east of Packard Avenue off County Road 39. The conditions of this expansion were to meet all set backs,bury the distribution power lines running east,provide a 42"wide easement on north side of property for future road expansion,paint or replace existing metal meter building(owned by Wright-Hennepin Cooperative),provide a landscaping plan,and comply with no overnight storage of vehicles. 5.4 Review Antennas on Water Towers Previous requests for installing communication antennas on utility water towers have been denied due to safety, space,and maintenance issues. Elk River City council has requested the utilities to reconsider due to zoning issues. At the July 25,2005, City Council meeting,it was the concensus of the council that we enter into negotiations with the telecommunications companies to allow antennas on our water towers instead of building telecommunication towers. Bryan Adams recently met with Nextel and discussed the options available. Nextel was going to look into the height and location requirements and get back to us. Staff is still waiting for a response. The concern Elk River Municipal Utilities has is the security issues,the manpower stress it would put on the water department,and what would Nextel be willing to pay for rental. This will be readdressed at a later date. No action taken.