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Commissioner Stewart had a question on accounting for equipment that is being removed for <br /> the Highway 169 Redefine project prior to being fully depreciated. Staff responded that they <br /> would need to be able to identify the assets in order to accurately account for their removal. <br /> The previous system of accounting for assets was done by a third party and their records <br /> combine many of the work orders. Staff noted that moving asset accounting to National <br /> Information Solutions Cooperative has improved tracking. <br /> Chair Dietz had a question about the timeline of work to be done for the Highway 169 <br /> Redefine project. Staff Responded. <br /> Ms. Karpinski also noted next month's business plan presentation will include a change in <br /> depreciation for the landfill gas plant which will be replacing three engines next year rather <br /> than this year. Chair Dietz asked about the timeline for replacing the engines in relationship <br /> with the length of ERMU's contract with Waste Management. Mr. Sagstetter responded that <br /> the contract ends in October of 2022. <br /> Chair Dietz had questions on potential changes to the Conservation Improvement Program <br /> budget. Mr. Sagstetter responded.There was discussion about the incentives offered to <br /> commercial customers. <br /> 5.3 Wage& Benefit Committee Update <br /> Ms. Slominski presented her update and provided background on the request from some <br /> employees to provide an alternative health insurance plan with a higher deductible and lower <br /> monthly premiums. Ultimately the insurance broker informed Ms. Slominski that if ERMU <br /> entered the Small Group Market (SGM) it could reduce costs and premiums with a higher <br /> deductible plan. Ms. Slominski also presented plan comparisons and breakdowns of the <br /> potential savings for ERMU based on its percentage of contribution towards premiums and <br /> deductibles. Ms. Slominski requested that the Commission approve the option to fund 85% of <br /> the premium, and at least 85%of the deductible, allowing for$60,817 in savings for the <br /> company. Commissioner Stewart noted that this option would be beneficial for retaining <br /> current employees and recruiting new staff. Ms. Slominski noted that ERMU has not met its <br /> retention goal in multiple years. There was discussion. <br /> Chair Dietz presented a document with his proposed breakdown of the shared costs, showing <br /> ERMU keeping its premium coverage at 75% but increasing its coverage of the deductible by 5 <br /> percentage points to 80%. He shared his opinion that while the company should continue to <br /> analyze these percentages every year, staff's recommendation was too large of an increase in <br /> one year. Ms. Slominski provided clarification to Chair Dietz on the net savings to employer <br /> that were being calculated in his proposal.There was discussion. <br /> Commissioner Stewart shared her appreciation for Chair Dietz preparing his proposal but <br /> supported staff's recommendation. <br /> Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission Meeting Minutes <br /> October 13,2020 <br /> Page 3 <br />