3.0 ERMU MINUTES 12-09-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 2 Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission November 13, 2008 Police, Fire Chief, and Electric Superintendent, and a non -written policy. The police department is satisfied there is sufficient lighting. John Dietz directed staff moving forward to have residents fill out a petition and have it presented to the Utilities Commission for approval. Troy apprised the Commission that Elk River Municipal Utilities (ERMU) policies are still being reviewed by Gray Plant & Mooty. McDowall Company will start re -roofing the power plant as soon as the plans are finalized and materials are delivered. An e-mail was received from a customer commending Michael Price and Adam Freiberg on the extra efforts in solving an off peak issue. Troy also informed the Commissioners about the FR clothing requirements for staff changing out meters. This activity is currently being done by water operators who do not have the necessary FR clothing. Jerry Gumphrey directed staff to look into the cost associated with the clothing requirement for next months meeting. There were seven security sales and 11 installs for the month of October. At this time the Attorneys from Gray Plant & Mooty were recognized. Mark Mathison, Attorney at Law for Gray Plant & Mooty (GPM) addressed the Commission. Mark stated he was present to finalize the workplace investigation. A memorandum was presented to the commission for their review with four points identified. Mark informed the Commission a thorough investigation was performed and completed. Discussion followed as to the outcomes and recommendations. Mark conveyed he met with General Manager, Bryan Adams, regarding the investigation and that he will be stepping down as General Manager and GPM discussed with him the possibility of being retained for offsite consulting without jeopardizing his PERA benefits. John Dietz asked if he would be eligible for PERA. Mark responded he has discussed this with PERA and it would meet the requirements. Jerry Takle asked what the length of the contract was. Mark responded it would be a three year contract. Another issue presented by GPM is the need for strengthening of the Human Resources (HR) functions. Several possibilities were discussed including utilizing the City of Elk River's HR employee, Lauren Wipper. Other items included authorization for GPM to meet with managers and certain employees to communicate the outcome of the investigation, communication to all employees regarding the completion of the investigation, and ongoing training for all employees and managers. John Dietz moved to have the Attorneys Sam Diehl and Mark Mathison meet with employees to convey the outcome and finality of the investigation, and complete the policy approvals. At this time Resolutions were presented to the Commission for their review. The previous motion was withdrawn. John Dietz commented he would like ERMU to work with the City of Elk River on the HR duties. Lori Johnson stated the City Council would have to approve this process and she would address it at the next City Council meeting. John Dietz asked Attorney Mark Mathison