Travis L. Schmidt

The Commission meeting focused on updates regarding infrastructure and community engagement. Key topics included the successful completion of the ozone generator replacement project, participation in recent industry conferences, and a progress report on the Advanced Metering Infrastructure project. The Commission discussed the status of electric and water meter swaps, system testing, and established new policies for customers who refuse or fail to respond to meter installation requests, which include potential service suspension and associated fees. Additionally, the city council provided an update on the current budget process.

The meeting featured a presentation on the impact and monitoring of zebra mussels in the Red River and the water treatment plant's intake structures. It also included an educational presentation on community outreach programs, specifically the Red River Water Festival and the Seeds for Hope event for local students. Additionally, the commission reviewed the 2020 budget, providing an overview of Moorhead Public Service's financial structure, revenue sources from customer classes, operating expenses, and utility rate comparisons. The commission discussed various energy programs, including 'Capture the Sun' and the newly introduced 'Bright Energy Choices' renewable energy initiative.

The commission discussed several topics including city council reports on property tax rebates and the city manager search, the progress of COVID-19 related funding for community facility retrofitting, and the administration of CARES Act funding for businesses. The board also reviewed strategic plan updates, discussed the status of utility consumption and collections during the pandemic, and approved an initiative to improve communication regarding financial assistance availability to past-due accounts. Additionally, the commission authorized Baker Tilly to begin employment discussions for the general manager position.

The Commission meeting covered several operational and financial topics. Discussions included the role of the Human Resources Committee regarding contract negotiations, updates on city council activities such as the CARES Act, transit authority studies, and preliminary budget planning. The Commission reviewed redevelopment projects involving TIF proposals and affordable housing initiatives. Additionally, reports were provided on the annual generation verification test for the Centennial Generating Station and the Buffalo Red River Watershed District's management plan. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the status of past-due utility collections due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with a review of financial impacts on customers and available assistance programs.

The meeting included discussions on the status of various water and electric infrastructure projects, specifically addressing pipeline relocations and transmission line construction. The board reviewed strategic facility planning, including potential campus consolidation and vertical expansion options for the water and electric divisions. Other topics included ongoing customer service training initiatives, the operational challenge of zebra mussels, and the funding and construction logistics of a major water pipeline project.