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Mr. Hanson noted that, as part of the AMI project, the Commission approved covering the <br />cost of replacing or repairing a failed or missing street -side valve on residential properties <br />only as part of the project expenses. <br />Chair Dietz expressed concern that the valve issue related to Ms. Wilson's commercial <br />property might not have arisen if the AMI project had not initiated the meter <br />replacement. He also voiced dissatisfaction that the Utility's insurance would not cover <br />the cost. <br />Chair Dietz asked Ms. Wilson if her insurance might cover the expense. Ms. Wilson <br />explained that while she had discussed the situation with her insurance agent, she did not <br />pursue filing a claim. She felt it was unfair for her insurance to be impacted, as she did not <br />initiate the work. <br />Chair Dietz asked Mr. Ninow for clarification about the two policies in which one is posted <br />online, and the other is not. Mr. Ninow stated that the policy is split into two parts - <br />governance policy is what appears online, and the management policy is not. <br />Chair Dietz suggested that communication be distributed to all water customers that <br />clearly identifies who owns what with regard to utilities infrastructure. <br />Ms. Youngs informed the Commission that the utility has communicated infrastructure <br />ownership information for both residential and commercial properties through bill inserts, <br />bill messaging, newsletters, and the website. She invited suggestions from the <br />Commission on additional methods to improve customer engagement with this <br />information. <br />Commissioner Stewart recommended including the flyer with new customer information <br />as property owners may come and go in between the deployment of messaging. <br />There was discussion. <br />Commissioner Stewart proposed reviewing policies from other cities before implementing <br />any policy changes. Acting on this suggestion, Chair Dietz directed Mr. Hanson to review <br />the policies of neighboring cities and present his findings in January. <br />There was consensus from the Commission that since the AMI project initiated the work <br />at Ms. Wilson's business, the utility should pay the full amount of the necessary repair <br />that resulted from that work. <br />There was additional clarifying discussion. <br />Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission Meeting Minutes <br />December 10, 2024 <br />Page 5 <br />32 <br />