3.0 ERMUSR 07-09-2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 2 Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission June 12, 2007 on the wells continues and the new water department employee, Angela Hauge, started Monday. Theresa Slominski informed the commission there are between 1200 - 1500 delinquent notices sent per month out of approximately 10,000 customers. Recently there were approximately 100 shut-offs due to non-payment. A majority ofthem were turned back on within a few hours, and only five of those are still off. Elk River Municipal Utilities filed for a Capital Equipment Refund for tax paid on transmission and distribution materials for 2006. Staff recently received notification that a full refund of approximately $260,000 was approved. Bi1lFlash is in the process of implementing a newer and more efficient system. They had some problems so there was a delay in sending out the utility bills. Theresa will be at Bi1lFlash's site for the next billing run. Due to Paavo Pyykkonen of NorthStar Access being present, it was the consensus to address 5.4 at this time. 5.4 Up-date City Wide Internet System A year ago we initiated discussion concerning a community wide intemet service. NorthStar Access was already an intemet provider in our community, and was in the process of starting a program to test a wireless system. Paava Pyykkonen of NorthStar Access discussed the progress of the wireless system with a small beta group. Technical problems continue to arise but are being solved. An additional 30 potential customers were contacted to get connected and have agreed to move forward. NorthStar will be direct mailing information locally regarding this wireless system. Due to Attorney Ron Black being present, 6.3 was considered next. 6.3 Update ISD #728 Irrigation Well Previous correspondence and notes from a June 4, 2007, meeting concerning Twin Lakes School proposed imgation well were reviewed. Current City Ordinance states that if City Water is available the customer must hook-up. MN DNR stated ISD's proposed wells will influence the municipal well. Due to Elk River having only one aquifer, Elk River is correct in being protective of this water source. DNR said Ells River's 10 year appropriation will carry a requirement to monitor Mt. Simon aquifer with test wells. The DNR is somewhat concerned with Mt. Simon aquifer quantity and level of drawdown. MN DNR (Minnesota Departrnent of Natural Resources) and MRW (Minnesota Rural Water) commented on ERMU's requirements of wellhead protection and water conservation efforts. Ron Black feels ERMU is justified in pursuing this matter. The concern of ISD is cost based. Three options were discussed, they are as follows: 1) Do nothing -ISD will get lower water rate ($1.40/1000 gal.) for Twin Lakes Elementary for one year only. Twin Lakes well and Lincoln well to be sealed.