Lanesboro Public Utilities
Council Chambers
June 20, 2006
MEMBER(S) PRESENT: Evenson, Drake & Schuck
MEMBER ABSENT:
OTHER(S) PRESENT: B. Torgerson, J. Peterson, K. Meyer & J. Wagner

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

Agenda:
Motion made by Schuck to approve agenda with moving Kevin Meyer from Housekeeping to persons with business, second Drake, motion carried
Minutes:
Drake made motion to approve minutes as read, second Schuck, motion carried for both sets of minutes.

PERSON’S WITH BUSINESS BEFORE THE COMMISSION:
A. Kevin Meyer: Water and Sewer: Kevin would like to have water and sewer to the building for which Darrell Egge used to occupy. Water and sewer would have to come up to alley behind Lanesboro Ag Services. It would be a long extension for water and sewer. Peterson asked Meyer as to what his plans are and needs for water and sewer just to determine his needs for pipe width. Peterson stated that the building should not have elevation issues. Meyer was given approval for water and sewer based on policies and procedures and that the Utility would only pay for 50 feet of connection.
B. Jerry Haugan: Jerry Haugan was upset with the Commission that their decision did not allow him any reimbursement unless he had his water heater unit to be able to determine cause of the problem, he asked to be on the agenda, but did not show up for the meeting.
C. Andy Bunge/Eric Bunge: Bunge’s did not attend the meeting. Torgerson and Peterson explained the situation that Eric and Andy Bunge had requested that they receive a new line into their buildings on Coffee Street and that by getting this line installed they would forget about the Whitefront property problem for which water is coming into the basement. The Utility discussed that the issues were separate and should be handled separately. Evenson made motion to handle situations differently and to leave Peterson and Torgerson to communicate to Bunge’s on each situation, second Schuck, motion carried.
D. ACE Telephone: No representative appeared, but there was some dispute as to where they installed the new fiber for their digital cable. Jim and Jerod stated that Ace put their lines directly above the water and sewer lines. This will make it very difficult to attempt to fix our lines without going through their lines. Drake made motion to send ACE a letter stating that they installed their lines above our water and sewer lines and that the utility is not responsible for any damage done to their lines in case of a repair, also the letter should ask that any damage will occur at their expense, Schuck second, motion carried.
E. Jerod Wagner: Strategic Planning: July 15th: 10:00am. Jerod explained the membership of UMMPA. He also explained about the strategic planning and future costs. There will be a meeting of all of the Councils or Utility Commissions of the members of UMMPA on July 15th at 10:00am. Jerod asked that all members of the PU Commission attend along with Torgerson, Peterson and himself. There will be discussion on energy RFP’s and shared transmission services are what UMMPA is looking at. If we decide to join UMMPA completely, the question is if the Tri-County relationship will diminish. Who are we going to get to fix things? Utility Commission discussed the dollars that have gone into Tri-County for repairs and that if they intend not to work with us that we would have to seek other contractors to fill that role. Ramification of DPC or Tri-County with transmission was also discussed. Torgerson stated that it is Federal law that transmission line holders must provide that service and if we seem to be getting gauged for that service we would take action along with a possible backing of 15 other members. Could also look at the membership taking a look at installation of their own transmission line if necessary. Torgerson will check on average transmission rates and capabilities.

HOUSEKEEPING:
A. Bills
Drake made motion to approve and pay bills as presented, second Schuck, motion carried.
B. Administrator’s Report
Torgerson went over the financial statements and sited the increased rates for water and sewer to be improving the cash flow.
C. Past Due Utility Bills
Utility Commission asked Torgerson to give final warnings to all accounts that are over 60 days past due as of cut off date and to immediately cut them off if there is no response, and that the payment must be in full up to current amount due.
D. UMMPA
Commission felt that they discussed this in the persons with business.
E. DPC Issues
Dairyland will be sending all UMMPA members a contract for energy.
F. Electric Rates
Torgerson noted that the Utility needs to look at having a public hearing on rate increases. It seems to work better with gradual increases over time verses putting a large increase at once. Utility will keep this item on the Agenda to remind them of the need to look at these rates, especially once we find out what will be happening in the near future.

ADJOURN:
At 7:31pm, Drake made motion to adjourn, second by Evenson, motion carried.

Submitted Respectfully:

Bobbie Torgerson, City Administrator/Clerk

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