2.2 ERMU MINUTES 10-21-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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5.5 Access to Private Property At the August 12`h Commission meeting, during a request from a customer for a special arrangement for the repayment of past due charges, the customer voiced concern for ERMU personnel having entered his private property for access to ERMU equipment. It was requested that the topic of access to private property be added to the agenda for discussion. Troy Adams gave an overview of the policies that are in place regarding access to ERMU meters on private property. He explained that we have long used door hanging notices and more recently utilized an automated phone dialer to proactively communicate with customers. ERMU practice has been to provide notification of access to private property in advance when applicable. However, there are some times when advance notice is not given prior to access because of safety concerns for ERMU employees. For example, during service disconnections due to non-payment, metering failures, or suspected meter tampering. In these situations history indicates the potential for hostile or irate customers. In talking with Peter Beck about this topic, it's come to our attention that there's a concern when our equipment is behind a gate. Because we require the meter be located on the front comer of the garage, there shouldn't be a significant amount of homes where this will be an issue. There was discussion on access to ERMU equipment located on private property behind a locked gate. Peter Beck shared that we're going to look into this further and work to develop policies that comply with the Constitution as well as our needs to protect public health and safety. There was further discussion. Al Nadeau suggested having something we could hand out to customers telling them what are policies are. Tom Sagstetter is currently working on something like this which will be included in new customer packets and added to our website. 5.6 Paid Leave Donation 6.0 Troy Adams distributed copies of the proposed Paid Leave Donation Policy. We've taken the cities, and after working with Attorney Mark Mathison, have updated that policy to reflect the utilities. Staff is looking to have this policy adopted and have it added in as a section to our employee handbook. The commission had a few questions, staff responded. Al Nadeau made a motion to approve the Paid Leave Donation Policy. Daryl Thompson seconded it. Motion carried 3-0. There was no other business. Page 5 Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission September 9, 2014 31