Lanesboro Public Utilities
Council Chambers
August 15th, 2006
MEMBER(S) PRESENT: Evenson and Drake
MEMBER ABSENT: Schuck
OTHER(S) PRESENT: Stuart Dyreson, Amy Dyreson, E. Bunge, Carla Noack, B. Torgerson and J. Peterson

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

Agenda:
Motion made by Drake to approve agenda, second Evenson, motion carried.

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

PERSON’S WITH BUSINESS BEFORE THE COMMISSION:
A. Carla Noack: Ordinances/Comprehensive Plan
Carla presented a big thank you for taking the lead of the ordinances. She recommended to also to keep in mind the comprehensive planning process.
B. Eric Bunge: Whitefront Water Problem and Water Main Crack at Commonweal
Eric wanted to represent the Cottage House and also the owner representative for the Commonweal. Four years ago Eric made mention about water in the basement as he was looking to purchase the Whitefront. This occurred in Spring of 2002, and asked Peterson about the problem and how he felt about it. Peterson thought it was an issue for the property owners to handle. This Spring during construction process found that water came running into hole dug for footings. Fixed leak into Whitefront and also had to fix the cracked main. Question is as to why the problem wasn’t pursued at that time to prevent four years worth of water loss. Also the question is why the water leak occurred at the water main. Insurance company stated there was no negligence on behalf of the City and did not pay damages. Bunge presented information to former owners of the Whitefront, but they wished not to pursue anything because it was so long ago. 6 inch live tap onto a 6” main, the main is a sandcast main that wasn’t replaced in the 70s. Peterson stated that he notified the construction company that the main was not replaced in the 70s and that is was a sandcast main. Bunge asked if there are any other expenses. Torgerson told Bunge that there would be hook up fees for the utilities. Bunge asked the Commission if they would consider waiving the hook up fees. Bunge wants to know how to handle the hook up fees. Torgerson suggested to charge hook up fees for electric for sure due to expenses the Utility has handled. Drake made motion to charge total hook ups at $1,000 rather than the $2,250.00, second Evenson, motion carried. Torgerson will write up letter for the Commonweal. Whitefront will be visited at next meeting.
C. Stuart & Amy Dyreson: Sewer Backup Continuous Problems
Stuart and Amy were at the Utility meeting to discuss the sewer back up problems. Have put in a manual shut off valve. Have to do shut offs to prepare for back up. Sump Pump alarm has been put in by the drain to alarm them to shut off valve. Shut off is down in floor on cement. Front sheet sums up 7 ½ years of back up problems. People across street have shut off valve also and most houses around do also. Weekenders come and open valve and then shut it off as they leave. Dyresons are concerned about health issues. Backflow preventer that is accessible with a valve that can be checked. Can something be done with the main, rerouting the main to the sewer plant? Everything above the line will back up into the system. Sewer line can’t go lower, would have to install lift station. Fix the problem right, would be. Can sewer line be moved around to Stone Mill Suites? Drake asked Peterson what his suggestion was to fix the problem. Dyreson has manual shut off installed but does not have backflow preventer. Last valve was $122.00+. But Dyresons put a manual back in because the last valve was not working. Torgerson will seek out options from an engineer to see what is available or what may work. Evenson made motion to have an engineer check into it, second Drake, motion carried.

HOUSEKEEPING:
A. Bills
Drake made motion to approve and pay bills as presented, second Evenson, motion carried.
B. Administrator’s Report.
Drake made motion to credit back sewer based on average usage of water/sewer for the month, second Evenson, motion carried.
C. Past Due Utility Bills
Explained that the bills are not due until next week and everyone was caught up last year.
D. UMMPA/Electric Purchasing
UMMPA had some changes to their letter of acceptance. Torgerson mentioned that Brian Krambeer of Tri-County wanted to talk to the Utility Commission. Torgerson will talk with Mike Wish about the DPC agreement.
E. Public Hearing be set for September 19th for non-resident utilities
Discussed inviting all non-resident utility holders to attend the August meeting to discuss this. Schuck made motion to call a public hearing before next meeting with letters going out to all non-residents stating what the proposal is for non-resident utilities fees, second Drake, motion carried.

ADJOURN:
At 7:32pm, 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