3.0 ERMU MINUTES 12-09-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 4 Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission November 13, 2008 5.2 Review & Consider Waee Salary At the August 12, 2008, Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission meeting, the Commission approved a proposal from Rod Kelsey of Riley, Dettman & Kelsey to conduct a Classification and Pay Study. The timeline for completion of the study is slated for early in 2009. Rod Kelsey met with employees on November 16, 2008, to explain the process of filling out the Job Description Questionnaires (JDQ) for their position. After the employees complete their JDQ, they will be reviewed by their supervisors and then forwarded on to Riley, Dettman & Kelsey. Upon completion of the Study, Rod Kelsey will meet with the Commission to present the results. 5.3 Review All Requirements Contract In September 2008 Connexus Energy executed the termination clause in their 10 year rolling all requirements power contract with ERMU. After the termination notice was received, staff began to research ERMU options. R.W. Beck has been contacted to assist in the process. A meeting was delayed between R.W. Beck, CMMPA, and ERMU staff to discuss the logistics of participating in the Big Stone 2 power plant project. Troy Adams, Theresa Slominski, and Jerry Takle met with John Gasal from Connexus to review the history of the contracts to date, and review the working relationship Connexus and ERMU have shared over the years. It is a good relationship and the desire to continue that relationship is strong, and benefits both parties. Discussion followed regarding the options available. 5.4 Review Proiected 2009 Power Costs Great River Energy Board has approved the 2009 wholesale rate increase of 15%. At the December ERMU Commission meeting, the proposed rates for 2009 will be presented for approval. 5.5 Review Staff Restructurin¢ At the October 2009 ERMU Commission meeting, staff was directed to revisit the staff restructuring that had been implemented the previous month. The staff restructuring involved re -allocating some job duties previously performed by Lead Lineman, Mike Thiry. This process pointed out the need for having a back-up for PCB testing of transformers along with some safety concerns. Mike Thiry was needed in the field to help with the high volume of projects needed to get done before frost sets in. Mike will return to his previous duties with some needed changes. Mike Thiry informed the Commissioners that this restructuring showed improvements needed in tasks that were performed along with having a back-up when he is absent, and also commended the managers of doing a good job.