3.1.B. MINUTES 10-11-2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 3 Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission September 13, 2011 David Berg arrived during the 4.3 discussion. 4.1 Review and Consider Water Rate Analysis David Berg reviewed the programs and rebates available for conservation and incentive ideas. He also asked for direction on the programs. Discussion followed. Commissioners thought the choices provided were good. Staff was directed to put together a more detailed conservation and incentive program policy to revisit at a future meeting. 5.1 Review 10-Year Capital Proiections and 2012 Capital Projects and Eauipment Purchases Troy Adams reviewed the 2012 Capital Projects and Equipment Budgets. The new construction projects along with the recurring ones were discussed. In the Capital Equipment needs is the implementation of the 800MHz radio system. The City of Elk River and Sherburne County have already switched over. Discussion followed regarding the process staff used for determining vehicle replacement. After consideration it was recommended that two pick-ups and one bucket truck need replacement. Another piece of equipment staff recommends is a mini excavator which will enable the crew to get to the back lot lines without having to tear up their yard. A SCADA system for the electric department would enable the crews to locate an outage or location of an outage via the computer without them having to drive around and look for a problem. The water department has had a SCADA system for the last 5 years and it has worked very well for them. Troy Adams asked the Commission if the wage survey could be reviewed at the October meeting instead of November for budgeting purposes. Al Nadeau responded yes, he would like to see the survey. John Dietz asked staff if there was enough time to conduct the wage survey prior to the October meeting. Troy Adams responded there would be enough time. 5.2 Review and Consider Proposed Employee Handbook Revisions In 2008 through 2009, the ERMU Employee Handbook went through a thorough revision process. Staff and legal counsel now perform an annual review to ensure that it is consistent policy and legally compliant. Troy Adams reviewed the proposed revisions. Daryl Thompson moved to approve the Employee Handbook revisions as noted. Al Nadeau seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. 6.1 Staff Updates John Dietz said next month he would like to talk about the hours associated with the consultant position handling the conservation and key accounts now that ERMU has hired a full time employee.