08-11-2020 ERMU MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Moved by Commissioner Nadeau and seconded by Commissioner Bell to offer the General Manager position to Theresa Slominski,and authorizing the Search Committee comprised of Chair Dietz and Commissioner Stewart to negotiate an employment agreement with Ms.Slominski to serve as the Elk River Municipal Utilities General Manager. Motion carried 5-0. 6.0 BUSINESS DISCUSSION 6.1 Staff Updates Ms.Slominski stated there is a virtual meeting scheduled for the following week to receive information on the health'insurance renewal; preliminary rates reflect a 4.8%increase.She added that we have also-requested quotes to offer a second plan with a higher deductible and lower premiums to allow for staff to choose between two plans. Ms. Karpinski added that the date of the scheduled Webex meeting with NISC had been changed to the following day.She also offered physical copies of financial audit report to the Commission. Ms. Nelson updated the Commission on the recent progress by the City of Otsego towards developing an ordinance that allows ERMU to bill franchise fees on the City's behalf.This is planned to begin in January 2021. Ms. Nelson added that the project will need to be coordinated within NISC's schedule. Chair Dietz asked Mr. Fuchs if there was any work that needed to be done for the County State Aid Highway 12 project. Mr. Fuchs responded that crews have been working on moving the infrastructure that needs to be cleared for the project. Chair Dietz asked about the progress of plans for the Highway 169 project. Mr. Fuchs shared that he hoped to see the final preliminary plans from MNDOT by the end of the year so ERMU can budget funds to start moving some of the infrastructure beginning in 2021. Mr. Ninow provided an update and commended the teamwork that was demonstrated across all departments during the water main break that occurred on August 3. Mr. Ninow passed around the damaged section of the water main for the Commission to view.The locating challenge that resulted in the puncture and break was discussed. Mr. Fuchs stated that the locators do a tremendous job and this event was out of the ordinary. Mr. Ninow added that this project has required hundreds of similar drillings,all without incident. The financial impacts of the incident were discussed. Chair Dietz commended staff on resolving the issue. 6.2 Future Planning Chair Dietz announced the following: a. Regular Commission Meeting—September 8, 2020 @ ER Fire Station EOC Conference Room b. 2020 Governance Agenda Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission Meeting Minutes August 11,2020 Page 5