02-09-2010 ERMU MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 3 Regular meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission February 9, 2010 5.3 Review Flex Plan Document Since 1998, ERMU has offered a Flexible Benefits Plan to its employees to be able to exclude from tax medical and dental premiums, and also participate in dependent care and medical expense reimbursement plans that offer tax savings. These plans fall under the IRS regulations for Section 125 Cafeteria Plans. In 2008 a Flexible Benefits Plan Document was adopted, that was compliant with IRS regulations. Changes in the law necessitate revision of that document. The document was drafted with the appropriate changes by Hitesman & Associates, and has been reviewed by ERMU's attorneys at Gray, Plant, Mooty. There are a lot of changes that are semantics and/or presentation oriented. Other items that changed or were added are a language related to the increased COBRA obligations of employers (when an employee leaves employment and is allowed to continue on the health insurance at their own expense, now some cases warrant a sharing of costs), Reservist obligations of employers (for those employees enlisted in reserve duty), and HIPPA information protection (private, nonpublic information specific to employees). Staff recommends approval of the revised Flexible Benefits Plan. Jerry Gumphrey moved to adopt the revised ERMU Flexible Benefits Plan Document as presented. Daryl Thompson seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. 6.1 Staff Updates Troy Adams reminded the Commissioners of the upcoming Energy Expo on February 27~', the Business Expo on April 11 ~', and the MMUA Winter Legislative Conference March 24"' thnu the 26~'. Discussion followed regarding an agreement executed in February of 2007 with Central Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (CMMPA) to participate in the CAPX Brookings-Twin Cities transmission development project through Midwest Munici~al Transmission Group (MMTG). The 2010 Annual MMTG meeting is scheduled for February 10 , an update will be provided at a future Utilities Commission meeting. Research continues for future wholesale power suppliers. For the past several months, staff and Peter Beck continue to review the customer policies and security deposits. CMMPA and MMUA are also performing a member survey and the results of that survey should be available for the March ERMU Commission meeting. John Dietz directed staff to bring this issue of the customer policies and security deposits back to the Commission for discussion at a future meeting. John Dietz asked for additional explanation and clarification of the W2c forms mentioned in the staffupdate, Theresa Slominski responded. David Berg reported he is in the process of acquiring bids from engineering firms on the Well Head Protection Plan for the three newest wells. A Water Rate Study is in progress and results should be available for the March ERMU Commission meeting. An update was given regarding the interest of other cell phone companies in putting antennas on the water towers and the status of the tower rental contract agreements. Wade Lovelette spoke for Mark Fuchs who was unable to be at the meeting but wanted the Commissioners to know that staff has been checking on the Street and Security lights to make sure they are being billed properly. Some discrepancies have been found and corrected. Staff will continue to check out areas for lighting when time is available. The line crews are testing hot sticks