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Chair Dietz commended Mr. Geiser and staff for quickly resolving an outage that occurred <br />on Business Center Drive. <br /> <br />Mr. Sumstad shared that staff is reviewing resumes for the open journey lineworker <br />position. <br /> <br />Mr. Kerzman shared that there was an issue with the power plant transformer that <br />occurred during testing which will put delivery a week or more behind schedule. <br /> <br />Mr. Sagstetter shared that inline replacements were completed on two engines at the <br />landfill gas facility. <br /> <br />Ms. Karpinski informed the Commission that everything went well during the financial <br />audit the previous week. She also noted the auditor mentioned, based on the accuracy of <br />the materials they reviewed, it was clear that staff cares very much about their duties. <br /> <br />Chair Dietz raised an issue that a customer brought to City Council regarding Sewer Access <br />and Water Access Charges. There was discussion. <br /> <br />Chair Dietz asked Ms. Slominski for an update on the potential impact to rates due to the <br />winter storms in Texas potentially limiting the supply of natural gas. Ms. Slominski noted <br />that there were talking points from American Public Power Association in the packet that <br />touch on the subject. She added that because ERMU’s power provider has a supply of <br />natural gas and a rate stabilization fund we are well positioned to absorb the impact. <br /> <br /> Chair Dietz had a question about funding for the rate stabilization fund. Staff responded. <br /> <br />Commissioner Stewart provided additional context and comparison between Texas and <br />Minnesota power markets. There was further discussion. <br /> <br />6.2 Minnesota Municipal Utilities AssociationLegislative Conference Update <br />Mr. Sagstetter updated the Commission on MMUA’s virtual 2021 Legislative Conference. Mr. <br />Sagstetter stated his appreciation for MMUA’s government relations services with the fast <br />pace of legislation during the pandemic. <br />Commissioner Stewart also commended MMUA’s depth of knowledge of their membership <br />and how well they advocate on their behalf. <br /> <br />6.3 American Public Power AssociationLegislative Rally Update <br />Ms. Slominski updated the Commission on American Public Power Association’s virtual 2021 <br />Legislative Rally. She shared that the main focus was that there is a tight margin for legislation <br />to pass, and that it will need to occur on the budget reconciliation bill. <br />Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission Meeting Minutes <br />March 9, 2021 <br />Page 6 <br /> <br />42 <br />