Nicole Grant

The meeting addressed the approval of the minutes from the April 25, 2024 session and two regular warrants dated May 2, 2024, and May 9, 2024. Key discussions involved authorizing the issuance of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for multifunction printing (MFP) services, estimated at a 5-year cost of $170,000. Furthermore, the commission reviewed and awarded three sealed bids under IFB 24-15 for transformers, recommending Power Sales quoting Howard for all three awards due to meeting specifications, citing North American manufacturing standards for one decision. Finally, the commission received a presentation on the 2024 Customer Satisfaction Study results, which indicated an overall satisfaction rating of 93%, significantly above the national average of 68%, though areas like customer satisfaction with first contact resolution and self-reported satisfaction with rates were noted for future tracking.

The meeting commenced with roll call and a public expression of thanks for condolences received. Key actions included the approval of minutes from February 7, 2024, and the acceptance of numerous regular warrants from January 30 through March 6, 2025. The commission authorized sealed bids for 100,000 ft of fiber optic cable and for several engineering material requests, including instrument transformers, 15 KV reclosers, and copper MV cable. The commission also approved an increase in the budget estimate for the previously awarded SCADA upgrade project. Several contract awards were processed, including the inspection and repair of unit 9 safety valves, the SCADA master upgrade servicing and licensing (awarded to Schneider Electric), the purchase of SNC Omniuptor switches (awarded to Wesco in two separate instances), the procurement of electric line tree clearance services (awarded to Pathfinder Tree Service), and the award for Tower Painting Services (awarded to Public Utilities Maintenance). A major project request for the Berkeley fiber rebuild, involving running new 144 fiber cable, was approved. Another major project request for expanding the fiber backbone into the new Taton Public Safety Building was approved, with anticipated reimbursement up to $120,000. Additionally, the commission voted to approve a retroactive salary increase for the General Manager, matching TMLP's collective bargaining agreements, and approved a recommendation for installing new street lighting on West Water Street, pending City Council approval. Finally, the commission affirmed support for a stipend increase for commission members, calculated based on collective bargaining agreement increases since 2000.

The meeting covered the approval of the minutes from July 22, 2025, and the acceptance of several regular warrants from July 17 through August 14, 2025. Key agenda items involved authorizing sealed bids and proposals. This included authorizing bids for 218 watt flood lights for stock, estimated at approximately $800 each, and authorization to bid for one SNC Vista switch gear costing an estimated $180,000 for a project at 300 Colton Road, which is customer-reimbursable. A change request for IFB25-11 concerning pad mount transformers was approved to amend the order from two to five 1,000 KVA transformers. Awards for these transformers were discussed and approved, with Wesco quoting Prolle being recommended for the initial two units, and Wesco quoting Prolle again for the total of five units, amounting to $179,420. Another bid award for one 2,500 KVA transformer went to Wesco quoting MCCO for $76,800. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a presentation on the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system pilot goals and outcomes, which demonstrated 100% reliability. The commission also reviewed a major project request seeking $9 million over an estimated three-year period (starting in 2026) for the full AMI rollout.

The meeting covered several topics, including evaluations for switch gear and breaker equipment packages, a VoIP system refresh, and a request to increase the authorized amount for a pavement repair project. The commission discussed and approved recommendations for various bids and projects, including accepting bids from Wesco and Peak Substation, and approving a request for additional funding for the Clearary Flood Station parking lot pavement repair. Additionally, the commission considered a donation request for iPads and touch chat licenses for Edward Affleti Preschool, and reviewed employee benefits and overhead costs for FY26 from the city of Taton, requesting a breakdown of the overhead aspect. The retirement of Leo Troier was also acknowledged.

The meeting included discussions and approvals regarding various financial and operational matters. Approvals were granted for regular warrants and a request to advertise for bid proposals for credit card processing services. The commission also discussed and approved sending out sealed bids for a sole supplier blanket distributor of wire and cable. Additionally, the replacement of an electrical maintenance vehicle was discussed and tabled for the time being. The commission also reviewed and discussed the 2024 corporate financial performance and the 2025 budget. A major project request for a two-way radio system was also presented and discussed.