2.2 ERMUSR 03-12-2024 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Chair Dietz asked if there were any large delinquent items tied to one property in particular. Ms. Youngs and Ms. Karpinski confirmed there was one identified in quarter two. Commissioner Stewart asked if the auditors provide guidance on potential bad debt as ERMU moves through the six -year statute of limitation on collections post pandemic. Ms. Karpinski confirmed there is an annual review of potential bad debt with the auditors. Chair Dietz asked Ms. Youngs if there were customers still paying debts incurred during the pandemic. Ms. Youngs stated there were not. Moved by Commissioner Bell and seconded by Commissioner Zerwas to approve the 2023 fourth quarter delinquent items submitted. Motion carried 5-0. 5.3 Strategic Plan and 2023 Annual Business Plan Results Mr. Hanson presented the Strategic Plan noting there was a conscious effort by management to prioritize the dashboard with fewer but more complex initiatives highlighting the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project as one example. Staff then presented their items from the Highlights, Challenges, and Results from the 2023 Strategic Plan Initiatives attachment. Regarding Mr. Geiser's presentation of the underground feeder tie between substation 14-4 and Otsego, Commissioner Stewart asked if the new underground lines were placed under the river or under the bridge. Mr. Geiser stated that a line encased in a pipe already located under the bridge was utilized. Mr. Tietz expanded on his update of the AMI project to note the contract with an installation vendor is almost finalized. He also thanked the team of management and staff involved in the AMI planning for their expertise and participation in making this transition a smooth process. Regarding Mr. Tietz's review of the AMI initiative, Commissioner Westgaard asked if supply chain issues were affecting delivery of the new meters. Mr. Tietz explained that with supply chain issues being a concern, staff have been building up inventory and to date there are approximately 1,350 electric meters and approximately one third of the residential water meters on hand. Supply chain issues still exist with the commercial and industrial polyphase meters. Mr. Hanson expressed his appreciation to Mr. Tietz and Ms. Youngs for their extensive work and coordination related to the AMI project and to the entire team involved in making AMI operational. Commissioner Stewart asked if the smart meter itself uses electricity and if so, is it in front of or behind the meter, asking who pays for that usage. Mr. Tietz stated there is usage from the Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission Meeting Minutes February 13, 2024 Page 5 43