09-11-2007 ERMU MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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to the point of Elk River being out of water. This is why the DNR wants us to have test wells to monitor the water depth in the aquifer. Page 3 Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission September 11, 2007 6.1 Review & Consider Bid Tabulation for Well #9 Construction On September 6, 2007, bids were received for the construction of Well #9. Staff recommends awarding to Traut Companies, the lowest responsive bidder. James Tralle moved to approve Traut Companies, the lowest responsive bidder, for Well #9 construction. Jerry Gumphrey seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. 6.2 Review & Consider Proposed 2008 Capital Proiects The first cut of the capital budget for 2008 was reviewed. Electric construction and rebuild projects were reviewed. Staff added there is cable available in inventory for some of the projects. Water projects include painting or removing the Jackson Street tower. Staff wvas directed to look into the possibility of someone taking over the care and upkeep or removal. The Engineering and Administrative department capital budgets were also reviewed. 6.3 Review Substation & Well Electric System Maintenance In the process of compiling the proposed 2008 capital budgets, some maintenance items were found that need to be addressed. These items are building roof inspections, substation maintenance, and water treatment plant electrical inspections. Jerry Gumphrey moved to approve the inspections needed for buildings, substation maintenance, and water treatment plants electrical equipment. James Tralle seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. 6.4 Review Wind Power Tariff Elk River Municipal Utilities offers a Wind Power program through Great River Energy where our customers can purchase blocks of 100KWH of wind power for an additional $2.25 per month. There are approximately 197 customers on the program. The wind power rate was recently changed from $2.25 to $1.90 per block. The State Legislation previously required electric utilities to make good faith efforts towards providing renewable energy. The Renewable Energy Standard Legislation passed in 2007 changed from "good faith effort" to "shall provide a % of their total electric sales to retail customers from eligible renewable technologies". With this change from "good faith efforts" to "shall", is it ethical to promote a program where customers pay more for a product we are now obligated to provide? Consensus from commissioners is to send a letter to the customers that are on the program notifying them of this change and asking if they still want to continue. Jerry Takle moved to approve the rate change from $2.25 to $1.90 per block for wind power. Jerry Gumphrey seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.