Lanesboro Public Utilities
Council Chambers
January 16, 2007
MEMBER(S) PRESENT: Evenson, Drake & Schuck
MEMBER ABSENT:
OTHER(S) PRESENT: Stuart and Amy Dyreson, Linda Lee, Dan and Maureen Anderson, Jerod Wagner and Tom Manion

Public Utilities Meeting Called to Order:
Evenson called regular meeting to order.

Agenda:
Motion made by Drake to add Linda Lee for costs associated with late charges, second Evenson, motion carried.

Minutes:
Drake made motion to approve the minutes as read, second Evenson, motion carried.

PERSON’S WITH BUSINESS BEFORE THE COMMISSION:
Dan Anderson – Handed out site drawing of old school. Dan is asking for provisions for the upgrade of that line. Power capabilities of the entire building would be helpful to the utility for load requirements. Talked about load management. Jerod will get Dan the water and sewer line information. The utilities and Mr. Anderson want to be sure that everyone is on the same page before the project begins.

Linda Lee – Private resident, family moved in a year ago. Identity was stolen and is asking to have her late charges removed and given time to pay her utility bill. Her daughter cleared out her checking account and savings account. She is asking for time to get ahead and asking to consider removing some of the late charges. Torgerson will look into costs and see what she can find out. Dan Anderson offered to take a look at her home. Torgerson advised her to look into hardship opportunities with SEMCAC and the County. The Utilities Commission will look at her account at the next meeting.

Stuart & Amy Dyreson: Sewer Back up issues. The Utilities Commission has not received a bid from VIS yet. Dyresons said they talked to someone with about 25 years experience in sewer systems, he recommended that the grinder pump would be the best option. Dyreson stated that the person he talked to thought $8,500 was a high number. He thought it would be between $2,500 to $3,000. Dyreson said single phase runs around $1,500. Dyreson checked online also to see what was available. The guy that Dyreson spoke with said they last around 20 years. The gentleman also noted that a single phase could work for 4 homes. Dyreson brought a diagram of the system that he has been looking at. Someone questioned the year of the house and it was noted that it was built in 1972. Manion discussed the recent information from the engineering firm, he referenced the Yaggy letter. Discussion occurred about the sewer system failures. It was verified that the back up was due to heavy rain five times and due to pump failure one time and one time was an alarm failure. Manion stated that when there is a problem usually one asks who bears the responsibility, the law states that the City could be liable if the there is a problem, however if there is a method of doing the best you can to inspect the system, then the City has governmental immunity. In the two cases, where heavy rain was not involved the Utilities took action to prevent the problem by replacing the pump and replacing the alarm. Manion suggested implementing an ordinance in relation to responsibility of Utility and Homeowners of existing properties. If the City is going to get complaints continually then a preventative measure needs to be taken. Also, a policy for inspecting, prioritizing and fixing also needs to be implemented.. The Utility Commission has already spent over $2,000 on this issue. Evenson asked that the Dyresons request bids and bring them to the next meeting. He also asked Manion to start the process of policies and ordinances. VIS Plumbing and Heating has already been asked to provide the Utilities Commission a bid.

Jerod Wagner: UMMPA and Electricity – Jerod went over the negotiation process that he has been working with by being a representative on the negotiating committee for UMMPA. They have been working with Dairyland Power to set up a contract that serves everyone’s purposes. Jerod spoke about how much he has learned in this process and feels that he has a better handle on what the Utilities can offer.

 

HOUSEKEEPING:
A. Administrator Report: Torgerson explained to the Utilities Commission that the employees are asking for an increase in their monthly insurance benefit amount. The employees are also asking the Council and Utilities Commission to allow them to roll over PTO time those in times of crisis. Mayor Rahn at the council meeting prior to this meeting asked if these items could be on the joint meeting agenda in February. Torgerson asked the Utilities Commission members to think it over before the joint meeting in February.

B. Paying of the Bills: Evenson made motion to pay bills, Drake second, motion carried.

C. Past Due Bills: Went over the past due amounts. A lot of the people that have high amounts have filled out the inability to pay form or have been making payments on their accounts to prevent themselves form being cut off.

D. Employee Evaluations: Torgerson went over the evaluations that occurred for Jim Peterson and Jerod Wagner. Both Torgerson and Peterson feel that Wagner deserves a raise for his initiative to work and all of the work he has been doing for the Electric Utility and working with UMMPA. Torgerson recommended paying Wagner $19.25/hr. Drake made motion to increase Jerod Wagner to $19.25/hr., second by Schuck, motion carried.

ADJOURN:
At 8:32pm, Drake made motion to adjourn, second by Schuck, motion carried.

Submitted Respectfully,

Bobbie Torgerson, City Administrator/Clerk

---

City of Lanesboro Steven L. Rahn, Mayor | Bobbie Vickerman, City Administrator 202 Parkway Avenue South - - Lanesboro, MN 55949 507-467-3722 | lanesboro@acegroup.cc