Alina Lehnert

The Board discussed a mission moment on integrity, recognized the Bus Operator of the Year, and received committee reports. Approval was granted for the Lead Service Line Replacement Grant application under the Missouri Clean Water Law. Additionally, a presentation was provided on the January financials, covering key indicators such as operating revenue, expenses, and capital expenditures for various utilities including electric, natural gas, water, and transit, as well as an update on purchased gas adjustments and investment portfolios.

The meeting commenced with the Chair welcoming a new Board member and acknowledging the impacted communities due to Winter Storm Fern, extending thanks to the City Utilities' Crisis Management Team. Key discussions included a presentation on the Share the Lights Proceeds, totaling $23,974 for Project Share. The Audit/Executive Committee reported on receiving the Annual Independent Audit by Forvis Mazars for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, which was presented to the Board. The Management's Discussion and Analysis section provided a detailed overview of the financial performance for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, highlighting operational results, changes in net position, and significant capital asset and long-term financing activities, such as issuing new Certificates of Participation (COPs) and refinancing revenue bonds. Furthermore, the Board reviewed currently known facts and decisions pertaining to future rate adjustments for electric and natural gas services, planned infrastructure investments in electric distribution, generation (including combustion turbines and battery storage), natural gas main renewals, transit fleet replacement, broadband infrastructure investments, and water system projects.

The meeting included a safety share and recognition of City Utilities teams participating in the National Gas Rodeo and International Lineman's Rodeo. A public comment was made regarding a request for a bus shelter. Financial statements were presented for the year-to-date through September 30, 2025, covering weather data, operating volumes, revenue, fuel and production costs, operating margin, operating expenses, and changes in net position. Key financial indicators were reviewed, including coal and natural gas inventories, labor costs, and weather information. The discussion also covered adjustments to the investment portfolio, equity interest in The Energy Authority and TEA Solutions, and price risk management assets.

This Source Water Protection Plan for City Utilities of Springfield aims to protect, preserve, and enhance the public drinking water supply and overall water resources. Key focus areas include public education and outreach, continuous monitoring and management of water quality (e.g., PFAS, invasive species like Hydrilla and Curly-leaf Pondweed, and nutrient levels), and implementing green infrastructure solutions such as floating wetlands. The plan also details emergency water conservation measures and emphasizes community involvement and partnerships to ensure a sustainable and safe water supply for the region.

This 2025 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) outlines City Utilities of Springfield, Missouri's strategy to provide for the community's electric capacity and energy needs over the next 20 years. The plan is driven by the CU Strategic Plan, focusing on ensuring reliable and affordable electrical energy, leading with integrity, and exploring diverse, sustainable resources. Key priorities include forecasting demand, optimizing resource mix, and adhering to criteria of affordability, reliability, and environmental responsibility, with goals to reduce CO2 emissions by 70% by 2035 and achieve net zero by 2050. The plan details resource additions such as hydrogen-enabled natural gas generation and battery storage, and aims to maintain a diversified portfolio including renewables and demand response programs.