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Mr. Mauren contributed that a press release will be written to announce the 2024 rates in the <br />Elk River Star Newspaper. He also shared some of the measures the communications <br />department has taken to increase the public's awareness of ERMU's rebate offerings. <br />Commissioner Bell expressed concern over the fact that the vacancy in the conservation <br />department created in early 2023 had not been filled and suggested it could be having an <br />effect on meeting Conservation Improvement Program requirements. There was discussion. <br />Ms. Karpinski explained that the position is budgeted to be filled halfway through 2024. <br />5.04 2024 Utilities Fee Schedule <br />Mr. Hanson presented the Utilities Fee Schedule. He noted the Grid Access Fee, $5.56 per kW <br />in excess of four kW, prevents other customer groups from subsidizing these systems. Mr. <br />Hanson also explained that statute requires the fee amount must be established by a rate <br />study which ERMU had completed in 2019. <br />He added that some cooperative utilities cap this fee and that staff will evaluate the need for <br />a cap in the future. <br />Mr. Hanson explained that the increase in Manual Meter Reading fees is related to the <br />implementation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure which will no longer require a mobile <br />meter reader in the community. The fee now covers the cost of mobilizing staff to read the <br />meter in person rather than gather the data through the network. <br />Moved by Commissioner Westgaard and seconded by Commissioner Bell to approve the <br />2024 Utilities Fee Schedule for Adoption into Ordinance by the City Council. Motion <br />carried 5-0. <br />5.05 2023 Third Quarter Delinquent Items <br />Ms. Karpinski presented the 2023 Third Quarter Delinquent Items. <br />Moved by Commissioner Zerwas and seconded by Commissioner Stewart to approve <br />the 2023 third quarter delinquent items submitted. Motion carried 5-0. <br />5.06 2023 Assessments <br />Mr. Hanson presented the 2023 Assessments in the amount of $10,994.99. <br />Chair Dietz asked if staff tracks whether properties repeatedly appear on the list year <br />after year. <br />Staff responded that they do not track how often a property is assessed. <br />Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission Meeting Minutes <br />November 14, 2023 <br />Page 5 <br />