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Elk River <br /> Municipal Utilities UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING <br /> TO: FROM: <br /> Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission Wage and Benefits Committee <br /> John Dietz—Chair John Dietz - Chair <br /> Al Nadeau—Vice Chair Troy Adams, P.E. —General Manager <br /> Daryl Thompson—Trustee Theresa Slominski —Finance and Office Manager <br /> Mark Fuchs—Electric Superintendent <br /> MEETING DATE: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER: <br /> August 13, 2013 5.2 <br /> SUBJECT: <br /> Wage and Benefits Committee Update <br /> BACKGOUND: <br /> In June 2013, one of ERMU's Journeyman Lineworkers gave notice to leave to work for Xcel <br /> Energy. This was the 6th lineworker to leave for Xcel in 2 years. Of the 11 lineworkers that <br /> were working in the field in 2008, there are only 3 still working in the field. And currently over <br /> 50% over ERMU lineworkers have 2 years or less experience. <br /> At the recommendation of staff at the July Utilities Commission Meeting, the Commission gave <br /> direction for the Wage and Benefits Committee to analyze the issue and bring back a <br /> recommendation at the August meeting. <br /> DISCUSSION: <br /> Providing safe and reliable utility services is the core of ERMU's mission. And although all <br /> ERMU employees are components of providing excellent service, lineworkers are a core position <br /> to an electric utility. It is essential for ERMU to be able to employ qualified lineworkers to <br /> provide our core service. With several potential retirements in the electric department that are <br /> possible within the next 10 years and a potential electric service territory acquisition, it is critical <br /> that ERMU have and maintain depth in trained and qualified lineworkers. <br /> The minimum qualifications for our line worker position require the completion of a one year <br /> lineworker vocational program. Once hired, the apprentice lineworker is required to complete a <br /> four year apprentice program to become a journeyman lineworker. The apprentice program <br /> involves bookwork that is completed afterhours, examinations, and hours of experience. This <br /> type of program is similar in structure to what an electrician or other licensed trade professionals <br /> would need to complete. It typically takes between 7 to 10 years of training and experience <br /> before a lineworker is qualified for our Lead Lineworker position. <br /> rowtetI it <br /> Page 1 of 3 NATURE <br /> Reliable Public <br /> Power Provider P ov. T o r o T o S rrvr <br />