HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-04-12BOWC MIN
Stillwater, Minnesota April 12, 2018
Regular Meeting:
The regular meeting of the Board of Water Commissioners was held on Thursday April
12, 2018 at 8:00 A.M.
All Commissioners were present, with President Speedling presiding. Also present was
Jim Tibbetts and Council Member Menikheim.
On motion of President Speedling, duly seconded by Commissioner Jensen, all voting
“Aye”, the Agenda was accepted as presented.
On motion of President Speedling, duly seconded by Commissioner Vania, 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. 1513 was approved for payment.
Jim reported to the Board that there are three valves that are not working from Greeley
St. N. to Everett St. N. on Mulberry St. W. Manager Benson will get bids and bring them
back to the next meeting. The Asset Data Collection has been completed; Manager
Benson and Jim will meet with Commissioner Vania. Washington County will be
reconstructing Third St. S. from Chestnut St. E. to Walnut St. W., according to their plans
four hydrants will need to be moved. Three of these hydrants don’t have break-off
flanges, this would be the time to replace these hydrants and possibly two gate valves.
This work will be completed by Washington County and billed to the Water Department.
The staff will also be replacing some doors at the Well House’s.
Manager Benson informed the Board that the hydrant meter used for the Ice Castle froze
and split the casing; Manager Benson recommended purchasing two hydrant meters with
gate valves, therefore after discussion, on motion of Commissioner Vania, duly seconded
by President Speedling, all voting “Aye”, two hydrant meters may be purchased, not to
exceed a total cost of $2,500.00; the Ice Castle will be billed for the meter that froze.
Manager Benson provided the Board with a renewal contract for annual maintenance
through Ferguson Waterworks for our meter reading equipment. After discussion, on
motion of Commissioner Vania, duly seconded by President Speedling, all voting “Aye”,
the maintenance contract was approved, not to exceed a total cost of $3,500.00.
Manager Benson presented the Board with the 2018 Capital Outlay Budget, after much
discussion and with the addition of $50,000.00 for the White Bear Lake Court Order legal
fees and $13,000.00 for Cartegaraph, on motion of Commissioner Vania, duly seconded
by President Speedling, all voting “Aye”, the 2018 Capital Outlay Budget was approved.
The following items were discussed, with no action taken:
1. Accounts receivable balance as of March 31, 2018 was $90,248.70 with the actual
amount being $112,713.39; this is 14,000.00 higher than last years.
2. Aly and Commissioner Jensen provided the Board with an update on the
infographic; after discussion changes on the final draft will be brought back to the
May 2018 Board Meeting, when completed this will be on the City of Stillwater’s
Website and in the next City of Stillwater Newsletter.
3. Manager Benson informed the Board that the 2013 Chevrolet Truck was in for
service and they replaced the front and rear brakes and one inside door panel, this
will affect the Truck Expense Budget for the year.
4. Verne Jacobson formally with T.K.D.A. is now working with Donohue and
Associates. Verne has worked with the Water Department since 1997 as an
employee of T.K.D.A. Verne would like to continue working with the Water
Department with his current employer. Commissioner Vania asked for resumes
for the employee’s working out of the St. Louis Park Office.
5. Manager Benson updated the Board on the White Bear Lake/DNR Court Order,
he will be forwarding contact information for Dave Hunn with LBGand Matt
Ellingson with T.K.D.A. to City of Stillwater’s Attorney, Dave Magnuson as they
worked together on our Wellhead Protection Plan. Both parties will provide
information as we prepare for the Contested Case Hearing. Manager Benson will
ask Dave Magnuson to track his hours and bill the Water Department accordingly.
Attorney Magnuson felt that some of this would be covered under the City of
Stillwater’s Retainer.
6. Manager Benson informed the Board the he and Commissioner Vania met with
Karen Kill and Stuart Grubb in regards to Brown’s Creek Water Shed District.
They want to compare our pumping records from Well #11 with their monitoring
records of Brown’s Creek to see if Well #11 influenced Brown’s Creek and if so,
how much.
7. Commissioner Vania informed the Board that he saw our press release in the
Current, Manager Benson was also informed that it was in the Pioneer Press.
8. Manager Benson provided the Board with a Resolution of Appreciation No. 1514
for John Crimmins who worked for the Water Department for 17 ¾ years
9. Manager Benson updated the Board on the open position as he has talked with
staff and the business agent for L.O.C.A.L. #49, they both agree by changing the
wording on the contract this would allow the Board to hire a person at an entry
level position. Manager Benson will get the ad in the Stillwater Gazette,
Commissioner Vania will look into posting the opening on the AWWA website.
10. Manager Benson provided the Board with information on the 2003 special
election that was held concerning the Water Department merger with the City of
Stillwater; this was voted on by the residents and was defeated by a 4 to 1 margin.
11. Manager Benson informed the Board that he was contacted by Daniel Parks with
Westwood Multi-Disciplined Surveying & Engineering requesting water flow
information. There are trying to determine if there would be enough volume and
pressure to supply water to a parcel south of Highway 36 and East of Manning
Avenue. Manager Benson also provided the Board with Resolution No. 1096
dated June 11, 1987. In which it states that no water service will be extended
outside the City of Stillwater Limits unless a petition for annexation in granted by
City Council (See Attached)
12. President Speedling brought up the Water Board meeting with City Council and
after discussion, the Board decided that Manager Benson will attend monthly
meetings at 4:30 P.M. and the Board will attend every six months to provide the
Council with a Water Board update starting in June 2018. Manager Benson will
discuss this with City of Stillwater Administrator Tom McCarty.
13. Further discussion was held about Engineering Services, Manager Benson will
provide the resumes from Donohue and Associates to the Board and this will be
brought back to the May 2018 Board Meeting.
14. Manager Benson informed the Board that Cindy Shilts Building Official for the
City of Stillwater found a water service tied in before the meter at 214-216 Main
St. S. during a plumbing inspection. A meeting was setup with all parties
involved and the now the service line has been reconnected after the meter.
Manager Benson will be working with City of Stillwater Finance Director Sharon
Harrison moving forward, they will monitor for one year and back bill for the
water and sewer since 2013 accordingly.
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