12-17-2019 ERMU MIN SPECIAL - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ms. Slominski presented the proposed Electric Budget and walked through the notable items. For the Landfill Gas Plant line item, Chair Dietz questioned if it made financial sense to replace three engines as the contract will soon be coming to an end. Staff responded that based on the market for the power, it makes sense to do so.There was discussion. Ms. Slominski presented the proposed Water Budget and walked through the notable items. She shared that the addition of a water operator to help with the backflow prevention inspections was an addition to the budget since it was last presented. Mr. Adams elaborated on the potential personnel add, and noted that once we determine what our needs are, and the duties for the position, it would be vetted through the Wage & Benefits Committee and a recommendation would be made to the Commission.There was discussion. Ms. Slominski presented the proposed Travel and Training Budget, and the Dues, Subscriptions, and Fees Budget as outlined in her memo.The Commission had a few questions. Staff responded.There was discussion on the future implementation of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and the timing and costs associated with it. Ms. Slominski also shared a list of items that were cut from the 2020 budget in order to meet the margins for the electric department, per bond covenants. It was noted that, should margins prove sufficient as the year progresses, some of the items could have the potential be added back in. Commissioner Stewart thanked Ms. Slominski and Ms. Karpinski for the making changes to the budget presentation. She commented that it was much easier to analyze with the consistency in presentation. Commissioner Stewart offered two additional suggestions to the presentation which staff made note of. Moved by Commissioner Stewart and seconded by Commissioner Westgaard to adopt the 2020 Annual Business Plan. Motion carried 5-0. 6.0 BUSINESS DISCUSSION 6.1 Staff Updates At the November 12, 2019 Commission meeting,the Wage& Benefits Committee(W&BC) had proposed offering four hours of paid time off annually, per employee,for approved volunteerism.The Commission approved the concept as presented,contingent upon legal review. Ms.Slominski reported that after legal review,Attorney Beck concluded that we cannot offer this benefit as it doesn't align with our Public Purpose Expenditure Policy. Mr. Geiser shared that we had another lineworker give notice. Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission Meeting Minutes December 17, 2019 Page 5