Laserfiche WebLink
Page 3 <br />Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission <br />August 13, 2012 <br />5.3 Review and Consider Fiber Optic Network Partnership <br />ERMU has been struggling with limitations in the phone and computer network systems. <br />Dependent upon a third party provider of communication conductivity between the office and the <br />field services building, the Utilities have experienced limited bandwidth, poor sound quality, and <br />poor customer service. ERMU has been considering installing a dedicated communication link <br />between the field services building and the office. The City of Elk River has been experiencing <br />similar issues serving their remote buildings. Their IT division has been exploring options to <br />create a city fiber optic network. Sherburne County and the City of Elk River have also been <br />discussing the installation of a dedicated communication link between the Sherburne County <br />Government Center and City Hall. <br />Mi -Tech, a division of Michel's Corporation, will be installing fiber optics throughout Elk <br />River for a third party communications company. They have contacted ERMU about attaching <br />to the power poles. This would be the opportunity for a cost sharing partnership on their project. <br />ERMU, the City of Elk River, and Sherburne County have entered into discussions with <br />Mi -Tech and Michel's to explore the possibility of collaborating to build a fiber optic network <br />loop. Discussion followed. Consensus was to move forward with this project as long as the City <br />of Elk River and Sherburne County share in the cost. <br />Daryl Thompson moved to authorize John Dietz and Troy Adams to execute an agreement <br />with Mi -Tech for the fiber optic network loop at an amount not to exceed $99,000. Al <br />Nadeau seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. <br />5.4 Review and Consider Purchase of Property <br />The property at 1639 Main Street, north of ERMU's Field Services building is for sale. <br />Because of this property's location, it would be desirable for the Utilities to acquire for future <br />expansion, storage, or parking needs. <br />Troy Adams asked Commissioners if they would like to call a closed meeting to talk about <br />this item. Consensus of the Commission was to discuss this in the open meeting. Discussion <br />followed regarding the location, value, zoning, and management of this property. <br />Daryl Thompson moved to authorize Troy Adams to enter into negotiations for the <br />property located at 1639 Main Street NW and to bring back to the commission for <br />consideration. Motion carried 3-0. <br />6.0 OTHER BUSINESS <br />6.1 Staff Updates <br />John Dietz asked staff about the current phone system and messaging, staff responded. <br />Discussion followed. <br />