11-17-2009 ERMU MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 5 Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission November 17, 2009 5.4 Review and Consider Water Assessments A list of proposed water assessments for customers with outstanding balances was reviewed. The Elk River City Council met last night and approved the assessments pending the ERMU Commission approval. Daryl Thompson moved to approve the Water Assessments as presented. Jerry Gumphrey seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Terry Maurer addressed the Commission about a situation regarding a contractor that repaired a water service in the street and has not been paid by the property owner. This contractor is asking if the fee could be assessed on the taxes for that property. This water leak was in the right of way and if the contractor was not called, ERMU would have been informed of the leak and then would have hired a contractor to repair the leak. Peter Beck discussed the situation and notified the Commission it is an assessable situation if the owner signs a waiver. Daryl Thompson moved to approve the assessment to the property owner of the water line repair if the waiver is signed. Jerry Gumphrey seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. 6.1 Staff Updates Troy Adams showed Commissioners a map of some tax forfeited land under a transmission line. It is approximately 1.8 acres and would be worth looking at. Commissioners agreed. John Dietz asked Theresa Slominski about the information she provided regarding the water and electric shared fees. Discussion followed. John Dietz moved to change the shared fees between the electric and water department from 75/25 to 80/20 effective January 1, 2010. Daryl Thompson seconded the motion. Jerry Gumphrey voted nay. Motion carried 2-1. John Dietz voiced his concern regarding a threat that was recently received from a disgruntled customer. Discussion followed. David Berg reported on an abandoned well that was found and he believes there are several more out there. Jerry Gumphrey questioned why the property owners are not assessed. Terry Maurer said he thought it would be a Health Department issue. Jerry Gumphrey directed staff to look into a grant for capping abandoned wells but also look into other avenues to get the property owner to take care of their own problem. Terry Maurer asked for Commission approval to do an analysis for Water on-call and bring back full analysis for the December ERMU meeting. Peter Beck informed commissioners of a debt that is unresolved. Discussion followed regarding the circumstances.