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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 ERMU's deposit policy after receiving a comment from a <br /> resident. Chair Dietz asked if ERMU could establish a policy of updating residents' credit <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 /> 6.1 Staff Updates <br /> Mr.Sagstetter responded to Chair Dietz's question about how the Stay at Home Order was <br /> affecting public electric vehicle charger usage. Mr.Sagstetter responded that usage was down. <br /> Ms. Canterbury highlighted from her staff report that Mr.Adams'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 postponing the General Manager's evaluation until a <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 /> 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 /> Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission Meeting Minutes <br /> April 14,2020 <br /> Page 6 <br />