HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-06-13 BOWC MIN
Stillwater, Minnesota June 13, 2019
Regular Meeting:
The regular meeting of the Board of Water Commissioners was held on Thursday June
13, 2019 at 8:00 A.M.
President Speedling and Commissioner Vania present with Commissioner Jensen absent
with President Speeding presiding. Also present was Jim Tibbetts, and Council Member
Polehna.
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 May 16, 2019 regular meeting were read and approved as
written.
On motion of Commissioner Vania, duly seconded by President Speedling, all voting
"Aye", Resolution No.1531 was approved for payment.
Jim reported to the Board that they are completing general maintenance work on all the
building sites. The 2019 street project will be starting the last week in June; they will be
marking our watermain, valves, and curb stops as required throughout the projects.
Manager Benson informed the Board that after meeting with Washington County, they
were informed that the total reconstruction of Owen Street on the north end of town has
been changed to a mill and overlay, so the Water Department will no longer be replacing
the waterman between Stillwater Avenue and St. Croix Avenue; there will be five
hydrants that may have to moved to make room for ADA required crossings. They will
be working with the Washington County throughout the course of the project.
Manager Benson provided to the Board with a letter of resignation from Kellie Knowles
after 22 years of services her last day will be January 31, 2020. After discussion, on
motion of Commissioner Vania, duly seconded by President Speedling, all voting "Aye",
her resignation was accepted. Manager Benson will respond with an acknowledgment
letter.
Manager Benson informed the Board that interviews were held on Monday June 10,
2019 with President Speedling and City Council Member Polehna to fill the open
position on the Board. There were two candidates, Commissioner Karen Jensen and
Joseph Ehler; after discussion the interview panel recommended Karen Jensen; Council
Member Polehna indicated that Joe was invited to come to future Board Meetings to gain
knowledge on how the Board operates. After discussion, on motion President Speedling,
duly seconded by Commissioner Vania, all voting "Aye" Karen Jensen was
recommended for another term. Manager Benson will forward the decision on to City
Clerk Beth Wolf for Council approval.
Manager Benson provided the Board with an updated cost share agreement between
Browns’s Creek Watershed District and the Board for the Residential Smart Irrigation
Controller Program. After review, on motion of Commissioner Vania, duly seconded by
President Speedling, all voting "Aye" the contract was approved. Manager Benson was
instructed to have Attorney Land add a signature line for her signature indicating her
review and approval. Commissioner Vania brought up the Brown’s Creek Watershed
District booth at the Brown’s Creek Park on September 14, 2019. He questioned if we
would want to have someone at the booth to talk about our Smart Controller Program.
This will be brought back to the July Board Meeting when we will have a full Board.
Manager Benson provided the Board with a contract proposal from Diane Ward to
review and analyze the procedures of the Administrative Assistant for efficiencies and
develop a position manual that will assist current and future employees in the position,
also update the current Administrative Assistant job description for the Board and Human
Resources review, listen and prepare monthly draft minutes of the Board Meetings. After
discussion, on motion of President Speedling, duly seconded by Commissioner Vania, all
voting "Aye" the contract was approved as written Administrative Assistant Position
Manuel and job description review and updates for $5,500.00 also $30.00 hourly rate to
listen to entire audio and then prepare summary minutes. The proposal was reviewed by
and approved by City Attorney Kori Lane.
The following items were discussed, with no action taken:
1. Accounts receivable balance as of May 31, 2019 was $137,639.50 with the actual
amount being $182,053.92; this is $23,000.00 less than last years.
2. With the absence of Commissioner Jensen, Manager Benson updated the Board
on the website.
3. Manager Benson presented the Board with a fee description for the additional fee
of $2,500.00 from Matt Ellingson with TKDA for the generator at well #9.
4. Manager Benson informed the Board that he is still working with the vendor on
the flow meter at well #6; he is waiting for verification that the meter will read
accurately in the old location without re-plumbing.
5. Manager Benson informed the Board the Brochman Blacktopping received the
bid for the asphalt repairs from the watermain breaks; they have started on the
repairs but are not yet finished.
6. Discussion was held about the Asset Management progress with Bee Hive;
Manager Benson was instructed to bring a report back to the July meeting.
7. Manager Benson informed the Board that he is still working with Safe Water
Commission; trying to setup a time to meet; they have a number of things to go
through before moving forward. They will not be sending out notices until after
they meet.
8. Commissioner Vania was updated on the Boards and Commissions training held
at City Hall, as he was unable to attend.
9. Commissioner Vania brought up the Pollinator Garden at Laurel Street
Pumphouse in which on June 15, 2019 from 10:00 to 12:00 experts will be there
to provide tours and have demonstrations on pollinator gardening.
There being no further business, on motion President Speedling, of duly seconded by
Commissioner Vania, all voting "Aye", the meeting was adjourned.
__________________________
Steve Speedling, President
ATTEST:
__________________________
Robert G. Benson, Secretary