Water Utility Council
Minutes
September 12, 2000
9:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.
Holiday Inn - Downtown Mankato

Attendance: Yassar Abouaish, Dave Allen, Jarrod Christen, Bob Cockriel, Dick Dwyer, Ruth Hubbard, Kurt Johnson, Allen Lamm, Ben Mason, Dick Nagy, Bob Peplin, Doug Rovang, Dave Scheerer, Dave Schultz, Scott Franzmeier, Bob Lennertz, Doug Mandy, Petrona Lee, Glen Anderson

Meeting Called to Order
Chairman Ed Sorensen convened meeting at 9:05 a.m. New member Bob Lennertz was introduced along with AWWA Vice President Glen Anderson.

Approval of Minutes
On motion by Bob Cockriel, second by Kurt Johnson, minutes of the June 8^th meeting were approved as submitted.

Congress, EPA Update
Bob Peplin distributed and discussed handouts from AWWA dealing with EPA’s Ground Water Rules, Disinfection By-Products Rule, Long-Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, Water Infrastructure Funding, and Arsenic Rule. Chairman Sorensen distributed an e-mail AWWA on “Hot Button Issues in Government Affairs.”

Legislative Report
Scott Franzmeier noted that in this election year the entire State Legislature is up for election/re-election. He circulated a number of responses to a survey of municipal utilities requesting information on electrical costs. This information was requested to support efforts to secure sales tax relief from the State Dept. of Revenue. Scott reported that an adverse ruling would make it unlikely that capital equipment can be exempted from sales tax. Ruth Hubbard reported that the Lincoln-Pipestone RWS had received a substantial sales tax rebate, and, on suggestion by Bob Cockriel, will provide the name of the individual who spearheaded that effort to the LAC for their follow-up. Chairman Sorensen noted that his secretary, Sue McCarville, would be running for State Representative from their district.

State Related Water Issues

Miscellaneous Updates

Metro Area Groundwater Alliance - There was no response to Chairman Sorensen’s request for a volunteer to replace Patti Craddock.

Gopher State One Call - No report as Adam Kramer was absent

Environmental Quality Board - Kurt Johnson offered to provide a copy of the draft report on the Minnesota Plan to anyone who requested it. At this point a discussion was initiated by Chairman Sorensen related to related to the earlier understanding with DNR about the Section’s role with respect to water conversation issues. He noted that Jon Eaton had discussed how the AWWA Conservation Committee and the LAC may be duplicating efforts. Kurt Johnson and Bob Cockriel discussed what influence, if any, the Section should exert on individual communities to submit their plans. It was suggested that the LAC meet with John Linc Stine of DNR to revisit the earlier agreement.

Reports

Minnesota Rural Water Association - Ruth ;Hubbard led a discussion on FEMA requirements for Mutual Aid Agreements. Dave Schultz noted that John Thom is working on behalf of the Section to come up with an MAA. Bob Cockriel mentioned that MPWA has had a strong MAA in place for several years. Doug for Mandy suggested letting the League of Minnesota Municipalities take the lead role in this effort.

Ruth also discussed a recent EPA opinion that 2.5% of the median household income should be devoted to water; the addition of another circuit rider position to MN RWA staff; and Congressional authorization of the Lewis & Clark RWS.

Minnesota Dept. of Health - Doug Mandy attended in Gary Englund’s place. He reported on Operator Certification rule changes; MDH’s Legislative agenda for the coming session (focused on funding needs/means to cover increased sampling requirements); contract laboratory services/economies; rules that soon to take effect; CCR’s (917 of 950 are in; and DWRF (87 projects approved with $94M+).Bob Cockriel raised the question of self-certification of “internal” labs; Doug’s opinion was that it wouldn’t happen.

Met Council – Gary Oberts was absent, no report

Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources – Japs/Stine were absent, no report

MUCA Activities – Mason had nothing to report

Directors; Association and National-At-Large - Al Lamm discussed a book he recently read dealing with nitrate levels that he will forward to the Chair for anyone who is interested. Yassar Abouaish encouraged members to attend Tommy Holmes session on Friday, and suggested that the MN Congressional Delegation be invited to our Section function at the national conference in Washington, DC next year.

Glen Anderson discussed AWWA coordination/cooperation with other national organizations such as WEF and NRWA, the prospect for a Drinking Water Trust Fund similar to the Highway Transportation Trust Fund, and differences between AWWA and WEF that will likely prevent a merger of the two organizations. He encouraged continued cooperation at the section level with other state organizations with similar interests; and promotion of MN members for National AWWA positions.

Al Lamm suggested that we nominate Doug Rovang for a position on the National WUC. Chairman Sorensen directed Scott Franzmeier to draft a letter to that effect.

Discussion/Action

Association Management Update - Scott Franzmeier reported on the preparation for the Legislative session, membership, the Mentor and Ambassador programs, vendor exhibitors (68), and the revised banquet format.

Secretary / Treasurer - Dave Allen noted that Yassar Abouaish has agreed to run for AWWA Vice President, and that Verne Jacobsen has been nominated as an AWWA Honorary Member.

Selection of Water Utility Council Chair - On motion by Ruth Hubbard, second by Dick Dwyer, Bob Cockriel was elected by acclamation as the new WUC Chairperson.

Next meeting: December 14, 2000, 10:00 A.M. - 12:00 Noon, at a location to be determined

Adjourn - The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 a.m. on motion by Bob Cockriel, second by Doug Rovang.

  Back to Water Utility Council Meetings Page