3.1.B. MINUTES 12-13-2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 4 Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission November 15, 2011 The Conservation Improvement Program (CIP) budget now has a requirement to show a 1.5% energy reduction instead of spending 1.5% to achieve this. This requirement is not capped at a specific cost and it complicates the process because energy reduction now needs to be quantified. Project Conserve continues to be a very important program in achieving ERMU's state mandated energy reduction. 5.2 Review and Consider Proposed Public Spending Policy Revisions The Commission adopted a Public Purpose Expenditure Policy in 2006, when the City of Elk River adopted theirs. The policy was adopted to be in line with the limitations of public spending and was mirrored to the City of Elk River's policy, yet not reflecting the differences between the two entities. After discussion with legal counsel, changes were made to reflect the practices of the utilities. John Dietz asked if ERMU had an employee recognition program, staff replied no. Discussion followed. Daryl Thompson moved to approve the revised Public Purpose Expenditure Policy. Al Nadeau seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. 5.3 Review and Consider Proposed Use and Disposal of Utility Property Policy Revisions hi 2009, a Use and Disposal of Utility Property policy was adopted by the Utilities Commission. The intent of this policy was to regulate the use and disposal of utility property to safeguard against misuse or conflict of interest. The policy allows items, where there is a disposal cost to ERMU, to be given to the general public or employees. In this policy there was specific language that addressed the disposal of items that have become obsolete, damaged or unnecessary. The items were specific to utility poles, cross arms, wood chips, and wood cable reels. From time to time there are other items that have a disposal cost to ERMU, but are not specified under this exemption. A new Use and Disposal of Utility Property policy has been drafted for Commission approval. Daryl Thompson moved to approve the changes to the Use and Disposal of Utility Property policy. Al Nadeau seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. 5.4 Review and Consider Conservation Consultant At the October 11, 2011 ERMU Commission meeting, staff was directed to bring back the topic of the Conservation Consultant as an agenda item for discussion on hours and/or end date. For January 1, 2012, through November 15, 2012, there is a total of $24,969 dollars budgeted for the Conservation Consultant. Due to timing and other circumstances, there is an overlap of contracted consulting duties. This comrnitment will see Phase III of the Project Conserve program through to completion and provide the transition to Phase IV. Also included in this total are the