04-10-2007 ERMU MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 4 Regular meeting of the Ells River Municipal Utilities Commission April 10, 2007 6.4 Review & Consider Write-Offs First quarter write-offs were presented. Write-offs are written off our system but then sent to Advantage Collection Agency to further pursue. Staff recommends approving the write-off list for the first quarter totaling $12,812.47. Outstanding debt from LandCor was discussed. James Tralle moved to approve the write-off list for the first quarter as presented. James Gumphrey seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. 6.5 Review & Consider Black Dirt Ordinance With summer approaching, water consumption will increase due to lawn sprinkling. The northwest area of the Twin Cities including Elk River, have very sandy soil making moisture retention for lawns very difficult. Many cities, at the urging of the DNR, are requiring 4" of black dirt under lawns as a strategy to increase moisture retention and thereby conserving water. Staff surveyed the surrounding communities and discovered the majority of them have the 4" black dirt ordinance. Cities that have this ordinance indicate an approximate 10% savings in water usage. Staff recommended the following ordinance be sent to the planning commission and City Council for approval. "Topsoil -Prior to seeding or sodding, all single family, townhouses, and condominium lots must have a minimum of 4 "black dirt as topsoil, covering all areas that are to be sodded, seeded or areas that will be landscaped. Black soil retains water better and reduces the need for excessive irrigation. " Discussion followed as to who would enforce the ordinance, and when it would be required to be done. The City of Big Lake allows three months to complete, whereas the City of Hanover requires an escrow fund. Staff was directed to meet with the building department to discuss options. This will be revisited at a future meeting. 6.6 Review Boiler & Machine Insurance The Ells River Municipal Utilities has maintained boiler and machine insurance to cover equipment repair or replacement in case of failure. The equipment covered is the engine/generators at our power plant and landfill gas facility along with our station transformers. Unfortunately, the cost of this insurance continues to rise as well as the deductible. The deductible has gotten so high, it is questionable if it is worth carrying the insurance for the diesel plant facility. The policy was renewed for this year but a decision will have to be made for the next year. It was the consensus to look into this for the next year.