Ticaboo Utility Improvement District

The meeting commenced with general procedures, including the adoption of the agenda, which omitted the General Manager Report as the manager was absent. The board noted the absence of minutes from the March meeting for approval. During public comment, a member of the public was welcomed. The board reports covered unfortunate financial incidents in the previous three months, specifically a $50,000 waterline break and repairs costing a significant amount due to a coolant heater fire on a generator. The majority of the meeting involved a presentation from Taurus representatives regarding a proposed partnership for renewable energy solutions. The proposal focused on deploying solar generation, energy storage, and flywheel technology to reduce reliance on existing generators, improve power quality, and enhance system security at the main power plant in Tekaboo. Specific next steps for the proposal involved formal design and engineering phases. The board then moved to vote on entering an executive session to discuss litigation strategy.

The board meeting included discussions regarding the public notice process and the availability of the remote meeting link, noting that a backup email was sent to customers. Key business items involved renewable energy planning, specifically partnering with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to enhance technical specifications for solar and battery programs and to address Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) requirements for future grant applications anticipated in 2025. A board member proposed a revised strategy for energy offset focusing on sizing a battery bank to manage generator run time by utilizing excess power capacity from existing generators and supplementing with solar power, aiming to reduce fuel consumption incrementally. Additionally, a proposal was made to formalize a monthly payment of $1,200 for the use of the storage facility and office space, which currently includes enclosed and covered storage for equipment, trailers, and miscellaneous items. This item was tabled for formal decision at the next meeting. Operational updates included the MQ equipment being out for major maintenance due to a fuel injector failure, and completion of mandatory Wastewater training and certification.

The board meeting included public comments and discussions on general TUID business and a management report. A guest, Jackie Co from the UT Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS), introduced the organization and its role in assisting local districts with their power needs. Topics discussed included the history of collaboration between TUID and UAMPS, generation options for stabilizing the system, and potential grant opportunities. The discussion also covered the challenges TUID faces due to limited transmission access and the need to work diligently to complete in-house projects. Additionally, there were talks about the existing generators, their maintenance, and the possibility of integrating solar power and battery storage solutions.

The meeting included the election of a chairperson and treasurer, with the clerk position to be appointed later. Upcoming meeting dates were approved, and it was decided to keep meetings on a monthly basis. There was an expression of appreciation for previous board members. Interim management provided a report, including updates on various maintenance tasks, water samples, and other operational issues. The board discussed the need for generator servicing, repairs, and maintenance of other equipment. Financial status was reviewed, and it was reported that everything is going smoothly with billing and payments.

The meeting included discussions on electronic meeting protocols, public comments, and a board report. The board report covered a visit to UAMPS (Utah Association of Municipal Power Suppliers) and the potential benefits of continued membership. There was also an update on maintenance work, compliance, and financial matters, including a review of raw financial data and loan payments for generators. The board discussed the need for a new generator and the possibility of acquiring a fourth machine with lower kilowatt output. Additionally, there were conversations about customer service, fees, rates, and the new meeting schedule.