Duluth/North Shore Sanitary District – Board of Managers

Meeting #74

 

Date:    March 8, 2006                       

Board Members Present:   Lars Fladmark, Kevin Bovee, Mary Ann Sironen, Scott Smith & Katie Kuettel           

 

Board Members Absent:  none                         

 

Others Present:   Scott Harder, Mary Frances Skala, Andy Pratt, Clare Carpenter, Eric Appelwick, Missy Kesanen, John Miller, Jim Anklam, Jeff Cook, Duane Harold, John Kessler, Mike Appelwick, Ty Hebl, Stephanie Ball, Clayton Cich, Kevin O'Brien and one other representatives from CW Development

 

Minutes to:       Jim Anklam, Eric Appelwick, Mike Appelwick, Darryl Bathel, Dan Belden, Bruce Berg, Kelli Boedigheimer, Kevin Bovee , John Bowen, Clare Carpenter, Rick Certano, Jeff Cook, City of Duluth, Duluth City Council, Duluth Township, Lars Fladmark, Greg Garmer, Jane Gilbert, Mark Gottwald, Wendy Gustofson, Scott Harder, Mark Herman, Duane Herold, Lynn Ann Hollatz, Kevin Holm , Dan Jacobson, Laurie Johnson, Al Katz, John Kessler, Lakewood Township, Nancy Larson-St. Louis County, Sue Lawson, Patti Logergren, Mike Mahoney, Joe McGaver, Don McTavish, Larry Moon, Dan Neiman, Mel Olson, Wayne Parson, PLAWCS, David Pierson, Tom Pulse, Yvonne Rutford, Mark Schaus, John Schifsky, Dale Schroeder, Dick Sigel, Mary Ann Sironen , Mary Frances Skala, Scott Smith, Kurt Soderberg, Tim Strom, George Sundstrom , Carol Surine, Peg Sweeney, John Thomas, Nelson Thomas, Jonathon Thornton, Pete Weidman, Robin Whaley, Sandy Woolum

 

Minutes by:            by Missy Kesanen and edited by Mary Ann Sironen

Item

Discussion

Conclusion/Actions

Roll Call

A quorum of Board members is present.

 

Agenda

Motion by S. Smith and seconded by K. Bovee to approve the Agenda.  Unanimously approved.

Minutes

February minutes were not available to Board members

Approval will take place at April Board meeting.

Treasure’s Report

C. Carpenter distributed the list of outstanding invoices.

  • Added amounts for Contract B and Contract C retainage ($45,067.27 and $10,335.27 respectively)

 

Motion by K. Kuettel and seconded by K. Bovee to pay the current invoices as listed.  Unanimously approve.

Public Comments

Kevin O’Brien from CW Development requested information.  Scott Harder gave explanations.

1.Why did the connection cost rise from the original assessment of $4,500.00 to $8,140.00? Original homes/buildings were able to take advantage of grant funds. The initial cost-based connection fee was calculated when the project was begun in 2000. Costs have since risen. The Extended Hook-up program that connects buildings to the main line was put in place for existing homes only.

 2. Is it possible for two homes to share a grinder pump? No.  The Board has set a policy that shared grinder pumps will not be allowed.

3.  How much capacity is left?  There are approximately 500 flow units still available.

4. If application is put in now and paid for, how long would it be good for? An application would remain viable for one year.

 The Board has taken a prudent policy that growth should pay their way.

 

Motion by S. Smith and seconded by K. Bovee that the existing policies be maintained.  Unanimously approved.

Input

J. Kessler suggested that Duluth Township might add a check-off box to their land use permit that E. Appelwick could use to give provisional approval for connection to the D/NSSD system.  D/NSSD would review plans for and give permits for all dwellings requiring sewer service. It's possible that an outbuilding could be given a permit and built over a sewer line if every township application weren't first reviewed.   S. Smith added that once the application is received, a signature on the capacity agreement and easement would affirm it so that the permit could be issued.  It was noted that capacity is not an issue for a single house, but if it is a development then there is concern.  It was also suggested that there be a numbering system for the applications.

M. Skala stated that consent would be needed from WLSSD, MPCA and DNSSD.  E. Appelwick will draft a form for further consideration.

Updates
  1. I&I Inspections – currently nothing new
  2. Easements – J Miller is waiting for a few people who are out of town. The Willemarck property will be done when the snow goes.
  3. Knife-River/Larsmont – E. Appelwick stated it was on-line and flowing as of 3/3/06.  25,000 gallons was pumped through the system to Ryan Road. During dry weather, there should be approximately 15-16 thousand gallons per day.  The meter will be monitored. KR-L will be billed on a monthly basis at $0.65 per thousand gallons. This amount will need to be reviewed for next year.

Legal Issues
  1. S. J. Lewis – a supplementary affidavit was requested of S. Harder.
  2. Insurance – A. Pratt contacted Chris James and received a quote for above-ground items (lift station and control boxes).  Currently $500,000.00 insured.  A. Pratt will request a summary page from Chris James.
  3. Rates and Charges – Developer Agreement Ordinance #4

 

 

2. Consensus (motion?) that additional coverage be purchased for $1,625.00 per year.

Engineer’s Report
  1. Malarski Change Order – J. Anklam reached a settlement with Frontier of $9,600.00.
  2. Ayres Agreement Review – Discussion on when to start charging fees to Developers when they talk with Ayres about requirements for new connections, etc.  S. Smith suggested that Ayres time should be billed to DNSSD and then it is up to DNSSD as to when to charge the developer.  E. Appelwick suggested that a line item be made “negotiation/planning” that Ayres should use to track this time.  Currently the amount is capped at $2,000.00 for requests to assist NTS/DNSSD.  J. Anklam was concerned that this amount will be exceeded with all the requests for assistance.

 

 

2. L. Fladmark requested J. Anklam  to inform the Board when Ayres consultants reach the $2,000.00 cap amount on with any potential customer.

NTS Report:     E. Appelwick distributed the March report to the Board.

  • Website – Received a proposal from JPG Communications.  Eric to get more information.  Tabled until next meeting.
  • Freezing Pumps – Swing check valves have been installed; wind exposure seems to be the problem.  Valves are under warranty.
  • Ryan Road odor – When K-RL went on-line, there was an odor present at Ryan Road.  Eric explained that this more than likely was due to the initial flow that was sitting in the pipe.  Odor control samples were sent in.
  • Annual I&I Report – Has been completed and submitted.
  • Newsletter – Ready for mailing.
  • New E-mail address for NTS.
  • Quote needed for Flow Meter.
  • Fire Numbers – Need to send in maps.
  • 47th Avenue East heater needs to be replaced.
  • Meter Review – Once Eric completes, he will email to the Board.

·         Eric Beyer at 5167 McQuade Road has a plugged drain line.  Due to the frozen ground, nothing can be done until it thaws.

Pursuant to the open meeting law in Minnesota Statutes, Section 13D.05, and on the basis of attorney-client privilege, the Board will close this meeting to discuss the continuation of litigation versus Brian and Jennifer Malarski.  Only the members of the Board and legal counsel will be allowed during this portion of the meeting.  This meeting is now closed.

Meeting adjourned.  Next meeting is at 0700 at French River Lutheran Church.

 

 

Approved  (4-12-06):                                                                                                                                    

                                                Chair                                                    Secretary