Water Utility Council
Minutes

December 12, 2002

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Bloomington Water Treatment Plant

Attendance:

Bob Cockriel, Doug Rovang, Kurt Johnson, Bernie Bullert, Dave Scheerer, Dick Nagy, Cliff McLain, Ruth Hubbard, Bob Peplin, Gary England

Meeting Called to Order

Chairman Cockriel called the meeting to order at 10:03 a.m.

Approval of Minutes

Minutes of the October 3, 2002 meeting were approved.

Motion by Doug Rovang, Second by Kurt Johnson

Bob Cockriel noted the availability of Section Meeting Minutes on the Website.

Congress, EPA Update

Bob Peplin reported on Sandia vulnerability assessment training and an upcoming Webcast. Additionally, Bob reported that there would be an opportunity to attend Security Training for Water Systems at the St. Paul College (?) Contact for this event is Dan Faas, phone number 651/846-1304. Bob also noted new Surface Water Treatment rules and arsenic issues. Bob also noted a CDC report, dated 11/22/02 titled Surveillance of Water Borne Diseases and outbreaks.

Legislative Report

Bernie Bullert discussed the WUC use of the League of Minnesota Cities and that Ed Sorensen and he have met with a representative to develop this relationship. Closed meetings on security issues were brought up in regard to Dale Folen’s letter to WUC. Dale believes that for these security reasons closed meetings should be allowed and has asked that the WUC promote this idea.

There was a desire to direct the legislative affairs committee to approach the League for financial support and to pursue the closed meeting security issue.

State Related Water Issues

1. MISCELLANEOUS - UPDATES AS NEEDED

A. Metro Area Groundwater Alliance

No report

B. Gopher State One Call

No Report from Adam.

C. Environmental Quality Board

No activity reported. Kurt has received no communication from EQB in more than 6 months.

REPORTS

A. Minnesota Rural Water Association

Ruth reported that Rural Water has two vulnerability assessments completed and approved by the EPA They can be accessed on National Rural Water’s Web site and downloaded. Ruth also reported that arsenic is expected to be a significant issue and that the Minnesota cities of Sabin and Climax have received $1,000,000 grants from EPA for pilot plants. They are 2 of 12 nationally awarded.

B. Minnesota Department of Health

Gary Englund reported that all Health Department financial support is derived from fees and Federal sources, and they do not receive any general fund (State) monies. Gary stated that they expect to be able to support themselves out to 2006, but expected they would probably need to ask the legislature for funding at that time unless things change. Gary also reported that Doug Mandy would be representing the Health Department at future WUC meetings. Gary also shared the concerns with other agencies such as DNR and PCA regarding the state budget deficit, including the possibility of laying-off several hundred employees.

C. Metropolitan Council

No representative and no report.

D. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

No representative and no report. Doug Rovang expressed concerns with their recent utility operations and Agency (DNR) policy regarding wetlands and fens.

MUCA Activities - MAC

It was noted that Ben Mason is current MAC chairperson.

E. Association Director

Bernie Bullert had nothing in particular to report on at this time but would provide any new information through e-mail. Bernie also reported the desire to drop the sales tax issue at this time.

F. National WUC Meeting

This topic will be eliminated in the Agenda since Doug Rovang's term is completed.

2. DISCUSSION - ACTION

A. Association Management Update

No report.

B. Secretary/Treasurer

Jon Eaton informed WUC of +$30,000 income from fall conference. Dave Sheerer applauded Bloomington for the hard work to make this happen.

C. Old Business/New Business

Doug Rovang asked if bi-yearly (6 month) meetings should be considered for WUC. General consensus was that quarterly meetings should be continued.

3. Next Meeting

Thursday March 13, 2003

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Possible Location - St. Paul WTP

4. Adjourn

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

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