INFORMATION #1 04-07-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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6.1 Review Electric & Water System Mapping Elk River Municipal Utilities water distribution system is below ground and approximately 70% of the electric system is below ground also. Accurate mapping of the electric and water distribution systems for operations and maintenance is critical. Abandoned electric and water lines will also have to be located. Previously United Services Group documented and maintained our distribution maps. Troy Adams has since brought the mapping in-house. Troy Adams presented the map books for the electric and water distribution systems. Map books are currently printed for the crews to have with them in the field. The future to mapping is in the Arcview and GPS programs via laptop computers. The City of Ells River is currently utilizing this method. This method is costly but can be updated daily on the laptops versus updating map books periodically. 6.2 Employee Compensation Survey In April, employees typically make their compensation increase request. In preparation of this, staff has surveyed the seven comparable adjoining electric utilities for position salaries. Does the Commission have any other issues they would want surveyed? John Dietz requested a survey on the health insurance percentage paid. 6.3 Review Options for Jackson Street Water Tower The 2008 budget for the water department contains a $40,000 item to demolish the Jackson Street tower. This same issue was discussed in 2002. The Heritage Preservation Commission appeared before the Commission at that time to request a delay. The possibility of utilizing the tower for digital communication to help pay for maintaining the tower delayed the need for demolition. Minor repairs were done on this tower in 2003. In approximately 2004, communication antennas were placed on this tower but the communication company folded and the final lease payments were never made. Staffhas been marketing antenna placement but has been unsuccessful due to tower location and not being tall enough. The deterioration of this tower is now an issue. The repairs would cost an estimated $55,000 to $60,000 whereas the demolition would cost approximately $35,000. John Dietz asked if the Historical Society has been notified of this, and if would they want to share in the preservation costs. Staffresponded they have not contacted them as of yet, but will ask. Jerry Gumphrey will address this at the next City Council workshop. Consensus is it would be too costly for the Utilities to solely assume repairs and liability. If other contributors are willing to help, the tower could be saved. Other Business Vivian Schmidt, a long time employee of 30 years, will be retiring the end of May 2008. Staff is in the process of finding a replacement for this position. There will be promotions within the office which will open up a position for clerk/receptionist. This hiring process will be started Page 4 Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission March 11, 2008 next week. John Dietz asked if the staff would be having retirement party in recognition of her years of service. Staff responded, definitely. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission will be Thursday, April 17, 2008. President Terry Takle adjourned the regulaz meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission at 5:35 p.m.