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Ms. Karpinski noted the largest portion of the budget is dedicated to the Advanced Metering <br />Infrastructure (AMI) project. She explained thatmuch of the itemsbudgeted for this year <br />were delayed and are therefore being pushed to the 2024 budget. <br /> <br /> Chair Dietz asked for clarification on the project delay with AMI. Ms. Karpinski explained it <br />stemmed from supply chain issues related to the meters. <br /> <br /> Mr. Tietz explained that the meters are the driving force behind the implementation of AMI. <br />Installation contracts and timelines will be set once there is a known meter shipment date. <br /> <br /> Commissioner Westgaard asked if there was a timing or performance clause written into the <br />AMI contract. Mr. Tietz said there was no such clause with the initial start date of the project <br />but there is one once the project is underway. <br /> <br /> Commissioners Westgaard and Zerwas expressed concern that the delay will result in the loss <br />of subcontractors and/or an increase in cost. Ms. Karpinski clarified that a request for <br />proposal on the installation of AMI has not been released. <br /> <br /> Chair Dietz asked for clarification regarding the proposed electric budget and how costs <br />would be covered. Ms. Karpinski explained it would be a combination of an Infrastructure <br />Investment and Jobs Act grant, an interfund loan with water, and reserves. <br /> <br /> Chair Dietz asked Mr. Geiser how much of the work in 2024 will be contracted versus staying <br />in house. Mr. Geiser replied all work will stay in house except for tree trimming and joint <br />trenching projects for gas and cable lines. <br /> <br /> Ms. Karpinski highlighted the two biggest projects for the water department in 2024 will be <br />AMI and the water main project on Upland Avenue and Meadowvale Road. <br /> <br /> Chair Dietz asked how long itwill take us to recoup our costs for the AMIproject. Mr. Tietz <br />explained the cost of the project will be recouped over time, but the efficiencies gained with <br />the use of AMI will be immediate. <br /> <br /> Chair Dietz asked if the data analysis with AMI will be as beneficial to staff as it will be for our <br />customers. Ms. Youngs confirmed it would be especially in terms of data speed, safety, and <br />outage information and communication. <br /> <br />6.0 BUSINESS DISCUSSION <br />6.1 Staff Updates <br /> Ms. Youngs reported on behalf of General Manager Mark Hanson that the Wage & Benefits <br />meeting scheduled for September 12 will be rescheduled to the last week of September or <br />first week of October. <br />Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission Meeting Minutes <br />September 12, 2023 <br />Page 4 <br /> <br />32 <br />