04-28-1997 HUCM/3
Regular Meeting
April 28, 1997
Commissioners Ward, Gilmer, Carls and Wetterling were present. Commissioner
Ackland Was absent. Also present were Manager Kadrmas and Counsel G. Barry
Anderson.
President Ward called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. and welcomed
Commissioner Wetterling to the Board.
Lloyd Schlueter and his daughter Sharon Hamilton attended the meeting and
discussed Sharon Hamilton's high gas bill. After homeowner installed a gas line to
her garage, it was not capped off inside the garage. The outside valve was turned
on and gas filled her garage causing the high gas bills. Mr. Schlueter asked the
Utility Board for some assistance in paying this high bill. After discussion it was
decided that Hutchinson Utilities Commission (HUC) would send her a letter with
a print -out of her high gas charges and she oould submit that to her homeowners
insurance, There is no responsibility on the part of HUC for the gas leak.
The minutes of March 31, 1997, regular meeting were reviewed. Discussion took
place regarding the increase of the catastrophic fund to $1.25 million.
Commissioner Gilmer made a motion to maintain the increase of the catastrophic
fund of $1.25 million, as discussed at the March 31St meeting, seconded by
Commissioner Wetterling. Motion was unanimously carried. After further discussion
a motion was made by Commissioner Gilmer, seconded by Commissioner Carls to
approve the minutes as written. Motion was unanimously carried.
The March payables were discussed. After discussion, a motion was made by
Commissioner Carls, seconded by Commissioner Gilmer to accept the payables in
the amount of $1,516,336.03 (detailed_ listing in payables_ book). Motion was
unanimously carried.
The 1997 year -to -date (thru March) financial and budget reports were reviewed. A
motion was made by Commissioner Carls, seconded by Commissioner Gilmer to
accept the, financial and budget reports. Motion was unanimously carried.
Discussion took place regarding Ordinance No. 97 -189, 2 "d Series, Publication No.
5020 from the City of Hutchinson. There is no longer a need for a Utility
Commission member to be on the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission
will now be composed of six members instead of seven.
Discussion took place regarding the request from Commissioner Carls for an
updated list of the Energy Conservation program. After reviewing and discussing
the list, Counsel Anderson was asked to continue to work on the draft of an
affidavit, proving completion of job with time-limits set for the completion.
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The list of charge -offs was discussed. After discussion, a motion was made by
Commissioner Wetterling, seconded by Commissioner Carls authorizing management to
write off $11,067.85. (detailed listing on page 1,934 of April general journal.) Motion was
unanimously carried.
John Webster, Natural Gas Superintendent, presented the Natural Gas System 5 -year
plan in conjunction with the City's comprehensive plan. Mr. Webster was given authority
to continue in this direction and together with Donald Nelson, Electric Distribution
Superintendent, will present their completed plans to the Commission for approval before
going to the City Council.
Discussion took place regarding a request from Hutchinson Jaycee Water Carnival to
contribute $415. Counsel Anderson suggested that we include the contribution amount in
our next transfer of funds to City, with the recommendation that it go to the Hutchinson
Jaycee Water Carnival. A motion was made by Commissioner Carls, seconded by
Commissioner Gilmer to contribute to the Hutchinson Jaycee Water Carnival by including
an extra $415 with the next transfer of funds to City. Motion was unanimously carried.
Mgr. Kadrmas presented a request for two bids as follows:
• 1 - Power Transformer for Plant #1
• 2 - 69 KV Circuit Breakers
After discussion, a motion was made. by Commissioner Carls, seconded by .Commissioner
Wetterling to advertise for two calls for bids. Motion was unanimously carried.
President Ward asked Mgr. Kadrmas to check with the City to see when the annual joint
meeting is scheduled.
General Manager's Report:
A vacancy was created in the committee for reviewing Drug Test Reports done
previously by Jerry Cornell. President Ward appointed Commissioner Wetterling
to serve as Commission representative to review drug reports with Mgr. Kadrmas.
Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association has requested our help with the `flood
relief efforts' and offer some mutual aid. After discussion, a motion was made by
Commissioner 'Carls, seconded by Commissioner Gilmer giving Mgr. Kadrmas
discretion in who we'll send, when personnel will go, and how long they are to be
gone. Motion was unanimously carried.
The May regular meeting will be held on May 31, 1997 at 7:00 a.m.
Ray Turner, Union Business Representative, sent a letter concerning the issues of
the number of days /hours given union employees for funeral leave and jury duty.
This will be addressed during union negotiations when the present contract expires,
December 31, 1998.
• Mgr. Kadrmas presented a requisition for Holophane fixtures w /fusing and
lamps for street lights for the City of Hutchinson. After discussion, a motion
was made by Commissioner Carls, seconded by Commissioner Wetterling
to award the requisition to Minnesota Electric Supply Company in the
amount of $24,464.72. Motion was unanimously carried.
Old Business: None
New Business: None
There being no further business, a motion was made by Commissioner Wetterling,
seconded by Commissioner Carls to adjourn the meeting at 5:15 p.m. Motion was
unanimously carried.
ATTEST: LIJI,
D glas Ward, President
I�
t -kit,
Mike Carls, Secretary