Moorhead Public Service

The meeting agenda was approved with the addition of item #17 concerning the approval of MPS' 2025, 2026, and 2027 Base Pay Structures. The commission approved several items via the consent agenda, including bills for payment and task orders/approvals for professional services. Specific actions included approving Task Order No. 2025-1 with Sandman Structural Engineers for the redundant Network Operations Center design ($35,000 maximum), approving professional services for a biennial laboratory compliance audit ($3,646), approving specifications for 2025 Water Treatment and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals bids, and approving 2025 payroll vendors, delegates, and memberships. The commission accepted reports on the Advanced Metering Infrastructure Project and the Cogeneration and Small Power Production Tariff Report for 2025. The final 2025 budgets and rates were approved, showing an overall 2.0 percent electric rate increase and a 5.5 percent water rate increase. An executive session was held to discuss labor negotiation strategies with IBEW, Local 1426, resulting in a motion to approve the Labor Agreement contingent on ratification and legal review. Finally, the 2025, 2026, and 2027 Base Pay Structures were approved.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the approval of the agenda and consent agenda items, which covered the approval of previous minutes from September 17, 2024, and bills for payment. Major approvals included an agreement with USI Consulting Group for GASB 75 compliance and the annual agreement with The Salvation Army for the 2024/2025 HeatShare Program. Reports covered staff relocation from City Hall and updates on grid reliability, MPS involvement in the Red River Water Festival, and staff assistance following Hurricane Milton in Florida. The Commission accepted Report #1 on the proposed 2025 Budget, which recommends a 2 percent overall increase for electric rates and a 4 percent overall increase for water rates. The Commission also accepted the report on the review of Electric Service Extension Surcharges and approved the continuation of 100 percent net-zero carbon power supply through MRES' Bright Energy Choices Program for 2025. Bids were awarded for the 2024/2025 Tree Trimming project to Carr's Tree Service and for the 2025 Electrical Materials to the lowest qualified bidders. Specifications were approved to advertise bids for Contract Hauling and Beneficial Use Services for Lime Residuals from the Water Treatment Plant. Task Order No. 10 with Apex Engineering Group, Inc., was approved for 2025 Watermain Improvement Projects engineering services. Public hearings were conducted regarding the proposed 2 percent electric rate increase and the 4 percent water rate increase for 2025, with no customer comments offered during the hearings. Finally, the Commission approved the Summary of Conclusions of the General Manager's Performance Evaluation and approved a two-step compensation increase for the General Manager, along with approving a revised organizational structure and number of personnel for the remainder of 2024 and 2025.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and the consent agenda, which included routine items such as the approval of the August 6, 2024 minutes and bills for payment. Key actions involved the approval of Task Order No. 2 with Terracon Consultants, Inc., for geotechnical engineering services at the Northeast Substation, and the approval of the revised Exhibit A to the Transmission Operator Procedure with WAPA concerning facility maintenance. Discussions included reminders about due dates for the General Manager's performance review responses. Reports highlighted MPS winning the Tap Water Taste Test contest at the Minnesota State Fair and included updates on the 2024 second quarter Strategic Plan. The Commission awarded the bid for the 2024 Lead Service Line Replacement Pilot Project to Randall's Excavating, Inc., contingent upon final approval from the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority. Finally, the Commission appointed members to the Budget Working Group and set the dates for the water and electric rate hearings for 2025.

The agenda for the Moorhead Public Service Commission meeting includes approval of the agenda and consent agenda items, which cover routine matters such as approving minutes from the August 6, 2024 meeting and bills for payment. Key discussion topics involve reports from the City Council and the General Manager, including updates on the MRES' Smart Energy Squad School Program and regional electric rates. Other substantive items include approving a Task Order with Terracon Consultants, Inc. for Geotechnical Engineering Services at the Northeast Substation, approving a Revised Exhibit A to the Transmission Operator Procedure with WAPA, awarding a bid for the 2024 Lead Service Line Replacement Pilot Project, and reviewing the preliminary 2025 Budget Timetable, appointing a Budget Working Group, and setting dates for Water and Electric Rate Hearings.

The agenda for the meeting included standard administrative items such as approving the agenda and consent agenda, which covered approval of prior minutes and bills for payment. Key discussion items involved reviewing reports from the City Council and General Manager, accepting reports on the MRES' Smart Energy Squad School Program and Regional Electric Rates. Action items included approving a Task Order with Terracon Consultants, Inc., for Geotechnical Engineering Services at Northeast Substation, approving a Revised Exhibit A to the Transmission Operator Procedure with WAPA, awarding the bid for the 2024 Lead Service Line Replacement Pilot Project, and reviewing the preliminary 2025 Budget Timetable, which included appointing a Budget Working Group and setting dates for Water and Electric Rate Hearings. An Executive Session was scheduled if needed.