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implement every request that's made, and that the Committee does a lot of analysis and <br /> makes their recommendation based on what's best for everyone; including the <br /> employees,the company, and the rate payers. <br /> Attorney Beck had some concerns with the volunteerism paid time off policy that was <br /> being proposed, and suggested further legal review. It was recommended that the <br /> Commission approve the concept as presented, contingent upon legal review. Based on <br /> legal approval,the language would be drafted and incorporated into the employee <br /> handbook. <br /> In addition to the annual legal review of the Employee Handbook, the Committee had <br /> discussed a few other changes that were needed for the handbook. Chair Dietz recapped <br /> the items that would be updated for future Commission approval with the handbook. <br /> Chair Dietz also announced that based on management's suggestion to delay the addition <br /> of the Human Resources Manager position until 2021,the position has been removed <br /> from the 2020 budget. <br /> Moved by Westgaard,and seconded by Commissioner Stewart to approve the following <br /> effective January 1, 2020: <br /> • 3%COLA for the Office, Field and Management pay groups <br /> • 4.2%adjustment (COLA plus market adjustment)for the Lineworker pay group <br /> • Annual HSA employer contribution levels of$650 for single,and $1985 for single+1 <br /> and family plans <br /> • Offering four hours of paid time off annually, per employee,for approved <br /> volunteerism; contingent upon legal review. <br /> Motion carried 5-0. <br /> 5.3 2020 Annual Business Plan: Rates and Review,Stakeholder Communication Plan <br /> Ms. Slominski presented the preliminary balanced budget and rates. <br /> For the Electric Department Expense Budget the 2020 forecast for electric expenses is a <br /> .5% increase over the current year budget. At this time there is a 0% rate increase <br /> proposed. Ms. Slominski explained that the necessary goal of a 2.83% margin to cover <br /> 110%of our annual average debt service is narrowly obtained with a conscientious <br /> trimming of expenses and conservative growth and usage estimates for revenues based <br /> on 2019's low usage.There was discussion on the 2.83% margin needed to meet our debt <br /> covenant and the contingency plan, should it be needed, to help ensure that it's met. <br /> Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission Meeting Minutes <br /> November 12,2019 <br /> Page 5 <br />