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recommended contracting with a third party to perform the management group benchmarking. The commission supported the committee's request and directed staff to research potential consultants and report back to the commission in January. Mr. Adams stated that staff has identified three potential consultants to perform the work and has conducted phone interviews to discuss the scope of the project. Staff is currently working on a refined scope and a request for proposal to send out to the consultants. He shared that once we receive the written proposals, the intent is to have the W&BC review them and make a recommendation to the commission in February or March. Commissioner Stewart and Westgaard recommended the use of a non-disclosure agreement with the consultant due to the nature of the data they would be working with. Chair Dietz asked if there was money in the budget to accommodate for the consulting work. Ms. Slominski responded that there was. 6.0 BUSINESS DISCUSSION 6.1 Staff Updates Mr.Adams informed the commission that Connexus Energy has published a 0%rate increase for 2019.There was discussion on ERMU's rates. Mr.Adams announced that the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association (MMUA) Legislative Rally is being held on Tuesday,January 29, and extended an invitation to the commission members to attend. Mr.Adams explained that with all the changes in office, how critical our attendance is at both the local and national rally.There was discussion on what the key talking points will be for the utility industry and how the flip in the house or representatives may impact those. Ms. Slominski noted in her staff report that the bullet proof glass at the front counter was installed on December 14. Chair Dietz commented that it looked very nice and asked what the reaction has been from customers. Staff responded that for the most part it has been positive. Mr. Fuchs announced Mike Thiry will be retiring on January 25.To celebrate his 34+years of service,a retirement gathering will be held on Thursday,January 24 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the ERMU office lunchroom. Mr. Fuchs invited the commission and shared that an email invite will be sent out some time next week.A quorum notice will be posted. Mr. Fuchs also provided an update on the Lead Bore Rig position and stated at the person who had accepted our job offer and was to start at the beginning of 2019 has rescinded.Staff reposted the position last week. In his staff report, Mr.Tietz reported that the locating department had a total of 136 locate tickets in the month of December. Chair Dietz inquired as to what the locators do when there aren't as many locates throughout the winter. Mr.Tietz explained that one of the locators primarily does all the locating while the other locator has been concentrating on collecting GPS points and learning how to enter them into the ESRI ArcView GIS system. Chair Dietz had a few questions on the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission Meeting Minutes January 8, 2019 Page 4