3.0 ERMU MINUTES 03-10-2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 4 Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission February 24, 2009 Gray, Plant, & Mooty for their review. A revised copy of the policies was distributed. Staff is recommending approval of the final draft of policies as presented. Jerry Takle said he would like computers added to the list of equipment accounted for in the Inventory section of the policies. John Dietz moved to approve the policies as presented with the change in Inventory section 5 to include computers. Jerry Takle seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. 5.3 Consider Met Council Antenna Contract A copy of the Met Council Contract was reviewed. It is for the express purpose of adding communication in and on the Gary Street water tower. This equipment will be used by North Star Commuter Rail for communication. Theresa Slominski, Troy Adams, and Vance Zehringer updated the Commission on the other Cities that have been contacted to contract with the Met Council. Attorney Ron Black does not recommend signing this contract as is. John Dietz recommends ERMU be cooperative in this matter. David Berg said a water operator would have to be present if they needed to get into the tower. Jerry Gumphrey commented he thinks ERMU should charge extra if after hours. David also said he is concerned how the equipment would be mounted so it wouldn't damage the integrity of the tower and in another five to six years the tower would need to be painted and the equipment would have to be moved. Consensus was to renegotiate the contract and return for Commission approval. 5.4 Discuss Disposition of Jackson Street Water Tower ERMU has given the Heritage Preservation Commission until September 2009 to come up with a plan to save the Jackson Street water tower. Another visual examination of the structure was made showing some corrosion, but the concrete footings appear to be in good shape. The lab results previously performed on the tower show the presence of lead based paint. The initial cost estimate to touch-up or completely repaint the tower was $25,000 to $50,000. Because the lead based paint is considered hazardous material, the tower would have to draped, sand blasted to the bare metal, and the paint disposed of as hazardous material. The current estimated cost to restore the Jackson Street water tower is $128,000. ERMU has budgeted $35,000 for demolition. Discussion followed regarding the possibilities of changing ownership and the need to make a decision at this time. David Berg said the paint should last another three years. John Dietz said as long as the paint can last a few more years and the tower is structurally sound, he would like to hold off making a decision at this time. John Dietz moved for staff to acquire bids from engineering firms to analyze the structural integrity of the water tower inside and out. Jerry Gumphrey seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.