Christina Cunningham

The commission discussed adding a resolution to allow bid advertisements for an electric meter project. A new standing agenda item was established to facilitate regular communication between the commission and the city council liaison. Additionally, the commission reviewed department reports and discussed the current commercial deposit policy, including the potential implementation of application fees and background checks for new commercial accounts.

The commission held a regular meeting that included the swearing-in of a new commissioner and a discussion on official chair and vice-chair positions, clarifying that the vice-chair assumes the chair role in the event of a vacancy. The agenda also included reports from department superintendents regarding utility equipment and material updates, such as the CAT plant and electric department projects. Additionally, there was a discussion on the status of EV charging stations and a comprehensive review of the ongoing transition to new financial reporting software, which will include redesigned general ledger accounts to improve transparency and future financial reporting.

The Commission discussed several key items including the transition to a new billing software, the impact of Winter Storm Fern on financial operations, and necessary updates to EV charging rates to comply with state laws regarding energy-based billing. Additionally, the meeting covered project updates such as the Third Street Reconstruction, PFAS management proposals, and the upcoming capital improvements plan. The Commission also reviewed internal reports from the General Manager and various department superintendents, and discussed potential financial reporting policies and committee updates.

The agenda for the meeting includes reviewing and potentially approving the minutes from the January 28, 2026, Regular Meeting and the certification of accounts payable. Reports cover the General Manager's overview, financial statements (Income Statement, Balance Sheet, Trial Balance, Cash Reserves), and updates on SMMPA and EV Chargers. Key items on the regular agenda include discussion and authorization regarding the Third Street Bid Package, the impact of Winter Storm Fern, next steps for PFAS management including a Phase 3 proposal from Bolton & Menk, a review of 2025 financials, an update to the City Council, and the postponement of the March Commission Meeting to April 1, 2026.

The meeting commenced with a roll call, noting one commissioner was attending remotely. Key discussions included the approval of the agenda, following a motion and second. Public comment was provided by an attendee regarding a required $700 utility deposit for a new small business space, which they believed was excessive given the low annual utility costs. The commission acknowledged the concern and agreed to have staff review the deposit policy for future consideration, though current policy required the deposit to avoid service interruption. The consent agenda was approved, including discussion regarding the reimbursement process for SIMPA energy interest rebate program costs. Under the regular agenda, discussion centered on the Third Street bid package, which included road, sewer, and stormwater components, as well as a water main improvement. An alternate bid for redoing part of 14th Avenue was included for review. The commission approved the bidding process based on the engineering firm's memo. Additionally, there was a discussion concerning the impact of recent winter storms (e.g., Storm Fern) on the energy system due to extreme cold temperatures, noting that all member units were called upon to run for extended periods.