A REGULAR MEETING OF THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF VIRGINIA, MINNESOTA, WAS HELD AT THE OFFICE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES ON Monday, MARCH 12, 2007, AT 4:30 P.M.

 

Commission President Sipola called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.

 

Present:                        Commissioners Petroskey, Muskovitz, Park, and Sipola.  

Absent:             Commissioner Raukar.

 

Also Present:    Terry Leoni, General Manager; Bill Hafdahl – Director-Finance & Administration; Sue Lalli, Public / Customer Relations Supervisor; Don Oberfoell, Customer; Ronald Hinklin and Kathleen Turner Hinklin – tenants of Don Oberfoell; June Merkel, Joyce Rude, and Barbara Knapper – Customers; Dennis Lindberg, Carl Baranzelli and Rob Raplinger – City Councilors – Utility Commission Liaisons.

 

Mr. Don Oberfoell addressed the Commission regarding a high water billing received for 726 12th St No.  Mr. Oberfoell had discussed the high billing for water for the month of January 2007 with the Director of Finance.  The sewer charges from that billing had been removed by the Director of Finance and Mr. Oberfoell felt the water billing should also be removed.  The high reading was taken when a water meter was changed out and a new AMR meter installed.  The Department’s records indicate the reading for the old meter had been verified and was reflected on the billing in question.  Mr. Oberfoell further reported that his system had been checked and there is no evidence of a water leak on his side of the system.  In addition, it was reported at this time by Mr. Oberfoell that on February 8, 2007 his tenant, Mr. Ronald Hinklin, had returned home and found two men leaving the residence at 726 12th St No.  The men were identified by the tenant at that time by the green uniforms they wore containing a Utility Department logo.  Mr. Oberfoell noted the Department has been issued a key, but he felt this was unauthorized entry.  The men conveyed to the tenant they “turned the meter (water) back to zero and were averaging.”  No police report had been filed at that time. 

 

After discussion, it was moved by Muskovitz and supported by Park to waive 100 units of water billed and rebate Mr. Oberfoell’s account for that amount along with the sewer charges that were previously adjusted.  Motion carried.  Mr. Oberfoell was also directed to contact the Virginia Police Department regarding the February 8, 2007 entry issue as the uniforms described do not match any Utility uniforms and there is no record showing any Utility employee sent to his property after the January 24, 2007 AMR installation.  Mr. Leoni also requested that Mr. Oberfoell stop by the Utility business office on March 13, 2007 to pick up the key to this property.

 

Customer June Merkel asked the Commission if there was a problem with the water in the area around her home – 519 12th Street South – as she has been experiencing a problem with her toilet and sand in the water.  Mr. Leoni noted that he would check into the matter as several water breaks have occurred in that area of town in the last few weeks.  Mr. Leoni will call her with his findings.

 

Moved by Park and supported by Muskovitz that financial Resolution #5099 authorizing the payroll dated March 1, 2007 in the amount of $92,110.40, checks #44731 through #44751, and direct deposits #10336 through #10387 and bills dated February 26, 2007 through March 12, 2007 in the amount of $732,616.59 checks #75657 through #75765, and wire and electronic transfers in the amount of $120,277.30 and the minutes of the regular meeting held on February 26, 2007 be approved as presented.  Motion carried.

 

The February 2007 Monthly Injury Summary Report was reviewed. 

 

Moved by Park and supported by Muskovitz that the Director of Human Resources be authorized to attend the Occupational Medicine Conference sponsored by SMDC on April 20, 2007 in Duluth, Minnesota at a total estimated cost of $143.20.  Motion carried.

 

 

Carried forward

City of Virginia                                                                                                                          Page 2

Public Utilities Commission

Meeting Minutes

March 12, 2007

 

                                                                        Brought forward

 

 

Mr. Leoni reviewed the 2007 Water Breaks history as presented.  Year-to-date there have been five (5) water main breaks and three (3) service line breaks.  Mr. Leoni noted that since the report was presented, one more water break had been found on a main.   

 

The General Manager noted the Biomass boiler is up and running.  A minor issue with the feed handling system was experienced this weekend and corrections are underway.  To date, 6,000 cords of wood have been receipted under the IRR / LEA / Logger Program. 

 

Mr. Leoni reported the #5 turbine would be back on line by Wednesday, March 14, 2007.

 

The status of the Staver Foundry property was briefly discussed.  Information for the utilities on the property was requested several weeks ago.  Collection of all open accounts for the Foundry is in the hands of the Virginia City Attorney.

 

There being no further business to come before the Commission, Commission President Sipola declared the meeting adjourned at 5:17 p.m. 

 

ATTEST:                                                                      APPROVED:

 

 

 

 

 

 

_______________________                                      ___________________________

Jackie Park, Vice President                                           Dr. Don Sipola, President