5.4. SR 12-07-2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 2 Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission November 17, 2009 4.1 Review and Consider Jackson Street Water Tower Rebecca Haug, Environmental Administrator for the City of Elk River spoke to the Commissioners regarding the Jackson Street water tower. Michael Koop from the MN State Historic Preservation Office informed the City staff that during the last Highwati 1 ~~ study, it was determined the water tower on Jackson Street was eligible to be on the National Register~of Historic Places. Rebecca Haug informed the Commission of a "Fast Track" Legacy grant that is available through the State Historic Preservation Office. This "Fast Track" Legacy. grant would not cost ERMU anything, and the City of Elk River would file the paperwork applying for the grant that would pay for hiring a consultant to prepare the National Register nomination form. Once the Jackson Street tower is listed on the National Register, there are additional grant funds available (some may require matching funds) to cover the costs to restore the Jackson Street water to~~ cr through the Legacy Grant and the Minnesota Historical Society. Rebecca Haug asked for the Commissioners approval to proceed with applying for the grant. Jerry Gumphrey moved to proceed with applying for the "Fast Track" Legacy grant. Daryl Thompson seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. 4.2 Review Project Consc~-~~c Ur~date (verbal) Rebecca Haug, Environmental "Administrator for the City of Elk River gave an update of the Project Conserve program she has been working on with Vance Zehringer. She went onto say the project has far e~e~eded the cspectations thee had when this program was first started. In the first year the participants have rcco~~niLCCt reductions oI~ 1.4.2% on electric and 18% on their water charges. In the first year there were onl ~ >> applicants chosen out of the 180 that applied. This next year they hope to have closer to 500 participants..Tcrr~ Gumphrey asked how much the average person saves. Rebecca .Hann responded that the date is still being gathered. 4.3 Review and Consider Pay Request for 2009 At the October 13, 2009 ERMU Commission meeting, management provided an industry comparison survey of seven predetermined peer metro utilities. At this meeting the Commission will decide on the pay request. John Dietz read a prepared statement regarding his stand on the 2009 pay raise increase. He began by saying he believes the Commission appreciates all the employees for everything they do for the company and are compensated well for their work. But considering ones employment you have to consider more than wages; benefits and working conditions are also two important factors. ERMU's benefits are as good as anyone's. Technically staff is receiving a 4.5% benefit already with the health insurance increase. Economic conditions and profitability are also a part of this decision. The City of Elk River and Sherburne County have frozen wages for 2010. At this time he proposed a 1.5% increase effective January 1, 2010.