HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-03-23 BOWC MIN
Stillwater, Minnesota March 23, 2018
Regular Meeting:
The regular meeting of the Board of Water Commissioners was held on Friday March
23, 2018 at 1:00 P.M.
All Commissioners were present, with President Speedling presiding. Also present was
Council Member Menikheim, Lee Racine, Shawn Racine and Al Nagle from Safe Water
Commission and Matt Ellingson from T.K.D.A.
On motion of President Speedling, duly seconded by Commissioner Vania, all voting
“Aye”, the Agenda was accepted as presented.
On motion of Commissioner Vania, duly seconded by President Speedling, all voting
“Aye, the minutes of the March 23, 2018 regular meeting were read and approved as
written.
On motion of President Speedling, duly seconded by Commissioner Jensen, all voting
“Aye”, Resolution No.1512 was approved for payment.
Manager Benson informed the Board that Commissioner Vania’s term expires June 30,
2018 and he expressed his willingness to serve another term. After discussion, on motion
of President Speedling, duly seconded by Commissioner Jensen, all voting “Aye” the
Board approved his reappointment. Manager Benson will submit this to Diane Ward City
Clerk for City Council approval.
Manager Benson brought up Jim McDonough who is disputing an overtime service call
to turn off his water in the amount of $52.50. He stated he was not informed that there
would be a charge. After discussion, on motion of Commissioner Vania, duly seconded
by Commissioner Jensen, all voting “Aye”, the $52.50 will be waived. Manager Benson
will develop a policy for the future.
Manager Benson provided the Board with a quote from Metro Sales to purchase a new
copier and printer for the front office, after discussion, on motion of Commissioner
Vania, duly seconded by President Speedling, all voting “Aye”, Manager Benson was
approved to purchase the new copier and printer that are Wi-Fi compatible, not to exceed
a total cost of $5,000.00.
Manager Benson informed the Board that he was contacted by Shawn Sanders, City of
Stillwater’s Public Works Director to tie into our power supply at Well #12 so they can
run power to the Gazebo in Legends Park; this would supply one light and outlet,
therefore on motion of Commissioner Vania, duly seconded by Commissioner Jensen, all
voting “Aye”, the Board approved supplying power to the Gazebo.
Manager Benson and Matt Ellingson with T.K.D.A. updated the Board on the White
Bear Lake DNR Court Order. After discussion on motion of Commissioner Vania, duly
seconded by Commissioner Jensen, all voting “Aye”, the Board approved retaining City
of Stillwater Attorney Dave Magnuson to work with them on the White Bear Lake DNR
Court Order.
On motion of Commissioner Vania, duly seconded by President Speedling, all voting
“Aye” upon the approval of Dave Magnuson the Board will submit a letter signed by
President Speedling to the Department of Natural Resources demanding a contested case
hearing by US Mail and Email by Friday March 30, 2018. Once the contested case
hearing letter is filed, the amendments to the permit are not in effect until there is a ruling
on the appeal.
After discussion, on motion of Commissioner Vania, duly seconded by President
Speedling, all voting “Aye”, the letter drafted by T.K.D.A. to remove Well #11 from are
Water Appropriation Permit Number 1975-6207 was approved.
After discussion, on motion of Commissioner Vania, duly seconded by President
Speedling, all voting ‘Aye”, a letter will be sent to the DNR requesting Well #11 to be
removed from the Board of Water Commissioners Water Appropriation Permit No. 1975-
6207, if the ruling from this contested case hearing is not in our favor, this will be our
contingence plan.
Manager Benson brought up providing the City of Stillwater with our Board Meeting
Minutes, after discussion, Manager Benson will talk with City Clerk Diane Ward and
come up with a plan.
The following items were discussed, with no action taken:
1. Accounts receivable balance as of February 28, 2018 was $62,078.19 with the
actual amount being $207,713.98; this is $6,000.00 lower than last years.
2. Manager Benson introduced Lee Racine, Shawn Racine and Al Nagle from Safe
Water Commission. Safe Water Commission offers state-of-the-art technology
solutions to manage the Water Department’s backflow program. As of January
23, 2016, the new plumbing code requires all testable backflow devices to be
tested upon installation. and at least annually thereafter by a certified backflow
assembly tester. Prior to January 23, 2016 RP devices were the only ones that
need to be tested annually, regardless of the date of installation. There would be
no cost to the Water Department, the service fee of $16.95 would be added to the
cost of the test and paid by the device owner. The Minnesota Department of
Health could fine the Water Department up to $10,000.00 if they do not have a
program in place or are not compliant with the uniform plumbing code regarding
backflow devices. By working with Safe Water Commission, the Board would
not have to hire additional staff. The Board will revisit this later as they are
currently dealing with the White Bear Lake DNR Court Order.
3. Commissioner Jensen informed the Board that Aly plans on attending the April
12, 2018 Board Meeting.
4. Manager Benson updated the Board on the Ice Castle, as of March 20, 2018 they
had used 16,559,000 gallons at a cost of $33,118.00; they used 5,351,000 gallons
more than last year.
5. Manager Benson updated the Board on the Bee Lawn, also they brought up
adding an art sculpture; Manager Benson explained that they would need approval
from the City of Stillwater as they own the property.
6. Manager Benson explained to the Board that there is a new requirement to have
an internal inspection of the fire protection piping every five years, this is in
addition to the annual inspection of the fire protection systems; he will talk with
Summit Companies and have this added to next year’s inspection or have it
completed this year if required.
7. Manager Benson reminded the Board of the City Council Meeting scheduled for
Tuesday April 3, 2018. Discussion was held on creating an agenda for the
meeting.
8. The Water Department included an insert in the City’s newsletter explaining the
four amendments that were attached to their water appropriation permit because
of the White Bear Lake DNR Court Order, in addition a follow-up letter will be
drafted by Commissioner Jensen and submitted by Manager Benson to the local
newspapers informing the residents on how the Water Department plans to move
forward.
9. Manager Benson provided the Board with a position description for the open
position, Manager Benson will be talking with the union on classification of this
position and how it will fit into the new step and pay grade system. This will be
discussed at the next meeting.
There being no further business, on motion of President Speedling, duly seconded by
Commissioner Vania, all voting “Aye” the meeting was adjourned
Steve Speedling, President
ATTEST:
Robert G. Benson, Secretary