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Chair Dietz asked about the lower purchased power costs compared to the previous year. <br />Ms. Karpinski attributed this to reduced energy usage, explaining that the Energy <br />Adjustment Clause (EAC) charges fluctuate with consumption. She also pointed out that <br />the actual EAC was slightly lower than budgeted. <br />Chair Dietz inquired whether water sales were expected to be lower than the previous <br />year due to wetter weather. Mr. Ninow confirmed this, adding that water usage had <br />decreased, and that the prior year was unusually dry, which had driven higher water <br />consumption in 2023. <br />Moved by Commissioner Westgaard and seconded by Commissioner Stewart to receive <br />the August 2024 Financial Report. Motion carried 5-0. <br />5.2 2025 Annual Business Plan: Electric and Water Expenses <br />Ms. Karpinski reviewed the 2025 Annual Business Plan: Electric and Water memo in which she <br />reminded the Commission that the information presented is subject to updates. She noted <br />that revisions will be made before final review as work continues on refining the revenue and <br />rates details. <br />Chair Dietz asked if the budget included funds for the addition of an administrative employee. <br />Ms. Karpinski confirmed it did. <br />Chair Dietz asked Mr. Geiser if the same contractor is used for tree trimming every year and if <br />they work throughout the winter. Mr. Geiser explained that two to three bids are reviewed <br />each year, and the selected contractor works all winter. Mr. Geiser noted that there are <br />remaining funds in the 2024 budget, so they plan to bring the contractor on board in <br />December, with work continuing into 2025. <br />Commissioner Westgaard asked if the new compensation plan was factored into 2025 budget <br />presented. Ms. Karpinski confirmed it was. <br />Commissioner Westgaard also asked if plans for the decommissioning the power plant were <br />included in the 2025 budget. <br />Mr. Hanson stated that only the preliminary architectural plan costs, estimated at $60,000, <br />were budgeted for 2025, as construction is not expected until 2026, pending commission <br />approval. <br />5.3 Advanced Metering Infrastructure Update <br />Mr. Tietz reviewed the AMI updates outlined in his memo. <br />Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission Meeting Minutes <br />October 8, 2024 <br />Page 3 <br />