Nashwauk Public Utilities Commission
January 18, 2011
Chairman Latvala called the meeting to order at 3:00 pm in the council chambers
Members Present: Latvala, Tweed, Keranen, Hendricks
Members Absent: Bolf
*Motion by Hendricks, seconded by Keranen to approve Minutes of: November 1, 2010 and December 21, 2010
Ayes all present—motion carried
*Motion by Hendricks, seconded by Latvala to approve the following invoices for ESML: Barr Eng $92,263.32; Sherner $7,085.00; MN Power $2053.81; Adams Consult $14,305.00; Leonard Street $925.00;RLK $20,997.75; McGrann Shea $9,967.50; Black & Veatch $58,180.24 Latvala Lumber $408.94 and to approve all invoices paid and file the claims report as official record
Ayes all present—motion carried
Patty Williams addressed the commission regarding concerns on the HVTL power line that will be going thru several properties in the Pengilly area. Most properties will be within 100’ of the line. Other routes were not used because there were homes in the route areas. She has contacted quite a few people but came to the PUC board to see if there is something that can be done by them. Hendricks and Adams will be in Duluth on to talk to MP and see what options there are and get back to Williams.
Discussion was held on the draft HVTL Wetland Permit application to COE. A final copy was presented to the commission as requested at a previous meeting
*Motion by Hendricks, seconded by Keranen to receive, authorize approval and present to COE
Ayes all present—motion carried
Discussion was held on the ESML substation design and bus extension. The extension is about 3000’ long and in the same trench as water and sewer and gas. Need to talk to Essar about digging the trench.
*Motion by Hendricks, seconded by Tweed to approve the bus extension and allow Black & Veatch to begin the process
Ayes all present—motion carried
Review on the ESML project budget: Recommendation to hold the budget numbers until we see what the project is doing. Bids will be done in March, meet with Essar and the county at that time on the budget
Review of the grant agreement and Joint Powers Agreement Regarding the state bond proceeds:
Mike Metso was present to explain the amendments needed to the grant agreements for the $8M and the $24M and the JPA regarding the state bond proceeds. The ownership details need to be changed from the county to the proper entities. State legislation has amended the grant agreements. The JPA needs to be finalized by September 2011 on how the funds will be allocated to the County, Rail Authority and the NPUC. The grant agreement amendment also includes a revised budget and updated construction schedule.
McGrann Shea are working on the agreements.
Review and discuss water and sewer extension to Itasca County Garage:
RLK will provide estimates to do the extension. Tweed asked who is paying the engineering fees. No reply to question. Hendricks said if the county puts it in we would maintain it.
*Motion by Hendricks, seconded by Tweed to approve getting estimates from RLK for the County extension
Ayes all present—motion carried
*Motion by Tweed, seconded by Keranen to approve change order #4 to Hammerlund in the amount of $25,816.46 and allow Chairman Latvala to sign
Ayes all present—motion carried
*Motion by Hendricks, seconded by Latvala to transfer from the PUC fund to the Debt Service Tower fund for the water tower interest payment in the amount of $4,979.70
Ayes all present—motion carried
*Motion by Hendricks, seconded by Tweed to transfer from the PUC savings #710015 to the Debt Service Bond Fund for the PUC portion of their obligation in the amount of $25,567.50
Ayes all present—motion carried
*Motion by Hendricks, seconded by Latvala to allow Clerk LaBine to work with the NK High School regarding the MMUA scholarship program
Ayes all present—motion carried
*Motion by Keranen, seconded Tweed to approve the application from Jerry Mackey for the Contractor position of Journeyman Lineman for 2011 pay at $45/hour plus $500/per month retainer fee
Ayes all present—motion carried
*Motion by Tweed, seconded by Keranen to approve partial pay estimate #5 to Hammerlund for the pump house project in the amount of $141,759.98 and allow Chairman Latvala to sign
Ayes all present—motion carried
Next meeting date February 15, 2011 at 3:00 pm
*Motion by Hendricks, seconded by Tweed to adjourn at 4:15 pm
Ayes all present—motion carried
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Secretary