Laserfiche WebLink
members of the community to support customers with financial limitations, enhance <br />communications, and examine operations to cut costs. Commissioner Stewart expressed <br />that she was not in support of refunding deposits as a means to provide for relief. There <br />was discussion. <br /> Chair Dietz raised questions about the timeline of getting employees back to work from <br />their on-call status and encouraged Mr. Adams to get them back to their normal <br />workplaces as soon as possible. Staff responded. Chair Dietz asked if we have been able to <br />meet customer service requests in a timely manner. Ms. Nelson responded that our <br />phones are rolled to 24-hour call service and are responded to immediately. <br /> Mr. Sagstetter presented an analysis of the projected impacts to electric and water sales <br />as result of COVID-19 response. <br />Chair Dietz had questions on deposit policy after receiving a comment from a <br />scores upon request once every five years so that those who have improved their credit <br />can have their deposit returned. <br />Ms. Nelson provided background on the deposit policy, explaining that it exists to address <br />the fact that financial circumstances can change favorably or unfavorably throughout the <br />time an individual is a customer. The policy is intended to reduce the amount of debt <br />ERMU has to write-off should a customer have an unfavorable financial change. Chair <br />Dietz directed staff to find comparison policies within the industry and report back to the <br />Commission. <br />6.0 BUSINESS DISCUSSION <br /> <br />6.1 Staff Updates <br /> <br />Mr. Sagstetter responded to Chair Dietz question about how the Stay at Home Order was <br />affecting public electric vehicle charger usage. Mr. Sagstetter responded that usage was down. <br /> <br />Ms. Canterbury highlighted from her staff report that annual performance <br />evaluation is typically held in May. As the evaluation is conducted at a closed meeting, it <br />presents a challenge due to the method in which we are currently conducting our commission <br />meetings. Ms. Canterbury recommended <br />secure method to conduct the closed meeting can be determined, or until it is feasible to <br />conduct in person meetings again. The Commission agreed. <br /> <br />Mr. Geiser shared that Journeyman Josh Shoutz began working for ERMU on April 13, filling an <br />opening in the electric department. Mr. Geiser noted that the ERMU electric department is <br />back to full staff. <br /> <br />Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission Meeting Minutes <br />April 14, 2020 <br />Page 6 <br /> <br />33 <br />