Water Utility Council
Minutes
December 14, 2000
9:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.
Ewald Consulting Group, First Floor Conference Room, St. Paul

Attendance: Dave Allen, Bob Cockriel, Gary Englund, Scott Franzmeier, Jim Haugen, Ruth Hubbard, Vern Jacobsen, Jim Japs, Adam Kramer, Dennis Martensen, Dick Nagy, Gary Oberts, Bob Peplin, Dave Scheerer, David Schultz, Pat Shea, Ed Sorensen

Meeting Called to Order
Chairman Robert Cockriel opened the meeting at 9:00 a.m.

Approval of Minutes
September 12, 2000 minutes were accepted by consent.

Congress, EPA Update
Bob Peplin provided a handout of various documents relating to SDWA issues Arsenic and Chlorine. Phase II questions are coming in now.

Legislative Report
Scott Franzmeier reported the activities at the current short session.  This will be a long session and with the three party system, we expect a busy session. The surplus and sales tax exemption will both be issues of concern.

State Related Water Issues

Miscellaneous Updates

Metro Area Groundwater Alliance - Patti Craddock reported that Gary Oberts volunteered the DNR to get list of members for this group. We will see if a current member could represent AWWA.

Gopher State One Call - No new information to report.

Environmental Quality Board - Kurt Johnson states Verne Jacobsen passed out draft work plans for Kramer.

Reports

Minnesota Dept. of Health 
The Radiological rule passed. This increase demand for lab capacity. It does provide a longer compliance period. Uranium requirements are new. The department will request new dollars for lab work.

The Groundwater Rule could require more monitoring. Minnesota and Wisconsin studies do not match EPA's study. Cost and capacity are other issues for labs.

Englund reported that the certification deadline is February 5.

The three areas of focus for the legislative session are operator certification, moving the collection of the $5.21 fee from Revenue to MDH, and our budget.

Met Council
Council likely to oppose the 500 million gallon use once through system for General Mills. Comment Period ends January 11th.

Oberts also reported that the Water Demand survey is done.

Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources
Japs passed out information on the Council of Great Lakes Governors for comments. He also reported on the Surface Water Release, Lewis & Clark funds, Ground Water Quality, March 21 SW thirst for water conference and the Dewater Machine.

AWWA Issues
We plan to hold the Minnesota Meeting at the Annual conference at the Office Buildings on Wed. June 20^th. This is being organized currently.

Lamm will be working for New Ulm and Thom will be leaving Richfield.

The 2002 Section Annual Meeting will be held at Cragun's the first week of October.

Discussion/Action

Association Management Update
The Public Information Committee has been working on the Breeze. Expect a “Light Breeze” in your mail soon. They are also discussing the Web page.

Secretary / Treasurer
Allen reported on the Program committee’s work to put together a strong Annual conference.

Old & New Business
Sorensen was applauded for his fine leadership of the Water Utility Council. Also, Johnson agreed to be our next Vice Chair. Duane Schartz has taken over Cockriel’s position as Safety Committee Chair.

Next meeting: – March 15, 2001  10:00 am, Bloomington Fire Station #1.

Adjourn - The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 a.m.

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