MINNESOTA AWWA GOVERNING BOARD MEETING

8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, February 1, 2008

Riverwood Conference Center, Otsego, Minnesota

 

AGENDA

 

1.         CALL TO ORDER (Peterson)

Called to order at 8:10am.

 

2.         ROLL CALL (Brown)

Position                                                 Name                            Attendance Confirmed

Executive Board of Directors

Chair-elect.................................................. Bill Spain, SCTC                                   Yes

Chair.......................................................... Karla Peterson, MDH                            Yes

Past Chair.................................................. Scott Anderson, St. Louis Park              Yes

Association Director.................................... Glen Gerads, Bloomington                     Yes

Association Director Elect........................... Dave Schultz, MDH                               Yes

Secretary/Treasurer..................................... Dave Brown, Bluestone Engr                  Yes

Assistant Secretary..................................... Stew Thornley, MDH                             Yes

 

District Trustees

Northwest................................................... Brian Bergentine, AE2S                         No

Northeast................................................... vacant

Central....................................................... Lyle Stai, Willmar                                 Yes

Metro......................................................... Carol Blommel Johnson, Apple Valley     No

Southwest.................................................. Pete Moulton, St. Peter                         Yes

Southeast.................................................. Dean Huschle, Northfield                       Yes

At-Large..................................................... Pat Shea, St Cloud                               Yes

 

Councils and Committees

Administrative & Policy (APC)...................... Bob Cockriel, Bloomington                     No

Conference (Conf)....................................... Corey Lubovich, Hibbing                        Yes

Minnesota Associates (MAC)....................... Tony Belden, Engineering America         Yes

Public Affairs (PAC).................................... Myron Volker, Owatonna                       Yes

Training & Education (TEC)......................... Chris Glassing, ACIPCO                       Yes

Water Utility (WUC)..................................... Bernie Bullert, TKDA                             Yes

 

 

3.         CONSENT REPORT

MINUTES APPROVAL:

September 17, 2007 – Governing Board meeting

September 18, 2007 – Governing Board meeting

September 21, 2007 – Governing Board meeting

 

Corrections:

 

FINANCIAL REPORT (Dave Brown)

The Section Monthly Financial Status, as of December 31, 2007, income was $253,685 and expenses were $253,056 for a net income of $629. Investments are up since the beginning of the year by $22,394.

 

ASSOCIATION DIRECTOR’S REPORT (Glen Gerads/Dave Schultz)

The AWWA Winter Board of Directors Meeting was held January 27, 2008, in Coronado, California.  Additionally, a Board Special Session was held on January 26, 2008, at the same location.  This is my last winter board meeting as your Director and as such In-coming Director Dave Schultz accompanied me as his initial soirée into Association at the board level. 

The following items are submitted as a matter of general interest: 

Election of New Officers and the Selection of a New Executive Director and Treasurer 

The following individuals will assume office during the 2008 Annual Conference and Exposition in Atlanta, Georgia in June:   

President-elect, Craig Woolard (Director and Vice-president, from the Alaska Section)

Vice-presidents, Dee Bennett (South Carolina Section), Dean Fritzke (Pacific Northwest Section), Juan Carlos Perez Bofill (Puerto Rico Section), Jeffrey Zdrojewski (New York Section).

Director-at-large, Daniel Duchniak (Wisconsin Section)

Director-at-large/service provider, Joel Neulight (Pennsylvania Section) 

In addition to electing new officers, this year the Board of Directors selected Gary J. Zimmerman as the Association’s new Executive Director replacing Jack W. Hoffbuhr who is retiring after leading AWWA for 12 years.  The Board also selected Lee Roberts as the Association’s next Treasurer replacing John Anderson.  Roberts begins his four-year term in June. 

Other Items of Interest 

The AWWA executive board has been reading and reacting to a book entitled the 7 Measures of Success- What Remarkable Associations Do That Others Don’t.  This book is published by ASAE & the Center for Association Leadership and based on the matched-pair research methodology adapted from the work of Jim Collins, author of Good to Great and Built to Last. AWWA’s Executive Committee identified three primary actions to undertake as a result of the research, namely AWWA will: 

·         Develop and communicate the membership growth strategy;

·         Set performance protocols for current and future programs, services, and products; and

·         Develop alliance strategies

 

On a somewhat related note, the ad hoc committee on Organizing for the Future is continuing their work as well.  The committee is actually broken down into six subcommittees: 

·         Services and Core Competencies;

·         Succession Planning;

·         Information Technology;

·         Consolidation;

·         Section Relationships; and

·         Volunteerism and Volunteer Involvement

 

Each of these subcommittees is diligently at work, and I suspect over the next year the efforts of these sub committees will manifest themselves in new initiatives.  One outfall already from the Section Relationships subcommittee is the need to update the indemnification clause in the by-laws.  A corollary to the indemnification clause rewrite is the need to have written affiliation agreements between the Association and the Sections.  The affiliation agreement framework is being developed.  The plan is to have information on affiliation agreements to the various Sections within the next few weeks.  

The Accreditation Committee continues to work on the G Series Standards, also know as the Utility Management Standards.  Both the G Series Standards and guidance manuals are being prepared.  Thirteen other AWWA Standards were approved at the meeting.   

The Strategic Planning Committee is no longer a standing committee of the Board of Directors.  The responsibility of the Strategic Planning Committee has been given to the Executive Committee with the Chair being the Executive Director and the Vice Chair being the Treasurer.  Though this item passed it was not unanimous. 

Treasurer John Anderson presented AWWA’s Business Plan.  The business plan focuses on providing a roadmap for the next three years.  Tied closely to the business plan is the annual budget.  The 2008 Budget was approved with a projected income of $32,645,900 and projected expenses of $31,709,300 resulting in a net income of $936,600 and capital expenditures of $905,000.  The 2009 dues rates were also approved and the four-year dues plan was conceptually approved.  

The AWWA Board of Directors next meeting is in June at the ACE.  That will be my final meeting as I hand the reigns over to Mr. Schultz.  Boy how time flies, until then… 

Glen M. Gerads
Minnesota Section Director  

 

DISTRICT REPORTS

            Northwest District (Brian Bergantine)

Northwest District MN AWWA Operator School, November 27-29, 2007, Crookston

 

According to Jeanette Boothe, Environmental Health Division of the MDH, there were 48 attendees at the NW District School in Crookston.  Eight individuals paid the late sign-up fee of $125 and 40 individuals pre-paid the $100 fee, for a total fee of $5,000.  An additional $127 was collected from the vendors that displayed for lunches: 

 

Topics covered at the operator school included:  (1) managing your distribution system; (2) role of the general contractor on projects; (3) chemical safety; (4) proper testing techniques and testing of equipment; (5) safety; (6) water tanks including glass-fused to steel; epoxy coated steel, and concrete tanks; (7) coatings for water towers, tanks, and standpipes; (8) distribution system modeling; (9) arsenic treatment at the Sabin WTP; (10) the role of Minnesota Rural Water Association; and (11) meters.  Additionally, topics included Water for People, Drinking Water Module, and My Kids (Jarrod Christen).

 

The business meeting was called to order at 8:34 am by Chair Gary Hultberg on November 28, 2007.  The Secretary’s report was read from the November 29, 2006 meeting in Detroit Lakes by Brian Bergantine.  Report was approved as read.

 

Brian Bergantine, District Trustee reported the following:  (1) John Thom, who has provided operator training and was present, was selected the 2007 Leonard N. Thompson Award; (2) A new award was handed out this year, Volunteer of the Year.  If anyone had a particular candidate in mind, they were to contact Brian Bergantine; (3) Two Operator Status AWWA memberships were drawn for this year during the noon lunch.  Anyone who was an operator that was not a member or that would like to continue their 2008 membership was encouraged to apply.  Larry Rudh, Fergus Falls, and Matt Moltzan, Detroit Lakes were drawn to receive the memberships; (4) The operators in attendance were questioned as to how many would be interested in going to, or thought their utilities would let them go to, Duluth for the MN AWWA annual conference if their expenses were paid.  Several operators felt that they would be able to go if their expenses were paid for by the Section; (5) It was announced that AWWA will decrease the number of regions next year and that North Dakota and South Dakota will be now included in with Region III.

 

Chad Troitte, Water for People committee member, reported that donations are going well and tickets are on sale for $10.  Vendors have donated prizes for the raffle drawing.  The NW Section donated three (3) $25 Wal-Mart Gift Cards as prizes.  In all the NW Section raised $290 for Water for People.

 

Monte Ruch, Fisher, was nominated and approved for the position of Vice Chair.  Larry Rudh, Fergus Falls, would move up to Chair.

 

Fergus Falls was selected as the site for the NW District three-day school, and it will likely be held during the first week in December 2008.  A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the business meeting at 8:50 am. 

 

The guest speaker at the business meeting was Ernie the Angler, who spoke about his experiences of getting into fishing, the creation of his character, and his outlook on life.  A product show was held at the motel and was followed up by a hands-on training session at the Crookston WTP as well as a tour of the facility. 

 

            Northeast District (vacant)

No report.

 

            Central District (Lyle Stai)

The annual one-day Central District School was held on October 17, 2007, at St. John’s University. There were 86 people in attendance. Some of the topics covered included: distribution system maintenance, GIS, new plant startups (Lake Lillian and Cosmos), PFC contamination in the metro area, and well maintenance. The noon buffet meal, which was served in the Great Hall, was just as delicious as it has been in the past years. A drawing was held for two complimentary AWWA memberships. Rene Sol, a utilities lab technician working for the city of St. Cloud, received an Operations membership. Nicholas Voigt, who is in the water and wastewater program at St. Cloud Technical College, received a Student membership. Numerous door prizes were given out at the close of the session.

 

The next annual three-day Central District School will be held June 11-13, 2008, at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge, located near Deerwood MN. This has been a very popular setting for the people who have attended this school in the past years. The Planning Committee will be meeting in the near future to set the agenda for this school.   

 

            Metro District (Carol Blommel Johnson)

No report.

 

            Southwest District (Pete Moulton)

The Southwest District met in Truman on October 4th where 40 operators

were in attendance. Presentations were completed by the following:

 

*           Water for People - Chris Voeltz, Saint Peter 

*           Southeast Minnesota Flood Update - Mark Sweers, MDH

*           Maintenance of Chemical Feed Pumps - Mike Clements, Hawkins Chemical

*           Gopher State One-Call Updates - John Eisle, Minneapolis

*           Hydrant and Valve Maintenance - Rick Warner, American Flow

*           Backwash Discharge Regulations - Beckie Olson, MPCA

*           Water Appropriations and Ethanol Facility Demands – Leo Getsfried, MnDNR

*           Water Updates and Well Management - MDH staff

*           Business Meeting and AWWA Update was conducted by Section Trustee Pete Moulton

*           MnWARN Update - Pete Moulton AWWA, Saint Peter

*           Chris Voeltz the Minnesota Water for People co-chair was acknowledged as the “Volunteer of the Year”

for the Minnesota Section of the AWWA.

 

In February, the SW District planning committee will be meeting in

Mankato to make plans for the one-day school in Redwood Falls on

Wednesday April 2nd, additional information is available by contacting Mark Sweers, mark.sweers@health.state.mn.us, 507-389-5561.

 

                Southeast District (Dean Huschle)

The SE District 2007 fall one-day school was held in the Northfield Community Resource Center on Friday, October 26th.  Topics included: a panel discussion on the flooding in SE Minnesota, pump house evaluations, wind generators, commercial drivers licenses and the St. Cloud Technical College water program.  41 people were registered for the school.

 

A planning session was held on December 13th in Red Wing to plan the 3-day spring 2008 operator’s school.  The following were present for the meeting:  Paul Halvorson, Myron Volker, Stew Thornley, Corey Aadalen, Wylie Rindels, Shawn Mulhern, Jeanette Boothe, Steve McCuskey, Mike Glende and Dean Huschle.  The SE District 2008 spring three-day school will be held at the Ramada Hotel and Conference Center in Rochester from Wednesday, March 12 to Friday, March 14th.

 

Rick King from Winona has taken over as the SE District Chair and Mike Glende from Faribault was elected as SE District Chair-elect at the spring 2007 school in Rochester.

 

If you have any comments or suggestions for upcoming events in the SE District, I can be reached at dean.huschle@ci.northfield.mn.us.

 

Dean Huschle

SE District Trustee

 

 

COUNCIL/COMMITTEE REPORTS

                Administration Council (Cockriel)

Awards (Yasser Abouaish)
No report.
Finance (Barb Woolsey)

The Finance Committee met on January 4, 2008 at the Bloomington Water Treatment Plant. Barb Woolsey (chair), Doug Rovang, Karl Streed, Jon Eaton, Stew Thornley and David Brown were present.

 

The section financial status and investments as of November 30, 2007 were reviewed. The Section continues to be slightly ahead of the financial plan.  Committee reviewed reasons why some financial numbers are noticeably different between 2007 and 2006.

 

Dave noted that the 2008 budget recommended by the finance committee was slightly revised by the board at the September 18, 2007 board meeting. Budget revised by the board added $13,400 in expenses.  This was the net change of $16,000 added to the Publications Committee expenses to cover the contract costs with Image Communications and the $2,600 deduct for the Water For People Committee which was the result of the transposition of the income and expenses numbers for that committee in the previous 2008 budget.

 

Dave reported that the 2006 audit is complete.  Dave will email 2006 audit and management letter to committee for their review.

 

Finance committee members serve three year terms and Karl Streed’s term was up as of this meeting.  The committee chair, Barb Woolsey, will locate a new committee member prior to our next meeting.  Barb discussed her plan to retire as the Section’s bookkeeper within 6 months.  Barb will stay on as chair through the end of 2008.

 

Jon showed the committee an investment policy that he is working on.  Once this policy is complete he will send it to the committee for our review and once the policy is final he will send it to USBank and Wells Fargo to get proposals for managing the Section’s investment funds. Jon plans to have received quotes and be able to make a recommendation to the finance committee prior to our next meeting in May 2008. The committee will then review these proposals and make a recommendation on which firm to use to manage our investment funds at the board’s May 2008 meeting.

 

Committee again reviewed the five year financial plan ideas previously presented.  Committee still plans to prepare a formal written five year financial plan and present the plan to the board when it is complete.  The committee discussed elements to be considered in the five year plan. There was considerable discussion about the secretary/treasurer duties and how to distribute the workload to have less of an impact on the secretary/treasurer.  Since there is $9,360 budgeted for administrative support the committee discussed hiring a contractor using these funds to provide administrative support and bookkeeping services.  Since Barb is retiring as bookkeeper hiring someone to do bookkeeping and administrative support would be a logical choice. Doug Rovang will prepare a proposal defining our needs for bookkeeping and financial administrative support.  The finance committee is recommending that the administrative support work be based on a contract and not hire an employee at this time.

Information Technology (Carol Kaszynski)
No report.
Membership (Gary Warner)
No report.
Nominating (Glen Gerads, Myron Volker)

No report.

 

            Conference Council (Corey Lubovich)

No Report.

 

            Manufacturers Council (Tony Belden)

Minutes of the December 6th, 2007 Meeting of the Minnesota Associates Council Minnesota Section, AWWA

 

      The December 6, 2007 MAC meeting was held in the conference room of Engineering America, in Oakdale, MN.  The meeting was called to order by Council Chair Tony Belden at 9:00 AM.

 

1.   Attendance

A.  MAC members present at the meeting: Tony Belden, Dave Scheerer, Todd Bredesen, Rod Ganther, Scott Bredehoft, and Greg Johnson.

 

2.   Approval of Minutes

A.  David Scheerer, MAC Secretary, presented the minutes from the August 30, 2007 MAC meeting.  Bredesen made the motion to accept the minutes.  Bredehoft seconded the motion.  The motion passed.

 

3.   2008 MAC Roster

A.  MAC Chair is reviewing the current roster.  The Chair is required to add one additional voting member to the MAC, for a total of 10 voting members.

B.  MAC members suggested to the Chair that Associated members that are active in the MN Section should be given preferential consideration as future MAC members

 

4.   Purpose of MAC

A. In an effort to better define the purpose of the MAC, MAC members proposed linking the “Purpose of MAC” statement with the “MAC Annual Items/Tasks” list.

B. The revised Purpose of MAC statement:

The Minnesota Associates Council shall be responsible for the following Section activities and responsibilities:

1. The MAC shall advise the Board on issues of interest to the Section’s associate member.

2. The MAC shall motivate associate membership to participate in Section activities and governance.

3. The MAC shall seek opportunities to partner with other entities having related interest.

4. The MAC shall be responsible for the following Section Annual Conference activities:

a. Vendor exhibit session

b. Conference social activities and events such golf and fishing tournaments, evening social activities, and other events as directed by the MAC Chair or Section Board

5. The MAC shall keep all Section members informed on national MAC (Manufactures & Associate Council) activities and issues of importance to the MN Section.

6. The MAC shall be responsible for soliciting funds for the David B. Morris Scholarship fund.

7. The MAC shall be a strong supportive Council for MN Section young professionals.

 

5.   Committee Reports

A.  Social Committee: Chair Todd Bredesen gave the report. 

1.  Todd reported that the planned MAC social event at the 2007 Annual Conference in Duluth was a success. 

a.  The event raised $300 in donations for WFT and the Endowment Fund

b.  The MAC social cost were within the budget of $4,000

c.  The MAC discussed how future money that we collect for WFP and EF should be split. 

No action was taken, however, Tony Belden will ask for Section Board guidance on this issue at the next Board Meeting.

B.  Exhibits Committee: Chair Scott Bredehoft gave the report.

1.  The exhibits session at the 2007 Annual Conference went well.  There was very little negative feedback from exhibitors or attendees.

2.  Lunch in the exhibit hall is important to keep attendees in the exhibit hall.  Other ideas for keeping attendees in the exhibit hall were discussed.

3.  Scott Bredehoft will present a plan to the MAC Chair for improving exhibit hall traffic. 

a.  MAC members suggested that the plan include a drawing for one or more major prizes to be given away in the exhibit hall.

b.  The prize winners must be present in the exhibit hall to win.

c.  Drawing would be coordinated so that it will not interfere with technical sessions.

d.  If necessary, the MAC Chair will ask the Board for additional funding to support the effort to get more people into the exhibit hall and to keep them in the exhibit hall once they are there.

4.  Scott will seek feedback from conference attendees on their perception of the value that the exhibit sessions add to the Annual Conference.

C.  ACE Meal/Social: Tony Belden gave the report.

1.  Tony volunteered to again coordinate the MN Section breakfast at the ACE which will be in Atlanta, GA in 2008.

a.  Tony will try to get a guest speaker for the ‘08 breakfast.

D.         Endowment Committee: Chair Rod Ganther gave the report.

1.  Rod reported that Endowment Fund revenue goals were met in 2007.

2.  Rod reported that he will be meeting with Vern Jacobsen and Bernie Bullert to develop EF ideas.

 

6.   National MAC Meeting Report

A.  Ben Mason was absent, Tony Belden submitted Ben’s written report to the MAC

B.   Best value contracting:  Tony submitted a written report on “best value” construction contracts that was prepared by the law firm of Leonard, Street, and Deinard.  Highlights of the report include:

1.  State and local governments in the State of Minnesota will soon have the option of awarding contracts based on “best value.”  They will no longer be limited to awarding a contract based solely on low bid.

2.  The Minnesota Associates Council supports this concept.

C.  Construction Project Bonding: The MAC discussed some of the unnecessary and expensive bonding requirements that are starting to appear in construction project payment and performance bond specifications.

D.  As part of our purpose to educate the MN Section on important associate member issues, the MAC suggests that the following two topics be added to the 2008 Annual Conference program.

a.  “Best Value Bidding”

b.  “Construction Project Bonding – which ones protect the owner and which ones waste the owner’s money.”

 

7.   Young Professionals

1.  No Report

 

8.   Next Meeting

A.  The next MAC meeting is scheduled for 9:00 AM, Thursday, April 3rd, 2008, at the Engineering America offices, in Oakdale, MN.

 

9.   New Business

A.  Tony Belden reported that the 2008 MN Section annual conference will be on the same dates as the Wisconsin Section conference.

B.  MAC members asked that Tony Belden express to the Board why it is important to keep the MN Section annual conference in Duluth.

 

10.  Adjourn

A.  Dave Scheerer made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Scott Bredehoft seconded the motion.  The meeting was adjourned.

 

Public Affairs Council (Myron Volker)

Public Information (Terry Neuman)

No report.

Publications (Rod Volker)

No report.

Water for People (Bernie Bullert)

Water for People

January 2008 Report

 

Earned Income for 2007:

 

District

Central

$520.00

Metro

$711.00

SE

$685.00

SW

$600.41

NE

$227.00

NW

$215.00

 

 

Spring Golf Tournament

$702.00

Personal Contributions

$300.00

 

 

Annual Conference

Fishing

$1,450.33

Ribbons

$700.00

MAC Social

$310.85

Golf

$3,670.75

Donations (SUSA, Vendors)

$1,400.00

 

 

Section Donation

$1,500.00

Total

$12,917.34

 

In addition to those funds, $390 was sent in February 2007 for remaining 2006 earnings and $250 was donated to Water For People on behalf of our speaker at the conference, Jack Hoffbuhr.

 

Our total contribution for 2007 will be $13,557.34.

 

2008 Water for People Plan

 

We will continue our current fund raising efforts.

 

Additional fund raising is planned as follows:

 

1.       MWOA plans more efforts at schools and possibly at their golf tournament. Butch Hybbert will be leading this.

 

2.       Efforts will be made at MPWA and CEAM.  Tom Mathison to take the lead.

 

3.       A shooting contest will be added at the Fall Conference in Duluth. Randy Poore of Bloomington will lead this.

 

We would like to add more committee members.  If you would like to help, please let Bernie know at (651) 292-4621.  Someone volunteered at Duluth, however; the information was misplaced.  We could use help with the Section website and feature Water for People on the site.

 

Water for People recognizes all donor organizations that donate at or above certain levels.  Since we raised $13,557.34 in 2007, the MN Section will be recognized in WFP publications as an organization that donated between $10,000 and $25,000. The WFP committee invites MN Section members to consider donating all their personal donations to WFP through the MN Section instead of mailing directly to WFP.  You can make your checks payable to “Water for People” and send them to the MN Section address.  That way the MN Section gets “credit” for these donations in our total contribution. 

 

We will be adding conference calling at future committee meetings.

 

It was reported to me by Colleen Stiles, our National Executive Director, that Owatonna High School raised approximately $15,000 in one week with a fund raiser for Water for People.  They did this independently without anyone from Minnesota knowing about it.  Myron will contact them about any plans for 2008.  Our national office will use their efforts to promote the idea with other schools.  I am trying to find a corporate match for their efforts.

 

Chris Voeltz is co-chairing this committee with me in 2008 and will be taking over more duties as the year goes by which is greatly appreciated.

 

Scholarship (Jon Eaton)

No report.

 

Young Professionals (Todd Butz)

The Young Professionals Committee (YPC) held the second annual Texas Hold ‘Em Poker tournament at the Annual Conference in Duluth, with all proceeds ($960) going to the David B. Morris Endowment fund.  Also at the Annual Conference in October, the YPC held the Second Annual Fresh Ideas poster competition.  Jabin Joseph and Alireza Ahmadi Motlagh of the University of Minnesota will be representing the MN AWWA Section at ACE this coming June.

 

The YPC held our winter meeting on December 19.  Work group chairs have been appointed for 2008:  Membership - Bo Johnston, Social – Lisa Vollbrecht and Michelle Stockness, Fresh Ideas - Brad Forester, Public Affairs - John Chlebeck, Poker Tournament - Doug Klamerus. 

 

We plan to continue the educational opportunities available to the group by organizing facility tours of local water treatment plants, and facilities manufacturing products for the water treatment industry.

 

            Training Council (Chris Glassing)

Education Committee (Stew Thornley)

The 2008 Water Works! Drinking Water Institute for Educators Drinking Water Institute will be at the Lakeville Water Treatment Plant from Monday, August 4 to Wednesday, August 6.

* * * * *

The module on drinking water being developed by Hamline University’s Center for Global Environmental Education (CGEE) is nearing completion.  A group of teachers, graduates of the Drinking Water Institute for Educators, has developed a teacher’s guide for the module that will be embedded in the CD-ROM and be available in PDF format.

The module and teacher’s guide will also be available on the web sites of the Minnesota Department of Health drinking water program and the Minnesota American Water Works Association.

* * * * *

The following AWWA schools are scheduled for this spring:

·         Southeast District, March 12-14, Ramada Hotel and Conference Center, Rochester

 

·         Southwest District, April 2, Redwood Area Community Center, Redwood Falls

 

·         Metro District, April 14-16, Earle Brown Heritage Center, Brooklyn Center

 

·         Northeast District, May 14-16, Grand Ely Lodge, Ely

 

·         Central District, June 11-13, Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge, Deerwood

 

Management Schools (Scott Anderson and Glen Gerads)

The Management Institute is scheduled for March 10-12, 2008 at the College of Continuing Education, University of Minnesota, St. Paul Campus.  All utilities are encouraged to send someone.  Repeat customers are welcome.  Specific details are available at www.cce.umn.edu/management_institute.

 

Research Committee (Doug Lubben)

No report.

 

Safety Committee (Tom Ozzello)

No report.

                                   

Small Systems (Chad Troitte and Rick Wanner)

The small systems committee met in September at the Annual Conference in Duluth, MN.  The committee discussed the possibility of offering a scholarship to send a small system from each Minnesota Section District the annual conference.  The committee is seeking new members to provide ideas on how to improve participation in AWWA from small systems across Minnesota.

 

 

            Water Utility Council (Bernie Bullert)

 

Minutes for Thursday, December 13, 2007

 

Location: Bloomington Water Treatment Plant

 

Attendance: Bernie Bullert, Glen Gerads, Karla Peterson, Robert Cockriel, Shahin Rezania, Don Volk, Cliff McLain, Dick Nagy, Pat Shea, Ed Sorensen, Allen Lamm, Chad Hill, Bob Peplin, Adam Kramer, Kurt Johnson, Doug Mandy, Carol Blommel Johnson, Laurel Reeves, Craig Johnson, Chris Elvrum

 

Housekeeping:

Agenda additions included a one-call report, an update on St. Cloud Vo-Tech, the D.C. Fly-in, and Vice-Chair.

 

Minutes:

Approved with a couple of spelling corrections.

 

Roster:

Bernie asked members for their start date on WUC.

 

Congress EPA Update:

Bob Peplin had a handout, security and plant discharges were mentioned.

 

Legislative Report from LMNC Representative:

Craig reported on a legislative committee meeting in Apple Valley. The meeting was on environmental issues, source water protection, endocrine disrupters, and other issues. A number of legislators were present. Some legislators mentioned the need for a water availability study. Chris E. reported regional water supply plan in process. He also reported Met Council has recommended Minneapolis - St. Paul interconnect to the Governor.

 

There was also a committee hearing the day before Apple Valley and there was discussion on removal of endocrine disruptors at waste water treatment plants.

 

Craig also reported the legislators are very interested in a Legislative Water Commission. The Chamber of Commerce may support it. The Department of Agriculture is not as sure.

 

Craig reported the PCA is considering increasing water permitting fees for ethanol and mining permits.

 

The legislative session will begin February 12, and could go until mid May. There are some bills to watch left over from 07’.

 

The WUC legislative committee should meet after the session to work on Legislative Water Commission. Members are Bob Cockriel, Bob Peplin, Pat Shea, and Ed Sorenson with Doug Rovang as an alternate, and, of course, Craig Johnson. I will appoint Pat Shea as chair of the Committee as he was elected Vice-Chair of the WUC.

 

Environmental Quality Board: Ed reported their recent report states water resources are moving toward sustainability. The data on county water availability was not used properly in the report.

 

Chlorine Gas Regulation: Karla’s e-mail was handed out. The health and Agricultural Departments will meet on their differences regarding respirator language. (Fire & OSHA rules).

 

2008 Policy Forum:

Ed Sorenson is going.

 

MRWA

Ruth was absent.

 

Dept of Health, Doug Mandy. 

Doug reported the Health Department is sponsoring the St. Paul - Minneapolis interconnect. There was a tour scheduled December 14 at St. Paul. A contract consultant is doing security table tops using grant money.

 

The Health Department is working on PFC-HRL’s and trying to balance THM-HRL’s and disinfection needs.

 

Met Council:

Chris indicated they are half way through the 2nd phase water study. The groundwater model is about complete. Stakeholder workshops are coming. Advisory Committee to meet monthly starting in February.

 

The Met Council is considering keeping the Advisory Committee through 2010 to help implement the report.

 

There is a website for water conservation.

 

MN DNR, Laurel Reeves

Laurel reported the DNR has hired new staff and moved some to new positions. The 10 year plans are coming in but comments are slow to get out. Almost all 2006 plans are in and about 1/2 the 2007 plans. There are review charges of $65/hr for changes in permits over 100MG.

 

The Drought Response Plan Committee is set but hasn’t met yet.

 

Association Director:

Glen reported Jack Hoffbuhr is retiring as Executive Director. The election for the next President is in January.

 

WARN Update:

This is moving along well. The utilities are engaged. It is hoped it will all be up and running in mid 2008. The League of Cities is helping. By-laws and procedures are being worked on. Shahin mentioned Minneapolis helped Coon Rapids with their large main break. The WARN database will be at Mn. Rural Water.

 

MN Plumbing Code:

Al Lamm has been to his first meeting.

 

Minn. One-Call:

Calls are down because of less construction per Adam.

 

St. Cloud Vo-Tech:

Bob reported on legislation at the last state legislative session that reduced the credits needed to graduate. This is disturbing as the water and wastewater operators program in keeping up with the technical advances, already was stretched to keep up with the credits in the program. To reduce those credits will be hard and will affect the training of future water and wastewater operators for the industry. Craig will take this up with the League of Cities and may send out an alert to cities.

 

Vice Chair:

Pat Shea expressed an interest. It was moved by Bob Cockriel and seconded by Adam K. that Pat Shea be Vice-Chair. Unanimous vote.

 

Washington D.C. Fly-In:

Bernie will be attending as Chair, paid by AWWA. It was negotiated the new Vice-Chair attend, paid by the Section. Pat Shea will check with his employer, St. Cloud. Adam K. volunteered if needed.

 

Next Meeting:

Agreed to be at St. Cloud, downtown City Hall, so conferencing can be set up. It will be on March 13, 2008 from 9:30-11:30.

 

Note:

I will discuss WUC membership with the Section Board including appointment dates and attendance and we will discuss at the next WUC meeting.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Bernie Bullert, Chair

 

Motion by Stai, seconded by Moulton, to approve the consent items except the Director and Finance reports, approved unanimously.

 

4.         CONSENT DISCUSSION ITEMS

Finance Committee

Brown reported that the 2006 audit was complete.  Barb Woolsey will be stepping aside as the bookkeeper.  The Finance Committee is working on a proposal to hire someone to do this work.  Karl Streed’s term on the committee will be expiring, and Cheryl Meyer will take his place.  Belden asked about some noticeable changes in council expenses between 2006 and 2007.  Some of the expenses were related to the Surface Water Treatment Workshop, which had corresponding income, as well as the payments for the drinking-water module being developed by the Hamline University Center for Global Environmental Education.

 

Director’s Report

Gerads stated that Gary Zimmerman was hired as the association’s new executive director, succeeding Jack Hoffbuhr, who is retiring this year.  Upcoming issues include written affiliation agreements with sections, which are now being crafted.  The strategic planning committee is no longer a standing committee of the board of directors. 

 

Motion to approve the consent discussion items was made by Moulton, second by Huschle, and approved unanimously.

 

5.         UNFINISHED BUSINESS

      There was no unfinished business.

 

6.         NEW BUSINESS

            A.   Minnesota AWWA participation in the Minnesota 150 multimedia tool – John Shepard, Hamline University Center for Global Environmental Education (Thornley/Shepard)

                  John Shepard of the Hamline University Center for Global Environmental Education (CGEE) gave an update on the progress of the Urban Water Cycle drinking-water module, which is now on the Minnesota Department of Health web site (not yet final version).  It includes a teachers’ guide for activities for students.  The final elements will be added within the next two months.  This is incorporated into the Center’s Waters to the Sea program.

 

                  Shepard outlined another initiative of CGEE, Minnesota 150: Learning from Our Land and Waters, an outreach education program in conjunction with the Minnesota Sesquicentennial Commission and invited Minnesota AWWA to become a sponsor.  This would advance the cause of water education and extend the reach of the Urban Water Cycle, which would be one of the elements of Minnesota 150, to a greater audience.

 

                  Minnesota 150 already has grants from the McKnight Foundation and Marbrook Foundation totaling $85,000 and requests for grants of $50,000 from the Mardag Foundation and $25,000 from the Minnesota Department of Health.  Shepard requested a grant of $25,000 from Minnesota AWWA. 

 

                  The materials and web-based resources will be available beyond 2008 and could be used by teachers for another 10 years

 

                  Motion to create an ad-hoc committee, consisting of the Executive Committee along with Training and Education Council Chair Glassing, will meet to consider the proposal made by Brown, seconded by Gerads.  Motion passed unanimously.

                  . 

 

            B.   National Incident Management System (NIMS) Training (Thornley)

                  A protocol is followed for incidents that rise to the level of state or federal involvement.  The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is encouraging state agencies to provide NIMS training.  It was determined that this should be stand-alone training within the districts and not incorporated into the existing district schools.  The NIMS can be incorporated in the Minnesota Water and Wastewater Agency Response Network (WARN) and Minnesota AWWA desires to be involved in the training and wants to have an overview on NIMS at the annual conference.  Lubovich will talk to Jay Whitaker, the program chair for the Conference Committee, about scheduling this session.  The individual districts are also encouraged to have an overview session at its schools.  Thornley will report at the May board meeting on what the Minnesota Department of Health is doing to provide this training.

 

            C.   Minnesota WARN Update (Moulton)

                  A mutual-aid agreement is being developed that will contain guidelines for responding to emergencies.  One city has signed on to the agreement.  Three more cities are needed to bring this to the state level.  Approximately 20 states now have approved WARN programs.  Participation to aid communities in need is voluntary for cities that sign up.  WARN provides for immediate response to disasters.

 

                  Motion to appoint Lyle Stai as the Minnesota AWWA representative to the WARN committee made by Schultz, seconded by Moulton.  Motion approved unanimously.

 

D.   Upcoming Board Training (Peterson)

      The section has budgeted $5,000 for travel to the RMSO and $4,000 to the Summer Leadership Workshop.

      a.   Regional Meeting of Section Officers (RMSO) – May 16-17, 2008

            The RMSO has been moved from the fall to the spring and will be held in Dearborn, Michigan. Schultz, Volker, Belden, Huschle, Thornley, Gerads, possibly Spain will attend (Belden will be in the Dearborn area for other business and will not require travel expenses, other than hotel, from the section).  Those not present at the board meeting will also be invited.

 

      b.               Summer Leadership Workshop – July 24-25, 2008

            The workshop will be at the Brown Palace in Denver.  Spain, Moulton, Glassing, Thornley will attend.  Those not present at the board meeting will also be invited. 

 

      c.               January Board Meeting location

            Motion by Stai, seconded by Moulton, to stay at Riverwood Conference Center and sign a contract for the next two years.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

E.   Advertising Support for WET Program at St. Cloud Technical College (Spain)

                  The Water Environment Technologies program at St. Cloud Technical College is seeking financial support for marketing in the metro area to bolster attendance for its classes in Eden Prairie.  Past advertising has been effective. 

                 

                  Motion to contribute $1,500, from the Public Information Committee, to the WET program made by Moulton, seconded by Shea.  Motion approved unanimously (Spain abstaining).

 

F.   MNAWWA Website updating procedures (Brown)

      Brown noted challenges in getting the web site updated in the past few months.  Some things, such as an expense report, that were on the previous web site are not on the current site.  There is also a desire for a members-only site that can contain items such as letterhead.  Brown would like a policy that stipulates a timeline for website updates.  The board directed Gerads to sit in on the next Information Technology Committee, along with Peterson, Brown, and Thornley, to discuss the issue.

 

G.   AWWA Bookstore discount to Utility Members (Brown)

      The section receives a significant discount (40 percent) on publications from the AWWA bookstore, a larger discount than individual members receive (15 percent).  The section will allow large orders for books, such as those ordered by water programs at schools, to be purchased by the section and billed back to the individual members or committees.  

 

H.   Dates and locations for 2008-2011 Annual Conference (Lubovich)

      The consensus is to stay in Duluth with a rolling four-year contract.  Lubovich will negotiate a contract through 2011, with a right of first refusal in writing, and at the final board meeting at each conference, the incoming board will decide whether to direct the chair of the Conference Committee to negotiate an additional year to the end of the contract.

 

      The 2008 convention will be September 24-26 in the City Side portion.  Lubovich will see if the Pioneer South room is available, to be used for the vendors’ show instead of the Edmund Fitzgerald Room.

 

      The 2009 convention will be September 30 to October 2 in City Side and South Pioneer Hall.

      The 2010 convention will be September 21 to 24 in Harbor Side and South Pioneer Hall.

      The 2011 convention will be September 27 to 30 in City Side and South Pioneer Hall.

 

      Belden noted that the Minnesota Associates Council is considering providing a bus to and from Duluth.  Trustees will ask members in their districts if they would be interested in taking the bus.

 

      Motion to keep the conference in Duluth through 2011, with a contract that contains a right of first refusal, made by Spain, seconded by Schultz.  Motion passed unanimously. 

 

I.    Keynote speaker for Minnesota AWWA Conference.

      It was noted that it would cost $7,500 to have Will Steger as the keynote speaker at the Minnesota AWWA conference.

 

J.    Administrative costs associated with Minnesota WARN.

      It was proposed that we provide Minnesota WARN with $500 to cover administrative costs.  There is adequate funds in the Safety committee budget to cover these expenses.

 

      Motion to authorize reimbursement of administrative costs for Minnesota WARN, not to exceed $500, through the Safety Committee, made by Volker, seconded by Moulton, unanimously approved.

 

K.   Purchase of 7 Measures of Success book

      Motion to purchase for members of the Governing Board the book 7 Measures of Success, to be followed by a facilitated discussion after board members read the board, made by Gerads, seconded by Volker.  Motion passed 16-1 (Anderson voting in the negative).

 

L.   Minnesota AWWA Attire

      Gerads will get prices on Minnesota AWWA shirts, and the board will consider purchasing a shirt for each member as was done in 2005. Funds would come from the merchandise budget.

 

Other business:

                  Brown announced he may be involved in an overseas engineering project that will take him out of the country for four months beginning in mid-February.  He recommended changing the section address to the Assistant Secretary’s (Stew Thornley) work address.  Thornley as Assistant Secretary will cover most of the Secretary/Treasurer responsibilities while Brown is not available.  But Brown will be accessible by using his current email address.  Brown will keep the Board aware of any new information regarding this issue.

 

                  The group, at Gerad’s recommendation, agreed to request Nilaksh Kothari as the association representative for our fall conference.

 

7.         NEXT BOARD MEETING

Motion to have the next board meeting on Friday, May 2, 2008 at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge near Deerwood made by Spain, seconded by Lubovich.  Motion passed 16-1 (Moulton voting in the negative).

 

8.         ADJOURNMENT

Motion to adjourn by Stai, second by Moulton, unanimously approved at 12:31 a.m.

 

Minutes submitted by Stew Thornley, Assistant Secretary and David Brown, Secretary/Treasurer