Water Utility Council
Minutes
March 14, 2002
10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

Attendance:
Ruth Hubbard, Gary Englund, Cliff McLain, Bob Cockriel, Dick Dwyer, Ed Sorenson, Ben Mason, Dick Nagy, Bob Peplin, Jim Japs, Doug Rovang, Scott Franzmeier, Bernie Bullert, Chris Elvrum

Meeting Called to Order
Chairman Cockriel convened at 10:08 a.m.

Approval of Minutes
Minutes of the Dec. 13, 2001 meeting were approved on motion by Rovang, second by Nagy.

Congress, EPA Update
Bob Peplin distributed handouts dealing with 1) security risk assessment, training, and funding; and 2) the recently released USGS study of findings of organic wastewater contaminants in surface water, and EPA Ground Water Rules and a schedule for “Rule Implementation Milestones and Requirements” through 2004. Gary Englund noted that MHD is working with USGS the surface water contaminants issue and the significance, or lack thereof, of the findings.

Legislative Report
Scott Franzmeier distributed and discussed a handout containing proposed state legislation as noted below. He also distributed a paper outlining AWWA Direction on S. 1961-The Water Investment Act of 2002; an e-mail containing a Washington Post article on chlorine; and a letter to Christine Todd Whitman co-signed by 13 Congressmen, including Bill Luther, dealing with vulnerability assessment and the potential threat posed by the use gaseous chlorine in water treatment facilities.

a) Anti Terrorism Bills Update
Senate File 2563/House File 2622-MN Anti-Terrorism Act of 2002. Scott noted there should be no adverse impact to utilities from the contents of this bill.

Senate File 2669/House File 3031-MN Emergency Health Powers Act. Bob Cockriel sat in on a meeting of a number of stakeholders, and observed that water received virtually no attention.

b) Arsenic
Englund noted MHD is doing some sampling of worst cases now, but nothing has really happened yet. Due to the mandated reductions, the legislature will have to get involved to help with funding problems. Gary further noted that funds would be available from the SRF to assist with this issue.

c) Other
SF 3168/HF2995 dealing with an exemption to the Uniform Municipal Contracting Law as it applies to water storage tank service contracts.
SF 2883/HF3477 dealing with source and health information requirements for bottled water purveyors.

State Related Water Issues

Miscellaneous Updates

Metro Area Groundwater Alliance
Chris Elvrum states no activity to report.

Gopher State One Call
No report.

Environmental Quality Board
No report.

Reports

Minnesota Rural Water Association
Ruth reported attendance at the annual state conference in St. Cloud approached 1000, with 136 exhibitors. MRWA has a security vulnerability assessment form on their web site that can be downloaded. A training manual for non-transient non-municipal utility personnel will be available by 4/1. The National RWA will hold its Washington Rally 4/20-24.

Minnesota Dept. of Health
Gary discussed a number of issues including 1) how contracts for outside laboratory support are reducing analytical costs; 2) on-going discussions with EPA regarding the Groundwater Monitoring Rule; 3) impact of state budget reductions on MHD; 4) enhanced communication techniques being employed by MHD to contact utilities; 5) vulnerability assessment funding and how MHD is working with the National Guard.

Met Council
Chris Elvrum discussed the Metro groundwater modeling program and the joint effort with PCA on this project. He also referred to efforts by the SW Metro area to complete its management plan this summer.

Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources
Jim Japps discussed impacts of budget reductions, funding for the Lewis&Clark RWS, the Council of Great Lakes Governors as regards water diversions, and well interference complaints in Lakeville.

MUCA Activities
MNDOT Utility Relocation Task Force - nothing to report.

AWWA Issues
No report.

National WUC Report
Bernie Bullert and Doug addressed the subject below together. They will try to meet with as many of the MN Congressional delegation as possible. Bernie asked for input on any issues of interest. Doug will distribute an e-mail he received from the National WUC outlining talking points, and would appreciate any feedback by Friday afternoon. Bob Cockriel suggested any legislation providing funding for vulnerability assessments and/or installation and equipment should contain language providing for the funding to be retroactive to 9/11/01.

Legislative Fly-in
See previous.

Discussion/Action

Association Management Update
Scott reported that the City of Bloomington has assumed responsibility for publishing the Breeze. He also noted that Yasser had finished second to Marley Price in the AWWA elections, and that the Board has voted to support another run by Yassir if he chooses to pursue the office. Scott advised that the Drinking Water Institute will be held June 24-26 in New Ulm.

Secretary / Treasurer
Scott reported that Jon Eaton of Bloomington has been named the new Secretary-Treasurer for the Section.

Old & New Business

Next meeting
Our next meeting will be at 10:00 am, June 6, at the Bloomington WTP.

Adjourn
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:50 a.m.

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