09-29-2021 HUCMMINUTES
Regular Meeting — Hutchinson Utilities Commission
Wedinesday, September 29, 2021
Call to order — 3:00 p.m.
Vice President Anthony Hanson called the meeting to order. Members present: Vice
President Anthony Hanson;, Secretary Don Martinez; Commissioner Robert Wendorff;
GM Jeremy Carter; Attorney Marc Sebora
Absent: President Matt Cheney; Commissioner Monty Morrow
1 . Conflict of Interest
2. Approve Consent Agenda
a. Approve Minutes
b. Ratify Payment of Bills
Motion by Commissioner Wendorff, second by Commissioner Martinez to approve
the Consent Agenda. Motion carried unanimously.
3. Approve Financial Statements
Mr. Martig presented the financial statements. Electric Division, Net Income
decreased by $182K due to an increase in transmission and purchased power.
Fuels and chemicals expenses also increased due to an increase in generation
primarily for HUC's hedging program.
GM Carter added that August YTD Market Sales are at $900K, last year at this time
YTD Market, Sales were at $205K; substantially higher for 2021 due to increased
loads not only here but in, the Midwest. Consequently, where HUC is buying off the
market, MIS{ purchases are over $1.1M, compared to last year at $639K, GM
Carter also noted that the MIRES Membership Adder was $0 for this year, compared
to last year of $439K. On the Generating side, Generation total for August 2021 is
6002 MW Hours of which 1692 MW Hours was delivered to MISO and the remaining
4310 MW Hours went to the hedging program; which equates to 72% of generation
went to the community. GM Carter reviewed the mix of generation per unit, noting
there is a good mix between units 1, 5, 6 & 7. Average price to generate is $29.56,
average MISO price is $58.74, margin is 98.7%. Natural Gas Division Gross Margin
is trending upward. Rate stabilization is getting back to where it needs to be.
Continuing to watch the Cash Balance and any opportunities to add investments
with higher interest rates than what is being obtained in the banks in the short-term
is being reviewed.
Motion by Commissioner Martinez, second by Commissioner Wendorff to approve
the financial statements. Motion carried unanimously.
5. Communication
a. City Administrator -- Matthew Jaunilich —
iFinishing up projects
iL Middle of budget season
iiiUtility rate changes will be done in 20!23 to better educate the public on,
what the changes will be,,
b. Divisions
i. Dan, Lang, Engineering Services Manager —
1 . Plant 2 substation project upidate; wiring and install are about
99% complete. Commissioning to start at end of October.
ii. Dave Hunst,ad, Electric Transmission/Distribution Manager —
1 . Solar panel update, Commission testing to be completed next
couple of weeks, look to have Ribbon Cutting at the end of
October. CAT will also have representation at Ribbon Cutting.
Jared Martig, Financial Manager —
1. Looking into investing into an annuity, will be discussing this with
the auditors as well.
John Webster, Natural Gas Division Director — Nothing to report
111 1 � I! I I i I I i I V �1;11 BUM=
d. Administrative Coordinator — Angie Radke-
1. Compensation Study update- Working on survey
information that was collected. Hoping to have information in the
next few weeks.
Working with Rich Westlund on InsurancesLife, Voluntary
AD&D, and LTD will be remaining the same for another year,
Waiting to hear information regarding Health and M-
t.t._
f . General Manager — Jeremy Carter —
Fed�iera,l level update — Build Back Better Act; H�ouse has proposed a
Clean Electricity Performance Plan (CEPP), Investment Tax Credit/
Production Tax Credit, Advance Refunding and Infrastructure Buiild�out
fl. Have received inquiries from the school district and citizens about
having a tour at Plant 11 for education purposes. At one time there was
interest from the Commissioners and Council Members, if there is still
interest the tours could be held together and completed within the next
couple of months.
6. Policies
a, Review Policies,
i. After hours Reconnectiion Policy
ii. Landlord Acknowledgement
flL Inserts with Utility Bills
iv. Identity Theft — Red Flag Program
v. MN Government Data Practices Act & Public Records Request
ME=
4
affa�� M
L Disconnection of Residential Services by HUC — change the ";shall"' to
44 may" to allow more flexibility and dion.
Disconnection of Commercial Services by HUC— change the shall" to
" may"' to allow more flexibility, and discretion.
Motion by Commiissioner Wendorff, second' by Commissioner Martinez to approve
the Policy Changes. Motion carried unanimously.
a:. Declare an Open Meeting for HUICs Strategic Planning Being Held on
Wednesday, October 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 pm.
GM Carter stated that this was the best date and time that worked for everyone.
The meeting wil�l be held in the HUC Commission Room. If Commissioners have
any certain topics to add please provide ahead of time. Meeting may be
adjourned early if the entire time Is not needed.
Motion by Commissioner Marti�niez, second by Commissioner Wendorff to Declare
an Open Meeting for HUC's Strategic Planning Being Held on Wednesday,
October 27 from 11:010 a.m, to 3:�00 p.m. Mobon carried unanimously.
; i foF 11012111pal-I � 1012 ME=
GMI Carter noted the current Union Contract is set to, expire at the end of the year.
As HUC moves forward into the next contract cyclie, the customary practice is to
set a on negotiation team on the employer's side. The union negotiation team
will help negotiate topics and terms. Historically, HUC has, had two
Commissioners along with the GM, HR Director and labor attorney.
Commissioner Martinez would like to volunteer along with recommending
President Cheney.
Motion by Commissioner Martinez, second by Commissioner Wendorff to have
Commissioner Martinez and President Cheney serve on the Negotiation
Committee on behalf of the Board along with Jeremy Carter, Brenda Ewing, Angie
Radke and the Labor Attorney. Motion carried unanimously.
'Commissioner Wendorff inquired about the Production Manager position, GM
Carter stated that Staff is reviewing the 9 applications that were received and wiill
be setting up interviews in the future.
9. Adjourn
There being no further business, a motion by Commissioner Wendorff second by
Commissioner Martinez to, adjourn the mieetilngi at 3:27p,m. Motion carried
unanimously.
9
ATTEST
4io LkLj
Matt Cheney, President
can Martinez, Secretary