JULY UTILITY MEETING MINUTES

JULY 15, 2009

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Jeff Bachke.  Present for the meeting were  supervisors Jeff Bachke, John Werner and Greg Andrews; clerk Patti Alander and MSA representative Jerome Flogel.  Absent was utility commission chair Cindy Endicott and utility commission member Robert Parker and deputy clerk Cammy Hansen. 

The June utility meeting minutes will be approved at the August utility meeting.

Business from the floor:  None

Correspondence:  None

Sewer/Water Project 1A:  The final pay application from RJS was submitted.

Lift Station #9:  The WLSSD board has approved taking ownership.  We will wait to hear from them regarding the date/process of the transfer of ownership.

Sewer/Water Project 1B:  Jerome reported a couple of manhole boots are missing.  Eric discovered standing water in the gravity line at 4444 W. Calvary Road.  Jerome recommends that the town televise the line to determine the issue.  The expected cost is approximately $1,000.00.  Jeff asked how we will deal with the stop valve failures.  Jerome has spoken with Northern Water Works and they have stated that they will pay for the costs of replacement.  Jerome stated that Wagner does not have financial responsibility for the problem; it is not an issue with installation.  However, because our contractor is Wagner all the required paperwork will go through them.  There have been three failures to date.

Kolstad, Austin, Chicago and Milwaukee Roads Water Replacement:  Jerome has submitted a 569 grant application.  He asked the board if we also want to submit the application for the Martin Road water loop.  The board agreed that we should continue to submit applications.

Lift Station #3:  Jerome spoke with Joe Mihalek (Fryberger Law Office) today.  The status as of now is that USA has requested mediation on two disputes:  1. the town’s claims against USA for damages.  Joe denied that request as the time period that USA had to dispute the claim was not adhered to.  2.  USA’s claims regarding re-negotiated unit pricing and equipment storage costs relating to the delay of the project.  Joe also rejected that request as it was also not made in a timely manner.   The attorneys for both sides are in the process of determining a date for the mediation.  At this point it appears that it will occur sometime in September or the first part of October.  John expressed his opinion that USA be barred from any future contracts that the town may have due to the problems we have experienced with this contractor.  Patti mentioned that USA has not yet submitted their final bill.

Lift Station #1:  Jerome presented the contract for the work to begin with RJS.  Board Chairman Bachke signed the contract.  Jerome expects work to commence mid-August with completion within approximately 30 days.

Lift Station #4:  Jerome spoke with Larry Shelton regarding repairs.  His estimate was $9,000.00 for two pumps, new rails, rail repairs and piping repairs.  John made a motion to approve the repair, it was seconded by Jeff.  Motion carried with all voting in favor. 

Greg mentioned at this point that there were several low level alarms a couple of weeks ago on Lift Station #3.  He doesn’t think there is any reason that this pump should even be running.  The alarms were on a weekend and began at 10:00 p.m.  and continued to come every four hours.  John mentioned that we should possibly look at smoke testing this line.

Lift Station #6: Nothing new to report

Sanitary Sewer Repairs/Plans:  Jerome reports that the plans are mostly complete.  He recommends that we put the work out for proposals and see how the bids come in prior to investing any further funds in engineering. 

Next meeting date:  August 25, 2009 at 6:00 p.m.

New Business:  Patti mentioned an issue with a water bill for a commercial customer (apartment building on East Calvary Road.)  Their bill showed usage of 48,370 gallons of water ($1,001.04), about twice the average usage; they discovered they had a toilet running.  They have asked the board to please consider reducing the bill.  Patti told the board that we have not done this in the past.  John recommends that as good will we credit their account for $250.00 but to let the customer know that this is a one- time event.

During our annual meter reading, it was discovered that a resident who does not regularly read her meter has been estimating her usage as higher than actual.  She is asking for a credit on her bill; however does not regularly pay her bill and is currently in arrears by approximately $250.00.  Patti will do further research, but the consensus of the board is that she be charged the minimum as would any other resident.

Patti priced new appliances for the hall:  $599.00 refrigerator, $519.00 stove, $139.00 microwave.  All of our current appliances are old and in disrepair.  This purchase would be charged to the rental account for the hall and year to date the rental income is $1,320.00.  John made the motion to approve the purchase (including sales tax) of $1,438.53 Jeff seconded the motion; all vote in favor, motion carried.

Having no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 6:45 p.m.