08-29-2012 HUCMMINUTES
Regular Meeting — Hutchinson Utilities Commission
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Call to order — 3:00 p.m.
President Bordson called the meeting to order. Members present: President Dwight
Bordson; Secretary Leon Johnson; Commissioner Monty Morrow; Commissioner
Anthony Hanson; General Manager Michael Kumm. Members absent: Vice President
Craig Lenz; Attorney Marc Sebora.
The following agenda items were tabled until next regular commission meeting:
1. Agenda item #5: Approve Changes to Policies and Requirements Booklet,
Section Payment of Your Bill.
2. Agenda item #8: Approve Spectrum Lease Agreement.
3. Unfinished Business:
a. Discuss Credit Card Payments
b. Discuss HUC By -Laws
1. Approve Minutes of July 25, 2012 Regular Meeting
The minutes of the July 25, 2012 regular meeting were reviewed. A motion was
made by Commissioner Morrow, seconded by Secretary Johnson to approve the
minutes. Motion was unanimously carried.
2. Ratify Payment of Bills for July 2012
The July 2012 payables were discussed. A motion was made by Secretary
Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Hanson to ratify the payment of bills in the
amount of $8,123,372.67 (detailed listing in payables book). Motion was
unanimously carried.
3. Approve Financial Statements /Budget Year to Date
Jared Martig presented the July 2012 financial statements /budget year -to -date.
After discussion, a motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by
Commissioner Morrow to approve the financial statements /budget year -to -date.
Motion was unanimously carried.
4. Approve After Hours Reconnection Policy
GM Kumm presented the After Hours Reconnection Policy (tabled from July 25,
2012 regular meeting). This policy was tabled in the July 25, 2012 regular meeting
with a Board recommendation to change `and from 9:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.' to `nor
from 9:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.' The Board also added the sentence `Payments must
be made prior to reconnecting utilities.' to the last paragraph. After discussion, a
motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Secretary Johnson to
approve the After Hours Reconnection Policy. Motion was unanimously carried.
(Policy attached.)
5. Approve Changes to Policies and Requirements Booklet
GM Kumm presented policies and requirements booklet, sections:
• Deposit Requirement — Residential
1
• Deposit Requirement — Commercial /Industrial
• Cold Weather Rule
• Terminating Electric /Natural Gas Service by Customer
• Payment of Your Bill
• Explanation of Billing Procedure
• Disconnection of Residential Services by HUC
• Disconnection of Commercial Services by HUC
The Board tabled the section titled Payment of Your Bill until next regular commission
meeting. No changes to section titled Cold Weather Rule are requested at this time.
The Board recommended a couple spelling changes to section Disconnection of
Residential Services and GM Kumm also noted to change 10:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in
item #8 of same section.
After further discussion, a motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by
Commissioner Morrow to approve the changes to the exempt and nonexempt
handbooks, sections: Deposit Requirement — Residential; Deposit Requirement —
Commercial /Industrial; Terminating Electric /Natural Gas Service by Customer;
Explanation of Billing Procedure; Disconnection of Residential Services by HUC; and
Disconnection of Commercial Services by HUC. Motion was unanimously carried.
(Changes attached.)
6. Approve Changes to Exempt and Non - Exempt Handbooks
GM Kumm presented changes to only the non - exempt handbook, sections:
required clothing and safety glasses. The changes were made to clean up
verbiage. A motion was made by Secretary Johnson, seconded by Commissioner
Hanson to approve the changes to the non - exempt handbook, sections: required
clothing and safety glasses. Motion was unanimously carried. (Changes attached.)
7. Approve Disposal of Surplus Property Policy
GM Kumm presented changes to the Disposal of Surplus Property Policy
explaining what prompted the changes was the need to add the paragraph titled
"Exceptions" to the second page of the policy. Other changes recommended by
Attorney Sebora were to replace $100 with $5,000 throughout the policy and the
word `recipient' to `purchaser'. Discussion was held for HUC to consider using a
local business to sell surplus property. After discussion, a motion was made by
Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Morrow to approve the
changes to Disposal of Surplus Property Policy. (Changes attached.)
8. Approve Spectrum Lease Agreement
Tabled until next regular commission meeting.
9. Approve Requisition #5033 for Plant 1 Breaker Replacement
GM Kumm presented requisition #5033 for plant 1 breaker replacement in the
amount of $83,381.74. After discussion, a motion was made by Secretary
Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Hanson to approve requisition #5033 for
plant 1 breaker replacement from Utilities Plus in the amount of $83,381.74. Motion
was unanimously carried. (Requisition attached.)
2
10. Division Reports
Electric — Steve Lancaster
Nothing to report
Gas — John Webster
• Worked with a bond company on a security deposit for United Farmers
Cooperative who will become an HUC customer.
• On September 13, Jon Hombach is retiring after 34 years with HUC.
• All casings in town are retired.
• Natural gas to new unit 5 is installed.
• Working with Ryan Ellenson and GRE on the CapX 20/20 project to create a
crossing agreement and maintenance agreement.
Business — Jan Sifferath
• Internal posting for Crew Chief position; hope to fill internally.
• New employee starting next Tuesday in System Control.
• Reviewing benefit packages for 2013 budget.
Finance — Jared Martig
Nothing to report
11. Legal Update
Nothing to report
Unfinished Business
• Discuss Potential Capacity Sale
GM Kumm gave an update on selling capacity to an interested party.
• Discuss Credit Card Payments
Tabled until next regular commission meeting.
• Discussion Regarding Pre -Pay for Natural Gas
No new update.
• Discuss HUC By -Laws
Tabled until next regular commission meeting.
• Discuss Intellectual Property — Patent
GM Kumm gave an update mentioning he spoke with the patent attorney which
Attorney Sebora hired. GM Kumm also hired an attorney to get a provisional
patent. $2,800 of the previously- approved $5,000 has been spent so far.
New Business
None
3
There being no further business, a motion was made by Commissioner Hanson,
seconded by Secretary Johnson to adjourn the meeting at 4:03 p.m. Motion was
unanimously carried.
ATTEST:
Dwight Bordson, President
12
Leon Johnson, Secretary
MINUTES
Regular Meeting — Hutchinson Utilities Commission
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Call to order — 3:00 p.m.
President Bordson called the meeting to order. Members present: President Dwight
Bordson; Secretary Leon Johnson; Commissioner Monty Morrow; Commissioner
Anthony Hanson; General Manager Michael Kumm. Members absent: Vice President
Craig Lenz; Attorney Marc Sebora.
The following agenda items were tabled until next regular commission meeting:
1. Agenda item #5: Approve Changes to Policies and Requirements Booklet,
Section Payment of Your Bill.
2. Agenda item #8: Approve Spectrum Lease Agreement.
3. Unfinished Business:
a. Discuss Credit Card Payments
b. Discuss HUC By -Laws
1. Approve Minutes of July 25, 2012 Regular Meeting
The minutes of the July 25, 2012 regular meeting were reviewed. A motion was
made by Commissioner Morrow, seconded by Secretary Johnson to approve the
minutes. Motion was unanimously carried.
2. Ratify Payment of Bills for July 2012
The July 2012 payables were discussed. A motion was made by Secretary
Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Hanson to ratify the payment of bills in the
amount of $8,123,372.67 (detailed listing in payables book). Motion was
unanimously carried.
3. Approve Financial Statements /Budget Year to Date
Jared Martig presented the July 2012 financial statements /budget year -to -date.
After discussion, a motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by
Commissioner Morrow to approve the financial statements /budget year -to -date.
Motion was unanimously carried.
4. Approve After Hours Reconnection Policy
GM Kumm presented the After Hours Reconnection Policy (tabled from July 25,
2012 regular meeting). This policy was tabled in the July 25, 2012 regular meeting
with a Board recommendation to change 'and from 9:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.' to `nor
from 9:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.' The Board also added the sentence 'Payments must
be made prior to reconnecting utilities.' to the last paragraph. After discussion, a
motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Secretary Johnson to
approve the After Hours Reconnection Policy. Motion was unanimously carried.
(Policy attached.)
5. Approve Changes to Policies and Requirements Booklet
GM Kumm presented policies and requirements booklet, sections:
• Deposit Requirement — Residential
1
• Deposit Requirement — Commercial /Industrial
• Cold Weather Rule
• Terminating Electric /Natural Gas Service by Customer
• Payment of Your Bill
• Explanation of Billing Procedure
• Disconnection of Residential Services by HUC
• Disconnection of Commercial Services by HUC
The Board tabled the section titled Payment of Your Bill until next regular commission
meeting. No changes to section titled Cold Weather Rule are requested at this time.
The Board recommended a couple spelling changes to section Disconnection of
Residential Services and GM Kumm also noted to change 10:00 P.M. to 9:00 p.m. in
item #8 of same section.
After further discussion, a motion was made by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by
Commissioner Morrow to approve the changes to the exempt and nonexempt
handbooks, sections: Deposit Requirement — Residential; Deposit Requirement —
Commercial /Industrial; Terminating Electric /Natural Gas Service by Customer;
Explanation of Billing Procedure; Disconnection of Residential Services by HUC; and
Disconnection of Commercial Services by HUC. Motion was unanimously carried.
(Changes attached.)
6. Approve Changes to Exempt and Non - Exempt Handbooks
GM Kumm presented changes to only the non - exempt handbook, sections:
required clothing and safety glasses. The changes were made to clean up
verbiage. A motion was made by Secretary Johnson, seconded by Commissioner
Hanson to approve the changes to the non - exempt handbook, sections: required
clothing and safety glasses. Motion was unanimously carried. (Changes attached.)
7. Approve Disposal of Surplus Property Policy
GM Kumm presented changes to the Disposal of Surplus Property Policy
explaining what prompted the changes was the need to add the paragraph titled
"Exceptions" to the second page of the policy. Other changes recommended by
Attorney Sebora were to replace $100 with $5,000 throughout the policy and the
word 'recipient' to 'purchaser'. Discussion was held for HUC to consider using a
local business to sell surplus property. After discussion, a motion was made by
Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Morrow to approve the
changes to Disposal of Surplus Property Policy. (Changes attached.)
8. Approve Spectrum Lease Agreement
Tabled until next regular commission meeting.
9. Approve Requisition #5033 for Plant 1 Breaker Replacement
GM Kumm presented requisition #5033 for plant 1 breaker replacement in the
amount of $83,381.74. After discussion, a motion was made by Secretary
Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Hanson to approve requisition #5033 for
plant 1 breaker replacement from Utilities Plus in the amount of $83,381.74. Motion
was unanimously carried. (Requisition attached.)
2
10. Division Reports
Electric — Steve Lancaster
Nothing to report
Gas — John Webster
• Worked with a bond company on a security deposit for United Farmers
Cooperative who will become an HUC customer.
• On September 13, Jon Hombach is retiring after 34 years with HUC.
• All casings in town are retired.
• Natural gas to new unit 5 is installed.
• Working with Ryan Ellenson and GRE on the CapX 20/20 project to create a
crossing agreement and maintenance agreement.
Business — Jan Sifferath
• Internal posting for Crew Chief position; hope to fill internally.
• New employee starting next Tuesday in System Control.
• Reviewing benefit packages for 2013 budget.
Finance — Jared Martig
Nothing to report
11. Legal Update
Nothing to report
Unfinished Business
• Discuss Potential Capacity Sale
GM Kumm gave an update on selling capacity to an interested party.
• Discuss Credit Card Payments
Tabled until next regular commission meeting.
• Discussion Regarding Pre -Pay for Natural Gas
No new update.
• Discuss HUC By -Laws
Tabled until next regular commission meeting.
• Discuss Intellectual Property— Patent
GM Kumm gave an update mentioning he spoke with the patent attorney which
Attorney Sebora hired. GM Kumm also hired an attorney to get a provisional
patent. $2,800 of the previously- approved $5,000 has been spent so far.
New Business
None
K
There being no further business, a motion was made by Commissioner Hanson,
seconded by Secretary Johnson to adjourn the meeting at 4:03 p.m. Motion was
unanimously carried.
ATTEST:
Dwight'13ordson, President
11
Leon Johnson, Secretary
After Hours Reconnection Policy
(To be placed anywhere in the policy manual that talks about fees for reconnection)
No after hour reconnections will be done from 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. on weekends and holidays
and -nor from 9:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
After hour reconnection fees:
$150 Reconnection Fee will be charged for any reconnection that is done:
• From 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday, excluding holidays
• From 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturdays
$200 Reconnection Fee will be charged for any reconnection that is done:
• From 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sundays or Holidays
Payments must be made prior to reconnecting utilities. Credit card payments will be accepted
from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
Deposit Requirement - Residential
New Residential Customers: An application for service shall be filled out within 30 days
of-prior to receiving service. The application for service shall be accompanied with
identification, preferably photo identification. In addition, a deposit is required for all new
residential customers, prior to the utilities being placed in their name.
A deposit will only be waived if the customer provides information regarding their
payment history from their current or previous provider, and the payment history
indicates the customer paid all of their bills on time with no late payment fees attached,
and no dishonored checks. The customer is responsible for supplying a satisfactory
credit reference to HUC. The payment history will look at the previous 12 months.
An internal credit check is performed for all customers moving into HUC service
territory. If the results of the credit check indicate the customer owes HUC due to
previously provided services, then the outstanding balance shall be paid plus a deposit,
prior to the customer receiving service.
Existing Residential Customers Moving Within Service Territory: A deposit will be
waived if the customer has a 12 month payment history with HUC indicating the
customer has not been disconnected or issued any dishonored checks.
A deposit for existing residential customers moving within HUC service territory will be
required prior to customer having utilities placed in their name for the following reasons:
1. If the customer has been disconnected or issued any dishonored checks
in the previous 12 months.
2. Subsequent credit information indicates the initial application for service
was falsified.
3. The customer has the ability to pay for the utility service, but during the
cold weather rule months, had an arrears amount incurred during that
period that was 60 days or more past due.
If a deposit is required of a customer and;
1. If customer has no deposit with HUC, the customer will pay the deposit
amount for the customer's new address.
2. If customer already has a deposit with HUC and this deposit amount is
greater than the new deposit required for customer's new address, HUC
will transfer the deposit from the customer's previous address to the
customer's new address. The balance of the deposit at the customer's
previous address will be applied to the customer's final bill for the
customer's previous address.
3. If customer already has a deposit with HUC and this deposit amount is
less than the new deposit required for customer's new address, HUC will
transfer the deposit from the customer's previous address to the
customer's new address. The customer will pay the balance of the deposit
amount for the customer's new address, prior to the utilities being placed
in their name.
If a deposit is required of a customer, and the customer would like a written explanation
as to why they need to make a deposit, then one will be provided.
Amount of Deposit: If a deposit is required, it shall be equal to two times the average
monthly bill, based on HUC rates.
In the event of a new house, mobile home, or apartment building with no billing history,
then similar construction will be used to establish the average monthly bill, based on
HUC rates.
Refusal or Disconnection of Service: Residential service may be refused or
disconnected for failure to pay a deposit request.
Interest: Interest earned on deposits is applied to the account as a credit on a calendar
year basis.
When customer moves out of our services, the account is finaled out with interest
applied to the account as credit, and the deposit amount is applied to the final bill. If this
results in a credit balance, a check is issued to the customer for that credit amount.
The rate of interest is determined by the Minnesota Department of Commerce and HUC
obtains that information annually.
Refund: The utility shall refund the deposit of a residential customer after 12
consecutive months of on -time payments (no late payment fees).
If a customer is late in making payment, then the deposit will be retained, until such time
as the customer makes 12 consecutive monthly on -time payments (no late payment
fees).
If the customer provides a payment history from their previous provider, and the
payment history indicates no late payment fees and no dishonored checks, then HUC
will refund the deposit. HUC must receive this information from the customer within 30
days of customer moving into our services.
Method of Refund: Any deposit or portion thereof refunded to a residential customer
shall be refunded by check. Any interest earned will be applied to customer's account
as a credit.
Refund at Termination of Service: On termination of residential service, and if the
customer has a deposit with HUC, HUC shall credit the deposit, with accrued interest, to
the customer's final bill and return the balance within 30 days of issuing the final bill.
Deposit Requirement — Commercial /Industrial
Commercial /Industrial Customers: An application for service shall be filled out within 30
days-- efprior to receiving service. The application shall be accompanied with
identification, preferably photo identification, and their Federal Tax ID number. In
addition, a deposit is required for all Commercial /Industrial customers, prior to the
utilities being placed in their name.
An internal credit check is performed for all customers moving into HUC service
territory. If the results of the credit check indicate the customer owes HUC due to
previously provided services, then the outstanding balance shall be paid plus a deposit,
prior to the customer receiving service.
Existing Commercial /Industrial Customers Moving Within Service Territory: A deposit
will be waived if the Commercial /Industrial customer has a 24 -month payment history
with HUC indicating the Commercial /Industrial customer has not been disconnected or
issued any dishonored checks.
A deposit for existing Commercial /Industrial customers moving within HUC service
territory will be required prior, to customer having utilities placed in their name, for the
following reasons:
1. If the customer has been disconnected or issued any dishonored checks
in the previous 24 months.
2. Subsequent credit information indicates the initial application for service
was falsified.
If a deposit is required of a customer, and;
1. If customer has no deposit with HUC, the customer will pay the deposit
amount for the customer's new address.
2. If customer already has a deposit with HUC and this deposit amount is
greater than the new deposit required for customer's new address, HUC
will transfer the deposit from the customer's previous address to the
customer's new address. The balance of the deposit at the customer's
previous address will be applied to the customer's final bill for the
customer's previous address.
3. If customer already has a deposit with HUC and this deposit amount is
less than the new deposit required for customer's new address, HUC will
transfer the deposit from the customer's previous address to the
customer's new address. The customer will pay the balance of the deposit
amount for the customer's new address, prior to the utilities being placed
in their name.
If a deposit is required of a customer, and the customer would like a written explanation
as to why they need to make a deposit, then one will be provided.
Amount of Deposit: The deposit shall be equal to one and one -half times the average
monthly usage based on HUC rates. Average is defined as the average monthly
customers usage based on HUC rates of the previous 12 months.
The deposit may also be made by posting a performance bond. The performance bond
will not earn any interest. The performance bond will be terminated after 24 consecutive
months of timely payments.
In the event of a new building with no billing history, then similar construction will be
used to establish the average monthly usage.
Refusal or Disconnection of Service: Commercial /Industrial service may be refused or
disconnected for failure to pay a deposit request.
Interest: Interest earned on deposits is applied to the account as a credit on a calendar
year basis.
When Commercial /Industrial customer moves out of our services, the account is finaled
out with interest applied to the account as credit, and the deposit amount is applied to
the final bill. If this results in a credit balance, a check is issued to the customer for that
credit amount.
The rate of interest is determined by the Minnesota Department of Commerce and HUC
obtains that information annually.
Refund: HUC shall refund the deposit of a Commercial /Industrial customer after 24
consecutive months of on -time payments (no late payment fees).
If a customer is late in making payment, then the deposit will be retained, until such time
as the customer makes 24 consecutive monthly on -time payments (no late payment
fees).
Method of Refund: Any deposit or portion thereof refunded to a Commercial /Industrial
customer shall be refunded by check.
Refund at Termination of Service: On termination of Commercial /Industrial service, and
if the customer has a deposit with HUC, HUC shall credit the deposit, with accrued
interest, to the customer's final bill and return the balance within 30 days of issuing the
final bill.
Terminating Electric /Natural Gas Service by Customer
When the utility service is shut off due to a customer's request, the electric meter will be
removed and the gas meter will be turned off and locked. The electric meter socket and
gas meter valve will have a blue seal placed on them.
At the time a customer requests the service be turned on, HUC personnel will install the
electric meter and unlock the natural gas meter valve.
It is the customer's responsibility to turn on the natural gas meter valve and to light the
pilot lights on all natural gas appliances, where appropriate. In the event the customer is
unable to perform these tasks, it is the customer's responsibility to contact a plumbing
or heating contractor to complete this work.
Upon the request of a customer, utility services may be temporarily terminated and
billing suspended for a specified period of time due to illness, vacation, and /or seasonal
use. Temporary terminations are riot- charged to the customer at the rate of $40 to
disconnect and $40 to reconnect. Please rsentart HUG's
A. Termination for Renters
Electric and natural gas meters will be read and the final bill calculated when a
renter informs HUC they no longer wish to retain HUC services.
B. Termination for Residential /Commercial Owners
Electric and natural gas will be shut off when the property owner requests HUC
to disconnect services. For continuous service, the new owner must call HUC 24
to 48 hours in advance of the requested disconnect date, and make the
necessary arrangements to have the electric /natural gas services transferred into
their name. This eliminates terminating services at that address.
C. Termination for Electrical Work
If a homeowner needs an electric meter disconnected to do any electrical work,
HUC will disconnect/reconnect the meter at no charge to the customer. Once the
work is completed, HUC will need a copy of the State Board of Electricity
Certificate of Inspection, before HUC will reconnect the electric meter.
Explanation of Billing Procedure
A bill for services is sent to the address provided by the customer approximately 3 to 5
days after the meters have been read. The customer then has approximately 10 days to
pay the bill in full by the due date. In accordance with state law, the City of Hutchinson
and its related entities shall have 35 days to pay bills in full.
Bills paid after the due date will incur the following charges:
• A 1 % per month late payment charge on any unpaid balance.
• A $15 processing fee.
A dishonored check will be assessed a $30 processing fee; plow:_
A dishonored check that was written to avoid disconnection will be assessed a $30
processing fee; plus:
a. A $40 trip charge to deliver a door hanger, giving customer 24 hours to
make check good with cash, money order or credit card.
b. A $40 trip charge to disconnect if payment is not received with cash,
money order or credit card.
C. A $40 trip charge to reconnect, payment shall be made with cash, money
order or credit card.
A late notice warning of pending disconnection is mailed which allows the customer
approximately 10 to 20 days to pay the bill or contact the Customer Service Department
to make other arrangements. Examples of other arrangements may include agreement
to a budget plan or payments by other agencies. Failure to make payment by the stated
date and time will be considered a violation of the notice of pending disconnection. If full
payment or other arrangements have not been made by the deadline, HUC personnel
are sent to the meter location to disconnect utility services (see disconnection of
services section).
• A notice will also be on the next month's billing warning of pending
disconnection; customer should refer to previously sent disconnection letter for
details of date and time of disconnection.
IT IS THE CUSTOMER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO PAY BILLS ON TIME AND IN
FULL.
IT ALSO IS THE CUSTOMER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO KEEP HUC FULLY
ADVISED OF ANY CHANGE OF ADDRESS.
appropriate law enforcement agency will be notified. HUC reserves the right to
charge the customer for the cost of repairs to the equipment of HUC.
6.6. A dishonored check will be assessed a $30 processing fee; bus,
7. A dishonored check that was written to avoid disconnection will be assessed a $30
processing fee; plus:
• A $40 trip charge to deliver a door hanger, giving customer 24 hours to make
check good with cash, money order or credit card.
6.8. When customer who has been disconnected for non - payment pays their bill and
the fees after regular business hours, reconnection will take place no later than
9 p.m. If payment is made after 9 p.m., the reconnection will be done the following
business morning. There will be no reconnections on weekends and /or holidays.
6 -9.HUC is not required to furnish residential service under conditions requiring
operation in parallel with generating equipment connected to the customer's system
if such operation is hazardous or may interfere with its own operations or service to
other customers or operation as a condition or rendering service under such
circumstances. For additional information, see RUC's Parallel Generation Policy.
FAILURE TO RESPOND TO THE DISCONNECT NOTICE SET FORTH ON THE BILL
OR FAILURE TO PAY FOR SERVICES RENDERED BY HUC MAY RESULT IN THE
DISCONNECTION OF SERVICES TO THE PROPERTY WITHOUT ANY ADDITIONAL
NOTICE TO THE CUSTOMER. IT IS THE CUSTOMER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO PAY
FOR SERVICES RENDERED AND TO ADVISE HUC OF ANY CHANGE IN
ADDRESS. NEITHER HUC NOR THE CITY OF HUTCHINSON, NOR ANY OF THE
AGENTS, EMPLOYEES OR REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CITY OF HUTCHINSON
OR HUC, WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGES OR CLAIMS INCURRED AS
A RESULT OF THE DISCONNECTION OF SERVICES.
Residential utility service may not be disconnected or refused for any of the following
reasons:
• Delinquency in payment for services by a previous occupant of the premises to
be served.
• Failure to pay for a different rate classification of utility service.
• Failure to pay the account of another customer as guarantor thereof.
• Failure to pay charges arising from any underbilling occurring more than 2 years
prior to the current billing and due to any misapplication of rates or faulty
metering.
• If a customer is on the Budget Payment Plan and has a credit balance on
account.
Disconnection of Residential Services by HUC
1. Residential utility service shall be disconnected for any of the following reasons:
• Failure to pay a delinquent account or failure to comply with the terms of the
budget payment plan.
• Failure to contact HUC to gain protection from disconnection under the Cold
Weather Rule.
• Failure to maintain the payment agreement established under the Cold Weather
Rule.
• Failure to comply with deposit requirement.
• Failure to pay for merchandise or charges for non - utility service billed by HUC.
• Payment of bill with a dishonored check.
• Failure to provide authorized utility personnel access to utility equipment.
• HUC shall disconnect residential utility service, without notice, where service has
been reconnected without HUC's authorization.
• HUC shall disconnect residential utility service, without notice, where it has
reasonable evidence that utility service is being obtained by potentially unsafe
devices or potentially unsafe methods that stop or interfere with the proper
metering of the utility service.
• HUC may disconnect residential utility service, without notice, where a
dangerous condition exists for as long as the condition exists.
• At the request of the property owner, as long as it's currently in owner's name.
• At the request of the realtor /bank, as lonq as it's currently in their name.
• If an account owner or property owner does not notify us, within three (3)
business days following disconnection of service for non - payment, the bill will be
finaled and the account will be closed.
2. HUC must have a Landlord Agreement on file acknowledging that landlord /owner will
be responsible for all utility charges after the read -out date requested by a tenant.
Failure of the landlord /owner to execute this form will lead to a shut off of services on
the read -out date requested from tenant.
3. For all items mentioned in number 1 and 2 above, a disconnect/reconnect fee shall
be applied. The disconnect/reconnect fee is as follows:
• A $40 trip charge to disconnect.
• A $40 trip charge to reconnect, payment shall be made with cash, money order
or credit card.
4. If a realtor /bank requests to have service reconnected for one day in order to
perform an inspection, a $40 trip charge to reconnect and a $40 disconnect charge
will be applied.
5. In the event of unauthorized use of, or tampering with the equipment of HUC, a
tampering charge of $100 will be assessed to the customer's account. The
appropriate law enforcement agency will be notified. HUC reserves the right to
charge the customer for the cost of repairs to the equipment of HUC.
�6. A dishonored check will be assessed a $30 processing fee;.
7. A dishonored check that was written to avoid disconnection will be assessed a $30
processing fee; plus:
• A $40 trip charge to deliver a door hanger, giving customer 24 hours to make
check good with cash, money order or credit card.
6.8. When customer who has been disconnected for non - payment pays their bill and
the fees after regular business hours, reconnection will take place no later than
9 p.m. If payment is made after 9 p.m., the reconnection will be done the following
business mornina. There will be no reconnections on weekends and /or holidays.
6-.-9-HUC is not required to furnish residential service under conditions requiring
operation in parallel with generating equipment connected to the customer's system
if such operation is hazardous or may interfere with its own operations or service to
other customers or operation as a condition or rendering service under such
circumstances. For additional information, see HUC's Parallel Generation Policy.
FAILURE TO RESPOND TO THE DISCONNECT NOTICE SET FORTH ON THE BILL
OR FAILURE TO PAY FOR SERVICES RENDERED BY HUC MAY RESULT IN THE
DISCONNECTION OF SERVICES TO THE PROPERTY WITHOUT ANY ADDITIONAL
NOTICE TO THE CUSTOMER. IT IS THE CUSTOMER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO PAY
FOR SERVICES RENDERED AND TO ADVISE HUC OF ANY CHANGE IN
ADDRESS. NEITHER HUC NOR THE CITY OF HUTCHINSON, NOR ANY OF THE
AGENTS, EMPLOYEES OR REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CITY OF HUTCHINSON
OR HUC, WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGES OR CLAIMS INCURRED AS
A RESULT OF THE DISCONNECTION OF SERVICES.
Residential utility service may not be disconnected or refused for any of the following
reasons:
• Delinquency in payment for services by a previous occupant of the premises to
be served.
• Failure to pay for a different rate classification of utility service.
• Failure to pay the account of another customer as guarantor thereof.
• Failure to pay charges arising from any underbilling occurring more than 2 years
prior to the current billing and due to any misapplication of rates or faulty
metering.
• If a customer is on the Budget Payment Plan and has a credit balance on
account.
Disconnection of Commercial Services by HUC
1. Commercial utility service shall be disconnected for any of the following reasons:
• Failure to pay a delinquent account.
• Failure to comply with deposit requirement.
• Failure to pay for merchandise or charges for non - utility service billed by HUC.
• Payment of bill with a dishonored check.
• Failure to provide authorized HUC personnel access to utility equipment.
• HUC shall disconnect commercial utility service, without notice, where service
has been reconnected without RUC's authorization.
• HUC shall disconnect commercial utility service, without notice, where it has
reasonable evidence that utility service is being obtained by potentially unsafe
devices or potentially unsafe methods that stop or interfere with the proper
metering of the utility service.
• HUC may disconnect commercial utility service, without notice, where a
dangerous condition exists for as long as the condition exists.
• At the request of the property owner, as long as it's currently in owner's name.
• At the request of the realtor /bank, as long as it's currently in their name.
2. HUC must have a Landlord Agreement on file acknowledging that landlord /owner
will be responsible for all utility charges after the read -out date requested by a
tenant. Failure of the landlord /owner to execute this form will lead to a shut off of
services on the read -out date requested from tenant.
3. For all items mentioned in number 1 and 2 above, a disconnect/reconnect fee shall
be applied. The disconnect/reconnect fee is as follows:
• A $40 trip charge to disconnect.
• A $40 trip charge to reconnect, payment shall be made with cash, money order
or credit card.
4. If a realtor /bank requests to have service reconnected for one day in order to
perform an inspection, a $40 trip charge to reconnect and a $40 disconnect charge
will be applied.
4:5.ln the event of unauthorized use of, or tampering with the equipment of HUC, a
tampering charge of $100 will be assessed to the customer's account. The
appropriate law enforcement agency will be notified. HUC reserves the right to
charge the customer for the cost of repairs to the equipment of HUC.
5.6.A dishonored check will be assessed a $30 processing fee; plus:
• A $40 trip charge to deliver a door hanger, giving customer 24 hours to make
check good with cash, money order or credit card.
6 7.HUC is not required to furnish commercial service under conditions requiring
operation in parallel with generating equipment connected to the customer's system
if such operation is hazardous or may interfere with its own operations or service to
other customers or operation as a condition or rendering service under such
circumstances. For additional information, see HUC's Parallel Generation Policy.
FAILURE TO RESPOND TO THE DISCONNECT NOTICE SET FORTH ON THE BILL
OR FAILURE TO PAY FOR SERVICES RENDERED BY HUC MAY RESULT IN THE
DISCONNECTION OF SERVICES TO THE PROPERTY WITHOUT ANY ADDITIONAL
NOTICE TO THE CUSTOMER. IT IS THE CUSTOMER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO PAY
FOR SERVICES RENDERED AND TO ADVISE HUC OF ANY CHANGE IN
ADDRESS. NEITHER HUC NOR THE CITY OF HUTCHINSON, NOR ANY OF THE
AGENTS, EMPLOYEES OR REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CITY OF HUTCHINSON
OR HUC, WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGES OR CLAIMS INCURRED AS
A RESULT OF THE DISCONNECTION OF SERVICES.
Commercial utility service may not be disconnected or refused for any of the following
reasons:
• Delinquency in payment for services by a previous occupant of the premises to
be served.
• Failure to pay for a different rate classification of utility service.
• Failure to pay the account of another customer as guarantor thereof.
• Failure to pay charges arising from any underbilling occurring more than 2 years
prior to the current billing and due to any misapplication of rates or faulty
metering.
NON - EXEMPT ONLY
REQUIRED CLOTHING
The UtilityHUC will provide employees required uniforms and safety clothing at no cost
to the employee. This clothing may differ by Department. See Staff Personnel for a list
of the clothing the Ut4ityHUC will provide to those employees.
All clothing issued to employees by the- tJWityHUC may only be worn while the
employee is on -duty for the- UfiWHUC. Failure to wear flame resistant clothing at the
appropriate times is a violation of the UtilitiesHUC policy and will subject the employee
to discipline.
Amended June 24, 2009
August 29, 2012
Policy on Disposal of Surplus Property
DISPOSAL OF EXCESS PROPERTY
DECLARATION OF SURPLUS; SALE AUTHORIZATION.
The General Manager may, from time to time, recommend to the Hutchinson
Utilities Commission that certain personal property (chattels) owned by the
Hutchinson Utilities Commission is no longer needed for utility purpose and
should be sold. By action of the Commission, this property shall be
declared surplus, the value estimated and the General Manager authorized
to dispose of that property in the manner stated herein.
SURPLUS VALUED UNDER $x-805,000
The General Manager may sell surplus property with a fair market value of
less than $ a!a;? ', �;; through negotiated sale. Surplus personal computers
greater than three years old may be donated directly to public schools in the city.
SURPLUS VALUED OVER $805,000
The General Manager shall offer for public sale, to the highest bidder, surplus
property with a fair market value over $1005,000. Notice of the public sale shall
be given stating time and place of sale and generally describing the property to
be sold at least ten days prior to the date of sale by publication once in the official
newspaper. The sale shall be to the person submitting the highest bid.
EXCEPTIONS
Surplus property may be transferred or sold to other state agencies or
government units or eligible non - profit organizations in accordance with state law
without regard to the requirements of this policy.
DISPOSITION OF PROCEEDS
All receipts from sales of surplus property under this policy shall be placed in
the fund from which it was purchased.
PERSONS INELIGIBLE TO PURCHASE
HUTCHINSON UTILITIES EMPLOYEES
No employee of the utilities, a member of the Commission, or an advisor
serving the Utilities in a professional capacity, may be a neripieWpurchaser of
property under this policy.
PROHIBITED PURCHASES
It is unlawful for any person to be a fecipieet- purchaser of property under this
policy if that purchase is prohibited by the terms of this policy.
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