3.0 ERMUSR 03-14-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 2 Regular meeting of the Ell< River Municipal Utilities Commission February 14, 2006 David Berg reported six new security system installs were completed in January along with the pre-wiring of the Energy house. The maintenance is complete on Wells #2, #3 and #5. Wells #4 & #6 are now down for repair. New transducers will be installed and Well #4 will have a new meter. The DNR has added a new fee to their program. Staff is replacing the meter in Well #4 resulting in a more accurate reading of pumpage. Theresa Slominski reminded the Commissioners that the auditors will be here the beginning of March for the yearly audit. Theresa then updated the Commissioners on the progress of the new BillFlash service and the feedback that has been received. 5.2 Review Water Assessment Costs (Verbal) Bryan Adams distributed copies of a "Cities Bulletin" which was published February 8, 2006, regarding assessing the delinquent water, sewer, and garbage charges to the property owner. Lori Johnson said the City receives three payments a year from the county on the assessed funds, one in July, another in December and the final in January. There is no cost to assess delinquent water accounts on property taxes. The City Council would need to approve the assessment of unpaid water bills on property taxes. Bryan Adams will draft a letter for this request. Lori Johnson informed the Commission they would need to make a resolution to do this. Motion by John Dietz to make a resolution to have the 2005 write-offs for water assessed to property taxes. James Tralle seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. 5.3 Review & Consider 2006 Territory Acquisition The 2006 electric budget includes a $290,000 item for service territory acquisition. Area 171ocated in the northeast side of Elk River currently has approximately 80 customers. The cost is comprised of approximately $250,000 for the customer base and approximately $40,000 for growth payment from previous acquisition. The service territory agreement expires in February of 2011, although total acquisitions will be complete by 2008. John Dietz questioned the possibility of postponing an area for a year or two. Bryan Adams responded it would be more costly and not be fair to Connexus. Staff recommends authorization be given to proceed with area 17 acquisition. Motion by John Dietz to approve the acquisition of area 17 in 2006. Jerry Takle seconded the motion. James Tralle abstained as he lives in area 17. Motion carried 2-0. 5.4 Update Data Centers Staff reviewed the construction schedule and task schedule reflecting the status of the substation and the data center feeder projects. On February 21, 2006, the transformer at the West Substation will be moved to the Otsego Substation and the new transformer for the West Substation will be shipped around March 15, 2006. Also reviewed was an initial request and response to a proposed second data center. This second data center will have approximately