05-08-2018 ERMU MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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time. There was discussion. Based on the negative comments posted on social media regarding the billing change, it was asked why we don't engage on social media. Mr. Adams addressed this issue and commented if there's a legitimate problem staff will reach out in a more productive manner with either a phone call or email. There was further discussion. As much of the backlash occurred after the Cold Weather Rule shut-offs,the Commission asked staff to walk them though the shut-off process and the notifications that take place prior to it. Mr. Tietz and Ms.Nelson responded. Moved by Commissioner Bell and seconded by Commissioner Westgaard to approve the revised Service Policies Policy. Motion carried 5-0. 5.0 BUSINESS ACTION 5.1 Financial Report—March 2018 Ms. Slominski presented the March 2018 financial report as outlined in her memo. For the Electric Department, she noted that the operating revenue had increased from the prior year, and shared some of the factors that may have contributed to the increase, including the change in billing cycles. She went on to state that it is also the change in billing cycles that makes the data hard to compare year to year. Ms. Slominski pointed out the monthly electric demand and monthly energy purchases graphs included in the report and stated what a great tool they are for making comparisons from this year to last as the data is static. She explained that the reporting period is the calendar month, and the data being measured is coming from a substation and not the billing system. It was noted there were similar graphs for the water department. Ms. Slominski went over the summary Electric Statement in great detail. For the expenses she noted that just as last month, we have the largest variance in the Maintenance Expense line item,this is due to Tree Trimming, Electric Mapping, Meter Maintenance, and Transportation Expenses. She provided further explanation on each of these expenses. Ms. Slominski also spoke to some changes with the Travel Expense line item and the UPMIC Distribution line item. For the Water Department,there was also an increase in revenue dollars over the prior year. Ms. Slominski explained that this could be due to an increase in customer base and improved billing processes. YTD total revenues were down from the prior year; staff shared that this is largely attributed to a decrease in connection fees due to the prolonged winter. For the Water Department Miscellaneous Revenue line item, Chair Dietz asked why it was down $53,000. Commissioner Westgaard stated that according to page 71 of the detailed Water Statement that the Contributions from Developers reflected a$55,000 swing from this year to last. Ms. Slominski shared that last year we had a city transfer for a water main and that was recognized in this line item as a contribution of assets. Page 4 Regular Meeting of the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission May 8,2018