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Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission Meeting Minutes <br />April 13, 2021 <br />Page 7 <br /> <br />Moved by Commissioner Nadeau and seconded by Commissioner Stewart to receive the <br />February 2021 Financial Report. Motion carried 5-0. <br /> <br />5.5 COVID-19 Emergency Leaves <br /> <br />Ms. Slominski presented her memo requesting the Commission approve the extension of <br />the COVID-19 Emergency Leaves to May 31, 2021. <br /> <br />Chair Dietz asked if the leave could be made available only to staff members who have <br />been vaccinated. Attorney Beck noted that this is an evolving question, he recommended <br />consulting with Attorney Mathison who specializes in matters such as these. There was <br />discussion. <br /> <br />Commissioner Westgaard noted the City had recently extended their COVID-19 leave <br />program to June 30, 2021. In the interest of consistency, he proposed setting the same <br />date for ERMU. <br /> <br />Moved by Commissioner Westgaard and seconded by Commissioner Stewart to approve <br />the extension of emergency leaves of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act <br />through June 30, 2021. Motion carried 5-0. <br /> <br />5.6 Late Fees <br /> <br />Chair Dietz asked staff if there has been any discussion among industry associations about <br />the reinstatement of late fees which have been postponed by ERMU during the pandemic. <br />Ms. Slominski shared that the Minnesota Department of Commerce has relaxed its stance <br />on postponing shutoffs provided utilities are working with assistance agencies so the <br />agencies can work with individuals in need of their services. Ms. Slominski noted some <br />utilities have begun charging late fees but that was not staff’s intention at this time. She <br />added she does however plan to pursue shutoffs for accounts that are significantly behind <br />in payments. <br /> <br />Ms. Nelson noted a return to the normal notification process for delinquent accounts <br />which will include language about scheduled disconnections. <br /> <br />Chair Dietz asked staff to contact Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association to see if there <br />has been any discussion about bringing back late fees. <br /> <br />6.0 BUSINESS DISCUSSION <br /> <br />6.1 Staff Updates <br /> <br />50