08-11-2020 ERMU MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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2.1 July 2020 Check Register 2.2 July 14,2020 Regular Meeting Minutes 2.3 July 30,3030 Special Meeting Minutes 2.4 2020 Second Quarter Utilities Performance Metrics Score Card Statistics Motion carried 5-0. 3.0 OPEN FORUM No one appeared for open forum. 4.0 POLICY&COMPLIANCE 4.1 Deposit Policy At the April commission meeting the Commission requested a review of the ERMU Customer Deposits Policy,specifically on how deposit refunds are processed. Currently ERMU refunds deposits for residential and commercial accounts after the account is closed. Ms. Nelson presented her review of the Customer Deposits Policy. Ms. Nelson's research was supported by a survey conducted by Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association which received 31 responses and showed that a third of respondents had a similar policy pertaining to the timing on when deposits are returned.Two neighboring utilities were also surveyed by staff. Because this type of policy is somewhat common and because the deposits are accessed often, helping to protect ERMU and its customers from debt write offs that can impact rates,staff recommended keeping the policy as it is.There was discussion. Commissioner Nadeau asked if the deposits were interest bearing. Ms. Nelson responded that they do bear interest. Chair Dietz inquired as to the percentage of interest and Ms. Nelson responded that it is set by the state annually. The Commission had consensus to leave the policy as is. 5.0 BUSINESS ACTION 5.1 Financial Report—June 2020 Ms. Karpinski presented the June 2020 financial report as outlined in her memo. Staff confirmed Chair Dietz's observation that the Administrative Expense increase was due to the COVID-19 impacts discussed the previous month. Chair Dietz had questions Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission Meeting Minutes August 11, 2020 Page 2