Loading...
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. N�N LL O LL OL_ F- 7) M W z O 'N'^ V/ G 0 _W H H O z 2 U F- 2 M M 0 LO O z c O .3 6 Q) Of z '_O^^ V! CCl) G O U c Cf) Lo W M iW LO J H Z c0 N z z z - 0 000 cn ch '?L9 z Z Z O O V = M (h H H c LO o X 2�2n.Li 6 F- 0- W _U W U) 0 W O W M z M Ln W LO O O VI Z (C::1)4 O M c ti J r a?77� U) LLI co co W = >I(C-) r(-,) J 0 o Y = J X �v- W ELLL a� Q Q 7 U) � O O co Cl) Cl) L() co N O m X L �U U) U — N N c6 a O N N 0 V_ p ch — �6 N O m p N O 76 16 0 0 W W O o U N W L H O +-3 U O Q v U +' z r m c m O p o L C CO O P O LO O E w � d a s U U co m W W y o O L) O O N O a o 0000 c D it 0 N r at °o CD U O LO Q v M 0 d a 0 N d 7 d Q vi a� m M o > a > N d O r- 00 O E Z6 Z U mm j c a � Q Y c0 co (6 N Q - m N U o o m o Ea) o E O N O O O O 0 00 O c ° �a ° 0 it E N d w � O O co Cl) Cl) L() co N O m X L �U U) U — N N c6 a O N N 0 V_ p ch — �6 N O m p N O 76 16 0 0 W W O o U N W L H O +-3 U O Q v U +' z r m c m O p o L