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Page 3 <br /> Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission <br /> March 11,2008 <br /> secondary current. John Dietz asked how often the arc flash incidents occur,Glenn responded, <br /> not very often. Staff is in the process of compiling an arc flash assessment analysis. <br /> 6.1 Review Electric&Water System Mapping <br /> Elk River Municipal Utilities water distribution system is below ground and approximately <br /> 70%of the electric system is below ground also. Accurate mapping of the electric and water <br /> distribution systems for operations and maintenance is critical. Abandoned electric and water <br /> lines will also have to be located. Previously United Services Group documented and <br /> maintained our distribution maps. Troy Adams has since brought the mapping in-house. Troy <br /> Adams presented the map books for the electric and water distribution systems. Map books are <br /> currently printed for the crews to have with them in the field. The future to mapping is in the <br /> Arcview and GPS programs via laptop computers. The City of Elk River is currently utilizing <br /> this method. This method is costly but can be updated daily on the laptops versus updating map <br /> books periodically. <br /> 6.2 Employee Compensation Survey <br /> In April,employees typically make their compensation increase request. In preparation of <br /> this,staff has surveyed the seven comparable adjoining electric utilities for position salaries. <br /> Does the Commission have any other issues they would want surveyed? John Dietz requested a <br /> survey on the health insurance percentage paid. <br /> 6.3 Review Options for Jackson Street Water Tower <br /> The 2008 budget for the water department contains a$40,000 item to demolish the Jackson <br /> Street tower. This same issue was discussed in 2002. The Heritage Preservation Commission <br /> appeared before the Commission at that time to request a delay. The possibility of utilizing the <br /> tower for digital communication to help pay for maintaining the tower delayed the need for <br /> demolition. Minor repairs were done on this tower in 2003. In approximately 2004, <br /> communication antennas were placed on this tower but the communication company folded and <br /> the final lease payments were never made. Staff has been marketing antenna placement but has <br /> been unsuccessful due to tower location and not being tall enough. The deterioration of this <br /> tower is now an issue. The repairs would cost an estimated$55,000 to$60,000 whereas the <br /> demolition would cost approximately$35,000. John Dietz asked if the Historical Society has <br /> been notified of this,and if would they want to share in the preservation costs. Staff responded <br /> they have not contacted them as of yet,but will ask. Jerry Gumphrey will address this at the next <br /> City Council workshop. Consensus is it would be too costly for the Utilities to solely assume <br /> repairs and liability. If other contributors are willing to help,the tower could be saved. <br /> Other Business <br /> Vivian Schmidt,a long time employee of 30 years,will be retiring the end of May 2008. Staff is <br /> in the process of finding a replacement for this position. There will be promotions within the <br /> office which will open up a position for clerk/receptionist. This hiring process will be started <br />