2.2 ERMU MINUTES 12-17-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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increases by ERMU's power supplier. If we haven't used that money this year, could it be given to customers? Troy Adams said he would rather save that money and use it for the territory acquisition to help offset how much bonding will need to be done. Wade Lovelette added to his staff update that the Lead Electrical Technician, Michael Price, had his 15 year anniversary with ERMU last month. Tom Sagstetter wanted to reiterate how much of an eye-opening experience a class he went to was. The class focused on how utilities' business model will change drastically in the next few years. He wanted the commissioners to keep their eyes out for utility related stories when reading trade publications and watching the news. Troy Adams said it is a good opportunity to make sure local officials know what affects us negatively and how they can help during the legislative sessions. Tom Sagstetter also gave an update on the landfill. The second engine has failed so production numbers will be low until that is replaced later in the month. Two other engines will be replaced next year. John Dietz wanted to talk about the new Fire Hydrant Maintenance program ERMU is offering as a service. There are several businesses that have private hydrants and he is concerned that people are not aware that they are private and need to know that this is their responsibility. Staff sent out a letter informing people about the hydrants they own and that we would service them for a fee. Minnesota Fire Code states that hydrants need to be maintained. John Dietz would like to make sure the Fire Chief is enforcing the hydrant maintenance. Troy Adams said that we will have documentation for those that sign up for our maintenance program and we can provide that to the fire department. 5.1 Wase and Benefits Committee Update The Wage & Benefits committee wanted to bring three items to the commission for consideration: the 2014 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), Commissioner's compensation, and the clothing policy for non -field employees. There were two options the committee wanted to recommend to the commission for the COLA. The first option was to award a 2.5% increase to all pay groups. The second option was to award a 2.5% increase to the lineman and a 2.1% increase for the rest of the pay groups. John Dietz said that the commission made the decision to divide the company into four pay groups. A mid -year adjustment was made for the lineman to solve a retention problem. His recommendation was that the commission award a 2.5% increase for the lineman and a 2.1 % increase for everyone else as that is what the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is listed at. He pointed out that there have not been any retention problems with any other group and awarding a 2.5% increase for the lineman would keep that pay group at the "metro average." Daryl Thompson asked Troy Adams if the 2.1 CPI is for the year 2012 or 2013. Troy Adams said it is looking backwards. John Dietz wanted to mention that the company is also meeting almost all of the goals for the Performance Metrics Bonus program so it is likely that employees will get a 2% bonus of their wage also. Page 4 Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission November 12, 2013 16