04-14-2020 ERMU MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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5.1 Financial Report—February 2020 Ms. Karpinski presented the February 2020 financial report as outlined in her memo. Chair Dietz had questions about February 2020 revenues compared to February 2019, maintenance expense year-to-date 2020 compared to year-to-date 2019, and about water connections fees year-to-date 2020 compared to year-to-date 2019. Staff responded. Moved by Commissioner Stewart and seconded by Commissioner Westgaard to receive the February 2020 Financial Report. Motion carried 5-0. 5.2 COVID-19 Response Mr. Adams presented his memo on ERMU's COVID-19 response plan. Mr. Adams asked for action from the Commission to replenish the sick time used by five employees who self- quarantined prior to the start of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which requires certain employers to provide employees with paid sick leave for reasons related to COVID-19.The act does not mandate employers to retroactively replenish sick time taken before April 1, but Mr. Adams stated that ERMU supports employees who self- quarantined to protect others. Mr. Adams noted that this is a budgeted item. Chair Dietz asked City Administrator Portner whether the city had taken similar action. He responded that they had. Moved by Commissioner Nadeau and seconded by Commissioner Bell to approve the replenishment of paid sick time used by employees who self-quarantined prior to April 1,the effective date for the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Motion carried 5-0. For the second action request, Mr. Adams explained that he made the executive decision prior to the commission meeting to suspend water and electric disconnections, and penalties for nonpayment. He recommended the Commission retroactively approve the action to suspend disconnections and penalties for non-payment, effective March 16 and until further notice. Chair Dietz had questions about how ERMU would return to its normal billing and penalties processes once employment levels return to normal. Mr. Adams and Ms. Nelson responded there will need to be an indefinite period of flexibility and collaboration with customers on payment arrangements. Moved by Commissioner Westgaard and seconded by Commissioner Nadeau to approve the suspension of disconnection for non-payment and suspension of penalties until future notice, retroactively effective March 16, 2020. Motion carried 5-0. Mr. Adams shared that besides the current things that ERMU is doing to help provide relief for customers experiencing financial hardship,there has been discussion among the utility industry about providing other means of relief to customers. Mr. Adams went over some of the ideas that were being considered. Commissioner Stewart shared several options that could be explored, recommending that ERMU join with the City and other Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission Meeting Minutes April 14, 2020 Page 5