2002 Minutes
Last updated: 02/20/2008
Minutes of the
Green Lake Sanitary Sewer and Water District Commission
December 18, 2002
Present: Trudie Dubord, Ollie Hagen, Harvey Lange, Dennis Peterson, Bruce Nelson, Dennis Baker
Absent: Gene Wenzel (was attending the Spicer City Council meeting)
Others present: Gary Danielson, Ron Hagemeier, Brad DeWolf
The meeting was called to order by chairman Harvey Lange at 7:45 p.m. on Wednesday, December 18, 2002 at the Spicer City Office building.
Proposed 2003 Budget Update
There are a couple line items on the Green Lake portion of the budget that did not get used. These are on page 6 account #48-905-6265 Contract Services in the amount of $10,000 and on page 7 account #48-905-6346 Equipment Rental in the amount of $5,000. It had been hoped these funds could be transferred over to 2003 but Sam Modderman stated this couldn’t be done. These items will need to be re-budgeted. Instead of the net being $19,801 it will be $4,801. The budget discussed at the last meeting still covers these items.
A motion to approve the amended Green Lake Area budget was made by Ollie Hagen and Harvey Lange seconded the motion. The motion carried.
A motion to adopt and recommend the total GLSSWD budget for 2003 to the county was made by Bruce Nelson and seconded by Ollie Hagen. There being no further discussion, the motion carried.
Water/Wastewater Flows
No discussion took place.
Minutes & Bills
Motion was made by Bruce Nelson and seconded by Dennis Baker to approve the minutes and bills. The motion carried.
Other
Ron spoke regarding two delinquent accounts. He has sent several letters to them offering to work with them however has gotten little or no response. If these accounts do not make payments during December, the amounts owed would be put on the 2003 taxes as a sewer usage fee special assessment. The question was asked if the district couldn’t install meters, and it was concluded no because of having to enter onto private property to do so. Dennis Peterson made a motion with Dennis Baker seconding the motion to put the current billing amounts on these two accounts on the 2003 taxes. The motion carried. There will be certified letters sent to these individuals explaining as to what is happening.
Harvey Lange stated that the minutes should acknowledge the fact that this is Gene Wenzel’s last meeting and he was attending the Spicer City Council meeting at the time of the GLSSWD meeting. Dennis Peterson suggested that a thank you letter be sent to Gene for all of his years of service and hard work on the GLSSWD board.
A motion to adjourn was made by Dennis Baker and Trudie Dubord seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth Slinden
Secretary
Minutes of the
Green Lake Sanitary Sewer and Water District Commission
November 25, 2002
Present: Harvey Lange, Ollie Hagen, Trudie Dubord, Dennis Peterson, Gene Wenzel, Dennis Baker, Bruce Nelson.
Absent: Gary Danielson
Others present: Gary Sletten, Ron Hagemeier, Brad DeWolf, Dick Bakken from GLPOA
The meeting was called to order by chairman Harvey Lange at 6 p.m. on Monday, November 25, 2002 at the GLSSWD Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Proposed 2003 Budget Update
Ron Hagemeier stated that the cities of Spicer & New London have questions regarding the proposed budget, which are not in the area of usage fees. But rather in the area of increase in the EDU’s. They would like further clarification of these increases. Gary Danielson is scheduling to be at each of the city council meetings. The lake portion, which is next on the agenda, has been settled. The meeting with New London will be on December 4th and meeting at Spicer is on December 18th. Some of the questions of Spicer are: How cost was allocated and things that were presented at the assessment hearing? And, how cost was allocated on the entire project. Gary Danielson & Brad DeWolf are in the process of putting together a presentation that will enable the whole Spicer City Council to go over the whole picture. New London has issues with the EDU’s as well. Such as, are we continually going to go up on EDU’s that are more than was projected? The description of what an EDU is was not defined until this year. That would make this the first total budget year that can be based on history. Now that the project is done, the debt should not be increasing and the EDU’s should not be increasing annually any more in the future. There was some discussion as to when to have the December meeting. It was decided unanimously to keep date as set (Monday, December 23) because of the meetings of the city councils in Spicer & New London. This way the commission would be able to make a decision on the budget.
2003 Lake Usage Rate & EDU Schedule
Ollie Hagen addressed that the lake fee committee was called together. Gary Danielson presented last year’s schedule in a way that the 2003 lake budget could work. The committee chose to leave exactly as Gary recommended. The annual charge to the people is the same as last year but with the monthly increasing very little. Actually there is a surplus that could have been used, but chose not to use this because of not knowing what the future would be. The recommendation from the committee was to leave as is so this portion of the budget is ready to be brought forward to the commission for approval. There is no motion necessary until the total budget is presented.
Water/Wastewater Flows
Ron Hagemeier stated nothing really new to report. The losses are still continuing as always as they have been. He presented spreadsheets to compare numbers. The Spicer & Green Lake losses did increase somewhat from last month. District is certainly a long way from where it wants to be for percentage of lost water. Ollie concerned if we could be off in the calibration as to the gallons pumped. Ron described the meters tracking the water coming into the plant and stated that the raw water numbers are within 1% of the finished water. Still losing about 1 million gallons a month at a cost of $1,850 dollars a month.
Water Leak Report - Bolton & Menk
Brad DeWolf reported there are 11 leaks that will continue to be worked by Quam’s with hopes of having them fixed within a week with the exception of the one along Highway 23 by Johnny Appleseed, which is still being pin, pointed as to where it is exactly. Duininck’s are responsible for some of the main lines and have asked Quam’s to do the work for them. This was the most comprehensive pressure test Brad has ever seen done. Brad anticipates that even with the holiday these should all be taken care of with the exception of the Highway 23 one in the next two weeks. Brad also suggested getting the permits and doing the Highway 23 line in the winter because of land condition. Bruce asked if there was ever any testing done from the water plant to the water tower in New London. It hasn’t been, but sure could do it. It was unanimously decided that this should be done.
Minutes & Bills
Motion was called for to approve minutes & bills. There was discussion of the Pettipiece and Bolton & Menk payments as to a breakdown. The Pettipiece payment was thought to be for the 5-year plan on the budget and the Bolton & Menk payment is on the Highway 23 project & Indian Beach Harbor and has nothing to do with the project. It was stated that sometimes it would be nice to have combined billings split and to have a note as to what the services are for. Ollie Hagen made a motion to approve the bills, Dennis Baker seconded the motion. Since Ollie was not here at the last meeting, Bruce Nelson moved to approve the minutes, Dennis Baker seconded the motion. Motions carried.
Other
Bruce Nelson asked how much water is kept in the tower around the lake in the winter? Ron answered there is no less than half at any time which is 125,000 gallons. Bruce is worried about fires. The system is completely looped and would consist of a combined total from all the towers.
Question from Ollie Hagen to Dennis Baker regarding the merger – There was mention that assuming the merger was to be approved that there would be an equalization of fees over a three-year period. What equalization is this speaking about? This would be the difference between the rates charged for Spicer and New London. This has nothing to do with the district. It would be to level off the rates, which now are different.
Harvey brought up that he, Gary Danielson, and Ollie Hagen have been having conversations in the past several months about bringing more people on board, extending the limits of the sewer district, etc. Prior to that he and Ollie had discussed with Merle Gjerde in New London Township and would like to think that part of that service district that is being worked on now is a result of those conversations. The general intent to pursue would be to ask Gary Danielson on a formal or informal basis to try to get a handle on the amount of septic tank systems out there needing to be upgraded at some point in time and what the ages might be. Sometime in the near future we would like to make a presentation to or have discussions with Merle Gjerde & his township board of the possibility of coming up with a plan that allows people who are not currently in the district to be able to join and have the trunk lines pushed out further. As chairperson he is appointing committee of Ollie Hagen, Dennis Peterson, and himself to push for some more discussion with the town board and to meet as soon as Gary Geer gets a report together.
Motion to adjourn was made by Trudie Dubord, motion was seconded by Bruce Nelson. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth Slinden
Secretary
Minutes of the
Green Lake Sanitary Sewer and Water District Commission
October 28, 2002
Present: Dennis Baker, Harvey Lange, Dennis Peterson, Bruce Nelson
Absent: Trudie Dubord, Ollie Hagen
Others present: Gary Sletten, Ron Hagemeier, and Gary Danielson. Also present and representing Rice Estates were Roger Broman and John Andersen
The meeting was called to order by chairman Harvey Lange at 6 p.m. on Monday, October 28, 2002 at the GLSSWD Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Proposed 2003 Budget
Ron referred to his cover letter regarding the proposed 2003 budget consisting of gallons of usage for next year, information on hookup fees and EDU’s rates, etc. The District budget is showing revenue of $648,220 and expenses of $641,160 with a proposed net of $7,060. The projected budget usage rate increase for water is from $1.85 to $1.95 per1000 gallons and wastewater from $2.85 to $3.00 per 1000 gallons with the EDU rate up by $l.00. Harvey Lange asked for questions. There being none, he recommended as a commission to adopt the total budget and when Ollie Hagen is back he can meet with the Green Lake group to see how we allocate the District costs back to the Green Lake people. Dennis Baker asked if this has gone to the city councils? Ron responded no, but the city administrators both have copies. Harvey called for a motion to be put forth to adopt this as a recommendation to all the entities that are involved. Dennis Peterson made a motion to adopt the proposed budget as a recommendation. Dennis Baker seconded. Harvey state--this commission has a motion and a second that in effect says--this commission is endorsing the proposed budget and wishes it to be carried forward to the separate councils and the Green Lake group to get together within a short interval of time and to wait for any feedback. If there is no feedback, will forward the proposed budget to the county. Motion carried.
Rice Estates
Ron explained that a short time ago Rice Estates had some serious sewer service problems and a water system leak. GLSWWD was called in and checked out the main line thinking at the time it was owned by GLSWWD. However it was discovered after some investigative work that this is a private line and not owned by GLSWWD. Ron then met with the Rice Estates people discussing the different options and the construction of their infrastructure. We have a situation that back in 1986 the Old Mill Inn lift station drain field went bad and an agreement was made for $1300 to tie into the east end of the Rice Estates main line. This was approved by the board at the time. The lift station at Hope Church, which is part of the resent construction project, was also put into their #2 manhole with no recorded permission to do so. Ron’s thoughts are that since this was not really agreed upon that the district consider jetting out the line once year on a maintenance program to compensation for allowing the dumping of wastewater into their manhole.
Gene Wenzel entered the meeting.
John Anderson representing Rice Estates stated that he personally remembers having authorized the Hope Church lift station hook up to the Rice Estates system. However, Rice Estates would like GLSSWD to take over ownership of the line from the garages to highway 144. Ron does not want to take over this line. Dennis Baker moved that our draft policy regarding construction be given to Rice Estates asking them to take a look at it and for Ron and their board of directors to draw up a document that the commission can look at in the future and arrive at some mutual agreement. Bruce Nelson seconded. Motion carried.
Gary Danielson left the meeting.
Roger Broman and John Anderson also left the meeting.
Bolton & Menk
Ron Hagemeier talked about the punch lists made up by Brad DeWolf and Dean Helstrom regarding a final call for residents around the lake of what they thought needed to be fixed yet. One list is for Duininck Brothers and one is for Quam Construction. When these lists and the leak testing are completed that ends the project. Items as a result of leak testing will also be part of the project. There are two major leaks that will be gone back to after going around the lake. Items on the punch lists need to be done one by one then verified and if not done right, go back and fix them. Some items may have been done already and need to be verified, but most of them have not been done.
Water/Wastewater Flows
These are numbers to look at that give a feel of what is happening out there. Harvey asked Bruce what New London is doing to achieve their low numbers. They are fixing roads and finding lots of leaks, which are being repaired. It was noted that the numbers bounce around. That is because meters are not always read on same day each month. Spicer and Green Lake have long way to go to achieve low numbers.
Old Cluster Site Drain field Ownership
One is gravel pit site and already is public works property. Other property is what was acquired from Jim Martin. This is nothing this commission needs to involved in at this point. The MPCA recognizes all cluster sites have been decommissioned.
Minutes & Bills
Dennis Baker moved and Dennis Peterson seconded to accept the minutes and bills. Motion carried.
Other
Harvey Lange referred to a memo sent to Paul Vossen who had made inquiry about hookup. In talking with Gary Danielson earlier, doesn’t seem very cost effective for the district to provide for this hookup. Information regarding Paul Vossen’s costs to hook up was provided in the memo.
Motion to adjourn by Gene Wenzel and seconded by Dennis Baker. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth Slinden
Secretary
Minutes of the
Green Lake Sanitary Sewer and Water District Commission
September 23, 2002
Present: Dennis Baker, Gene Wenzel, Trudie Dubord, Dennis Peterson, Harvey Lange, Bruce Nelson
Absent: Ollie Hagen
Others present: Gary Danielson, Gary Sletten, Ron Hagemeier, Bob Brown, Doug and Al Deitz, GLPOA Representatives.
Chairman Harvey Lange called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. Monday, September 23, 2002 at the GLSSWD Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Water/Wastewater Flows
Ron reported we are looking at the same water loss problems as with previous reports. Spicer - 28% loss, Green Lake - 37.2%, which is down a little but still a long way from the required 10% maximum loss, and New London - 22%. Pressure testing is being done on the new system, with all leak identification being done first and then going back to complete needed repairs. Concern was expressed about the late season problem of notifying affected property owners of needed repairs and if warranties are still in force. The testing is continuing and is taking far longer than expected. The main Commission concern was warranty period. The one-year warranty was from the completion date, which puts repair work outside the contract warranty period. The leak along TH 23 is in a 5 year old line. Informational note: north and west shore – installed 1999, east shore – 2000, south shore 2001.
Eagle Estates’ Development
Gary recapped that at the last meeting, the issue was brought up about hookup fees in the New London Township Eagle Estates’ development, with discussion, but no action was taken. The fees are $1,750 for each residential hookup. Doug & Al Deitz (developers) were not present at that time and are at the meeting to explain their reasons why the Commission should reconsider the issue of the hookup fees. The Deitz’s explained they were encouraged to pursue GLSSWD water and sewer service including the possibility that hook up fees might be waived to encourage this sewer extension project. They were not informed about the planned fee increase. Following considerable discussion, the following motion was made by Dennis Baker: The Eagle Estates’ present platted property will be charged a $1000 ($750 to district and $250 to lake) per each new unit hookup fee for a period of two years from this date (9-23-02 to 9-23-04) then it will revert back to the August 1, 2002, $1,750 hookup fee. Seconded by Dennis Peterson. Motion carried.
Bolton & Menk
Bob Brown reported on water pressure testing around the lake. They have isolated 2 to 3 areas that have not passed the pressure test and will go back and further investigate what those leaks are once the lake is completely tested. They will then go back and make repairs. Concern was again expressed of it getting too late to repair with winter coming. The main goal is to identify the leaks and get as many taken care of as possible as soon as possible.
Infrastructure Additions Policy
The policy was drafted by Ron to deal with issues such as the Deitz development project (Eagle Estates) built by New London Township. The policy serves as written notice to consulting firms, and contractors as to what must be done before GLSSWD takes over operations, maintenance and control of the sewer and water lines. The policy defines items that must be inspected and approved and also includes a number of submittals needed before taking over responsibility of any additional infrastructure. This draft was submitted for Commission approval and will take effect immediately upon approval for all future developments. Discussion and clarification of the items listed took place. Dennis Baker requested that a copy be mailed to New London Township so there are no questions about what is required. Ron will take care of this. Being no further questions or discussion Harvey called for a motion to adopt the policy. Dennis Baker so moved and Trudie Dubord seconded. Motion passed.
TH 23 R/W Acquisition at Water Plant
The offer from the State of Minnesota for the land at the Water Treatment plant is $8,600. Gary Danielson has reviewed the plans that affect the facility and is satisfied the profile grade of the road and the location of the road will not cause the water plant any real problem. He recommended the Commission accept the offer of $8,600. Gene Wenzel made a motion and Bruce Nelson seconded that this board recommends the $8,600 sale to the state for their Highway 23 R/W acquisition at the water plant. Motion carried.
Draft Budget
Copies of the draft budget prepared by Ron and Gary were distributed and reviewed. Adopting the final budget could possibly be done next month (October), but it doesn’t have to be adopted then. The key to having the draft out at this point gives the cities of New London & Spicer a chance to see where rates will be and give them some time to evaluate them. Harvey Lange requested there be a meeting setup with Ollie Hagen to make final determination of what the affect would be on the lake before the next meeting on October 28, 2002. Gary will contact Ollie to schedule a meeting.
Minutes and Bills
A motion was made by Gene Wenzel and seconded by Trudie Dubord to approve the minutes and bills. Motion carried.
TH 23 Utility Relocation Project.
At the last meeting, the Commission recommended the successful TH 23 bidder (Duininck) be awarded the work based on a $118,700 quote for a change order to the South Shore Improvement Project, which was the lowest cost option at that time. Of the original two bidders for the forcemain relocation, Kuechle, the low bidder at $132,993, dropped out because of passage of time. Quam was the second low bidder at $135,408. Now, with change order offer from Quam for $117,136 for a directional bore, and since they were the second bidder on the bid project, Gary recommended the Commission reconsider the tentative award to Duininck and instead award it to Quam. (Duininck did not bid.) This would also avoid any legal issues concerning the bid award process. Trudie Dubord made a motion, seconded by Dennis Baker, to change the Duininck recommendation made at the last meeting to recommend Quam be awarded the contract. Motion carried.
Project Clean Up:
Gary said that in talking with Brad, they are both concerned about lack of action by the various contractors in cleaning up loose ends (lawns, curbs, fences, etc.). They feel we need to come up with a master punch list and get some firm dates on this. Brad will be working with Dean to get a master punch list together and meeting with contractor to get a firm commitment as to when this will be done.
There being no further business a motion was made by Dennis Peterson and seconded by Trudie Dubord to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth Slinden
Secretary
Minutes of the Green Lake
Sanitary Sewer and Water District Commission
August 26, 2002
Present: Harvey Lange, Dennis Peterson, Trudie Dubord, Gene Wenzel, Ollie Hagen
Absent: Bruce Nelson, Dennis Baker
Others Present: Brad DeWolf, Ron Hagemeier, Gary Danielson, Gary Sletten, GLPOA
Midwest Wireless -
Tower Rental
Andy Bobrytzke from Midwest Wireless presented the need for a cell tower in
New London. The service area for using our tower for their transmitter would be
limited to little more than the city itself. They offered the commission $400
for the tower site. The New London-Spicer school district would have to approve
a 10' x 20' building in order for the site to work. Ollie Hagen responded the
$400 per month figure was well below market value. Discussion ensued as the
benefits to New London and other areas of the district, as well as other
matters.
They would prefer a 5-year initial lease, with four more options (25 years) with a CPI escalator. Several members expressed concern with those provisions. Motion by Gene, second by Denny to ask Bob to contact the school, examine the rental rate, and return for the next meeting. Motion carried.
Water Wastewater Flows
Brad DeWolf explained current pressure testing procedure and results. The
entire system will be tested over the next 2-3 weeks. The current testing has
been going on for 11/2 weeks. Ron reported we were at 35.8% loss in July.
Several problems have been identified.
Skyline/Rice Estates
Sewer/Water Problem
Ron reported on a water/sewer problem in Skyline Estates. It turned out to
be an internal plumbing problem. The area is a mess. Several condos had back
ups. They found both a water and wastewater leak. The Rice Estates line may
also have same problems. No district lines are involved.
CSAH 30
Water Problem
Several leaky joints were found, but the water is still running. The current
running water is from ground water springs.
TH 23 Utility
Relocation
The original low bidder was $133,000 for an underground open cut project.
Duininck's were the successful bidder for the state road work. If we work with
them to do the forcemain relocation, they can do the work for $118,700. Moved by
Ollie 2nd by Denny to recommend that Duininck's be awarded the work as a
supplemental agreement to a current contract.
Second Meter for Non-Sewered
(Irrigation)
Ron presented proposed guidelines for the use of a 2nd meter (attached).
Moved by Trudie, 2nd by Dennis to approve the guidelines, motion passed.
Pond
Report
Ron reported the pond sludge test shows no real pollutants. The US Fish and
Wildlife Service remains interested, but their process is very slow. Ron will
investigate what type of permit would be required if we sold the facility.
Meeting
Date Change
The meeting date of the 4th Monday was discussed. Members agreed the need to
stay with the 4th Monday to avoid commissioner's conflicts on other meeting
dates.
Minutes
and Bills
Moved Ollie, 2nd Dennis to approve the minutes and bills. The Bolton and Menk
charges were clarified. They were for Indian Beach Harbor and the New London
Township development engineering costs.
TH 23 - Water Treatment
Plant R/W Acquisition
Gary Danielson reported Mn/DOT has offered to purchase a strip of land along
the west side of the water treatment plant property for $8,600. Details of the
effect on the plant and related utilities will need to be examined before
agreeing to the purchase.
Other
Hook up fees for the New London Township project were discussed. No changes
were recommended.
The Indian Beach Harbor agreement will be written at a 4-1/2% interest rate and 5-year guaranteed pay back.
The County Auditor requested new hookups to the existing infrastructures to maintain the same interest rate and payment schedule as existing assessments. This package would involve a 41/2% interest rate for 19 years this year; 18 years next year, and so forth. Currently, the actual new assessments are increased by 4.5% per year plus cumulative annual SAC charges. Moved by Dennis, 2nd by Gene to approve this in lieu of the 7%, 15-year policy. Motion passed.
The last bond sale for financing the project amounted to $984,000 at a true interest rate of 4.4833%. Bonds due after 2013 can be prepaid.
There being no further business, it was moved by Ollie and 2nd by Dennis to adjourn the meeting.
Respectfully Submitted,
Gary D. Danielson, P.E.
Public Works Director
Minutes of the
Green Lake
Sanitary Sewer and Water District Commission
July 22, 2002
Present: Harvey Lange, Dennis Peterson, Trudie Dubord, Dennis Baker, Gene Wenzel, Ollie Hagen, Bruce Nelson.
Others Present:
Gary Danielson – Public Works Director
Gary Sletten – Public Works Project Engineer
Ron Hagemeier – GLSSWD Director
Terry Frazee – GLPOA
Bill Taylor - Mayor of Spicer
Absent: Bev Ahlquist, recording secretary.
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chairman Harvey Lange.
Water/Wastewater Flows
Ron Hagemeier discussed the water sold/pumped report. There is still significant water loss but numbers are better this month. The Deitz leak is still reflected in the June numbers. Now that it is fixed, the July numbers for the lake may show the leak problem solved. Gary Danielson reported there are no known leaks around the lake. Concerns were expressed if a pressure test can be done at the end of the season when residents leave. It can be done from shut off to shut off and would take about two weeks time for whole lake. Ron will analyze next month’s figures and if losses are still have high, we will pressure test the system.
Bill Taylor commented that a # of valves and hydrant leaks in Spicer were found and repaired or replaced. They are replacing water pipes as streets are reconstructed.
Gary also passed out a supplemental lost water (gallon) report. Lost water constitutes extra expense due to leaks and both extra expense and lost income if meters aren’t operating correctly. The cities were asked to look at accounts closely to spot any irregularities that might indicate meter problems. The topic of sewered residents with wells that have no meters was discussed. Ron sent out letters with about half responding. About 20 are still getting estimated billing. Of these, all but one are paying their bills. If bills are not paid the bill will be put on taxes.
EDU Issues Revisited
Ron read the motion on EDU’s from the June meeting. Trudie distributed a memo from the cities of Spicer and New London regarding EDU policy recommendations. After much discussion Ollie Hagen made the following motion: All rentals, existing and new construction, with five (5) or more units will be charged as commercial accounts (EDU’s determined by usage) unless they have three (3) bedrooms or more, in which case those units will be charged an EDU per unit. All rentals with less than five (5) units, as well as condos and townhouses, will be charged an EDU per unit. Motion was seconded by Dennis Baker. The motion carried.
Hookup Fees Revisited
Ron went over the hook up fee charge information from other cities gathered since the June meeting. A discussion on changes to multi unit and commercial use outside of the cities took place. Motion made by Gene that multi units be charged at 70% of residential, commercial at one hook up charge up to 500 GPD, as an up front payment, lump sum payment, not put on as an assessment. Seconded by Trudie Dubord. Motion carried. (Notes: Applies only to the current schedule of a $1,000 residential, $1,200 commercial, lake area fees. Commercial hook up fees for over 500 GPD use would be set by the commission on an individual basis. These fees are in addition to the flat $750 district wide hook up fees.)
Church of Our Lady of the Lakes application for service
Gary Danielson asked for approval of the application for service from the Church of Our Lady of the Lakes. Dennis Peterson made a motion to accept the application and it was seconded by Dennis Baker. Motion carried.
Pond Report
Ron reported on his meeting with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife, Litchfield. They are interested in the ponds, crop land and farmstead. Because of concern about the sludge, Ron has sent in a sample for lab testing. After some discussion it was decided to continue exploring this option.
TH 23 Utility Relocation
Gary Danielson distributed copies of the abstract of bids with items marked that would be also be included in the state’s TH 23 surcharge project. The Commission decided to wait until the state’s bid letting on July 26, 2002 to see what happens as far as possibly eliminating these cost items by either working with the state’s contractor, going with the existing low bid with items eliminated, or re-bidding the project.
Minutes & Bills
Gene Wenzel moved and Bruce Nelson seconded approval of the June minutes and bills. Trudie Dubord abstained because she missed the June meeting.
Other
Terry Frazee asked: How long until it is too long and time to tell people that are not metered to do so or they will be shut off? Answer: They are being charged accordingly and as long as they are paying let them be.
Gary Danielson asked if a target date of September for the preliminary budget is soon enough? Yes was the unanimous answer. Dennis Baker referred to the $15,643.12 bill from Bolton & Menk. Gary D. said this is the last bill to be charged on the lake project. Any other work connected with the lake projects they do now will not be charged.
The status of the merger committee of Spicer, New London and New London Township was briefly discussed.
Ron noted a letter regarding a resident being charged sewer usage for lawn sprinkling. An additional meter could be installed at a resident’s expense to meter usage cost for sprinkling water and not be charged sewer usage of that water. Recommendations concerning this policy will be written up (Ron) for next meeting.
Bill Taylor asked for clarification of the $750 district hook up fee for existing homes. Ollie Hagen moved, Dennis Peterson seconded a motion to waive the fee for existing homes for the calendar year or 6 construction months (April 15 to November 15 ) after sewer or water service collection or distribution lines become available. Motion carried.
Dennis Baker moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Trudie Dubord. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth Slinden
Acting Recording Secretary
Minutes of the
Green Lake Sanitary Sewer and Water District Commission
June 24, 2002
Present: Harvey Lange, Dennis Baker, Ollie Hagen, Gene Wenzel, Bruce Nelson and Dennis Peterson
Absent: Trudie Dubord, Bev Alquist (Recording Secretary)
Others Present:
Bob Brown - Bolton & Menk, Inc,
Gary Danielson - Kandiyohi County Public Works Director
Gary Sletten - Kandiyohi County Public Works Engineer
Ron Hagemeier - GLSSWD Director
Dick Baken- GLPOA
Terry Frazee - GLPOA
Latham Assessment
The Allen Latham assessment for the Spicer Castle expansion as presented in Gary Danielson’s 6-13-02 letter (attached), was approved by a motion made by Ollie Hagen and seconded by Dennis Peterson. Motion carried.
Water Loss
Ron Hagemeier reported on water sold/pumped figures for May. Several new leaks have been identified and repaired. Bob Brown stated that if water loss figures remain high they will coordinate a pressure retest of the entire system.
Hook Up Fees
The $750 district hook up fee adopted at the last meeting was clarified as effective August 1, 2002 thru December 31, 2003. Motion by Gene Wenzel, second by Ollie Hagen, carried.
Multiple Unit Hook Up Fees
Hook up fees were further discussed as to the $750 per unit normal residential charge. Spicer representatives handed out the city’s analysis and recommendation on EDU charges, (attached). The discussion then shifted to EDU charges tabled from the last several meetings.
Existing Unit EDU
There was some discussion on the three or four unit definition of residential EDU verses the commercial EDU. Motion by Denny Baker, second Ollie Hagen that “Effective September 1, 2002, all 1-4 unit rentals will be charged 1 EDU per unit. Five or more units will be charged as commercial units. Motion carried. Note: Commercial EDU usage defined definitions are in the Memorandum of Understanding.
New Units EDU’s and Hook UP Fees
Motion by Ollie Hagen, second by Harvey Lange to charge one EDU and one hook up fee per unit for all new multiple unit construction, effective 8-1-02. After questions were raised in regard to one bedroom apartments and other city practices regarding their own hook up fees, the matter was tabled for more input and information.
Ron Hagemeier was asked to develop a hook up fee chart showing typical development options for the commission to address at the next meeting.
TH 23 Utility Relocation
Bob Brown reported on relocation costs for sewer and water lines related to TH 23 construction. (See attached letter). Dennis Pederson moved, Dennis Baker seconded for approval of the move of 2000 feet of forcemain at a cost of $70,000 to $75,000. Motion carried. Another $425,000 in relocation costs are anticipated before TH 23 is complete. Interregional corridor funds or special legislation will be sought to help defray this expense.
Sewer Extension
Bob Brown also reported it would cost about $43,000 to connect three homes north of Spicer Marine to the system. Ron reported the south home has a failed septic. Motion by Ollie Hagen, second Harvey to service the homes. Motion carried. Easements and additional assessment proceedings will be needed to complete the project.
Service Contracts
Gary Danielson reported the service contracts had exceeded assessment hearing estimates by $716,000. There was no official “contingency fund” built into final project costs. However, there is money left in the new and old bond fund and surplus 2001 lake usage fees will cover the extra costs.
Insurance Reimbursements
Ron reported a $38,000 reimbursement for loss and cleanup of the old office. The basement will be fenced and left open pending sale of the site.
The irrigation system east of the ponds and north of the old office was damaged by vandals. Cost to repair will be submitted to Minnesota Counties Insurance Trust.
Pond Report
The DNR has expressed some interest in the ponds and adjacent lands as a potential wildlife sanctuary. Ron will meet with them this coming week.
Website
Minutes of the GLSSWD and other information regarding the district will be posted on the GLPOA website.
Minutes and Bills
Ollie Hagen moved and Dennis Baker seconded approval of the May minutes and current bills.
Other
Significant offsite erosion from private property has deposited sediment into catch basins around the lake. The county will need to clean them out.
No further interest has been expressed in tower rental.
There being no further business it was moved by Dennis Baker and seconded by Harvey Lange to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed.
Respectfully Submitted,
Gary D. Danielson, P.E.
Recording Secretary