04-14-2009 ERMU MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 4 Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission April 14, 2009 Jerry Gumphrey moved for authorization to start the bidding process for the County Road 1 project. Daryl Thompson seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. 4.4 Review and Consider Staff Restructuring Clarification As of April 1, 2009,ERMU has transitioned to a new staff organizational structure. This restructuring created two new positions,Director of Operations and Superintendent of Electric Services. After 60 days a job description questionnaire was to be filled out and reviewed with the assistance of Riley,Dettmann&Kelsey for comparable worth compliance and retroactive salaries. Included in the restructuring was the promotion of two Lead Linepersons: one to a Line Foreperson, and the other to an Inventory Foreperson. There is already is a pay class for Foreperson. Staff is asking clarification on the starting date of the $1 per hour pay increase for the two employees promoted to the Foreperson pay class. Jerry Gumphrey moved to approve the pay increase for the two Foreperson positions retroactive to April 1,2009 without the 60 day review period. Daryl Thompson seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. 4.5 Review Staff Recommendations on Cost Savings At a previous ERMU Commission meeting, staff was directed to look into budget reduction and cost savings. A listing of proposed budget reductions was reviewed. In the electric department budget the actual cost of the new bucket line truck is approximately $14,000 under budget,and the Vactron,although a safety item,could be repaired to postpone the purchase of a new one. Discussion followed regarding the safety issue involved with repairing the Vactron. Daryl Thompson said safety is very important and consideration should be given to what the costs would be if the machine needs repairs. Jerry Gumphrey asked if it was working ok now, Mark Fuchs responded yes. Staff was directed to get prices for future repairs and reevaluate this at next months ERMU Commission meeting. In total staff has addressed over$270,000 in reductions for the 2009 budget. This could however affect the reliability of power to some areas that are in need of upgrades or rebuilding. John Dietz said he appreciated staff working on this. 5.2 First Quarter Write-Offs The first quarter write-offs were reviewed. Discussion followed regarding the assessments for water, sewer,and trash. Jerry Gumphrey moved to approve the list of first quarter write-offs. Daryl Thompson seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.