3.0. ERMUSR 01-09-2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 2 Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission December 12,2006 David Berg reported there were 14 new security accounts last month with many calls interested in our lower monitoring rate. Staff continues to do well maintenance and in January they will be checking the filters in the Treatment Plants. In the past,we have had customers call in regarding a water valve leaking inside their home. The customer owns the service from the main to the home,however we are called out to shut their water off at the curb. As a customer service we have fixed or replaced the leak ourselves at a minimal cost to the customer. Do we want to continue this procedure and save the customer money or should we have them contact a plumber? If something should go wrong when valve replacement is done,we would be liable for damages. John Dietz asked if the MN League of Cities has a form the homeowner could sign regarding this issue. Staff will look into this and revisit this issue at a future meeting. John Dietz asked if the Gary Street water tower will need some type of fencing or boundary because the new YMCA will be located close to this structure. David Berg replied that he was more concerned with the chemical issue of the Well,which is located on the same property. David Berg was instructed to keep in close contact in the City in the developing process for the new YMCA. Theresa Slominski informed the Commissioners that the position for Accounts Payable/ Payroll has been filled and Kimberly Sandstrom will be starting after the first of the year. 5.2 Review& Consider 2007 Utility Rate Change At the November 14,2006 Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission meeting,the 2007 budget was adopted. In general,the retail increases are 6%for electric and 4.4%for water. The rates and proposed changes were reviewed. James Tralle responded he would like to see the 2nd tier rate of water usage raised. Bryan Adams voiced his concern regarding raising the rate too much would cause the public to apply for private wells for irrigation purposes. John asked if there could be a City ordinance regarding the private wells,Bryan responded the State rules would pre-empt a City ordinance. James Tralle stated he would prefer the 2nd tier rate be raised in smaller increments now instead of larger ones when the need arises. Motion by James Tralle to raise the 2nd tier water rate from$3.00 to$3.50 per 1000 gallons. Motion died for lack of second. John Dietz said he would approve$3.25 per 1000 gallons instead. Motion by James Tralle to raise the 2nd tier water rate from$3.00 to $3.25 per 1000 gallons. John Dietz seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. John Dietz asked how the customers are informed of the rate changes. Bryan responded that there will be an ad in the Star News,also as a memo on the bills,and letters will be sent out to the builders. John Dietz inquired on the number of NSF checks the Utilities receive. Theresa Slominski responded that there were not many of them. James Tralle asked if the$20.00 charge was sufficient to cover our cost. Theresa Slominski replied that as of now the$20.00 NSF charge is sufficient. Motion by John Dietz to approve the recommended rate change and shall be attached with the minutes. James Tralle seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.