1.3 ERMUSR 07-11-2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Elk River Municipal Utilities UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING TO: FROM: ERMU Commission Troy Adams, P.E. - General Manager MEETING DATE: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER: July 11, 2017 1.3 SUBJECT: Recognition of the 70th Anniversary of the Utilities Commission ACTION REQUESTED: Chair Dietz to read the resolution creating a Utilities Commission DISCUSSION: The creation of the electric distribution utility that is now part of ERMU dates back to 1915 when a private business person secured financing to start Elk River Power & Light. This business was purchased by the Village of Elk River in 1945 at which time the operation was directly overseen by the Council. In February, 1947, the Council accepted the resignation of Ward Holsbo, the utility's superintendent. The loss of his institutional knowledge and the growing complexity of the business contributed to the Council evaluation of their responsibility to oversee the operation. Shortly thereafter on July 11, 1947,the Council created through statutory authority the Water, Light, Power, and Building Commission which is now known as the ERMU Commission. The complexities of the electric industry have continued to grow since 1947. The addition of responsibility to oversee the water distribution system and to provide billing services for all City services have added to the complexity of ERMU's operation, now nearly $40,000,000 per year. The Commission has committed that it will govern as a body that understands its obligations to the owners and other stakeholders of the ERMU electric and water utility enterprises; and has committed that their principal purpose is to ensure that ERMU achieves appropriate results for its owners, customers, employees, and other stakeholders at an appropriate cost, while avoiding unacceptable actions and situations. And the Commission has committed to govern in a manner consistent with the ERMU mission to: Provide our customers with safe, reliable, cost effective and quality long term electric and water utility service. To communicate and educate our customers in use of utility services,programs,policies, and future plans. These products and services will be provided in an environmentally and financially responsible manner. The community which is served by ERMU owes a debt of gratitude to the ERMU Commissioners of the past, present, and future for their ongoing commitment and effort. And it shall be recognized that on this date the ERMU Commission celebrates their 70th anniversary. ATTACHMENTS: • Village of Elk River Council Meeting Minutes and Resolution Creating a Water, Light, Power and Building Commission—July 11, 1947 Page 1 of 1 1