A REGULAR MEETING OF THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF VIRGINIA, MINNESOTA, WAS HELD AT THE OFFICE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES ON Monday, FEBRUARY 13, 2006, AT 4:30 P.M.

Commissioner Sipola called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.

Present: Commissioners Bloomquist, Muskovitz, Park, Raukar, and Sipola.

Absent: None.

Also Present: Terry Leoni, General Manager; Bill Hafdahl – Director-Finance & Administration; Sue Lalli, Public / Customer Relations Supervisor; Doug Ganoe – Director of Operations Production; Donald Rindfuss – Director of Operations Distribution (Electric and Gas); City Councilors - Carl Baranzelli and Dennis Lindberg.

Elections of Officers for the City of Virginia Utilities Commission were held at this time. Commissioner Don Sipola declared the office of Commission President open for nominations. Commissioner Raukar nominated Don Sipola for President of the Commission for the ensuing year. Commissioner Sipola called three separate times for further nominations and there being none, declared the nominations for President closed. Moved by Raukar and supported by Muskovitz that Commissioner Don Sipola be appointed President of the Commission for the ensuing year. Motion carried.

Commission President Don Sipola declared the office of Commission Vice President open for nominations. Commissioner Raukar nominated Jackie Park for Vice President of the Commission for the ensuing year. Commissioner Sipola called three separate times for further nominations and there being none, declared the nominations for Vice President closed. Moved by Raukar and supported by Muskovitz that Commissioner Jackie Park be appointed Vice President of the Commission for the ensuing year. Motion carried.

Commission President Don Sipola declared the office of Commission Secretary open for nominations. Commissioner Park nominated Matt Raukar for Secretary of the Commission for the ensuing year. Commissioner Sipola called three separate times for further nominations and there being none, declared the nominations for Secretary closed. Moved by Park and supported by Muskovitz that Commissioner Matt Raukar be appointed Secretary of the Commission for the ensuing year. Motion carried.

General Manager Terry Leoni asked if any of the Commissioners desired to change the date or time of the regular monthly Utility Commission meetings. The Commissioners present agreed to keep the date and time of the regular monthly Utility Commission meetings as they are now, the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 4:30 p.m.

Councilor Dennis Lindberg requested information regarding Department policy on entry to customers’ homes. After discussion, Councilor Lindberg requested the Commission put a policy into place to govern Commission members’ entry into customers’ homes. Commission President Sipola called for a motion to set a policy to govern Commission members’ entry into customers’ homes. No motion placed on the table at this time.

Moved by Park and supported by Raukar that financial Resolution No. 5072 authorizing the payroll dated February 2, 2006 in the amount of $84,874.77, checks #44030 through #44051, and direct deposits #8860 through #8909 and bills dated January 20, 2006 through February 14, 2006 in the amount of $517,866.41, checks #73087 through #73220, and wire and electronic transfers in the amount of $754,203.65 and the minutes of the regular commission meeting held on January 23, 2006 be approved as presented. Motion carried.

The January 2006 Monthly Injury Report was reviewed.

Carried forward

City of Virginia

Public Utilities Commission

Meeting Minutes

February 13, 2006

Brought forward

Doug Ganoe updated the Commissioners on the construction underway at the Power Plant in conjunction with the Biomass Project. On January 15, 2006 the south wall and portions of the two side walls of the Power Plant are scheduled for demolition. After backfilling is done, it is expected that during the first week of April 2006 the boiler mat will be in place and erection of the new boiler can begin during the month of April.

After discussion the Commissioners agreed they would like to tour the Biomass construction area prior to each Commission meeting beginning with the second meeting in February 2006. It was agreed, if interested, Commissioners and Councilors would gather 45 minutes prior to the regular Commission meetings in the General Manager’s office for a tour.

Moved by Raukar and supported by Park that the Director – Operations Distribution (Electric and Gas) and an Engineering Technician be authorized to attend the February 14, 2006 N.A.C.E International Corrosion Control for Gas Mains seminar in Prior Lake, Minnesota requiring lodging for two nights at a total estimated cost of $745.98. This seminar is required so the Virginia Department of Public Utilities is in compliance with Minnesota Office of Pipeline Safety guidelines. Motion carried.

Bill Hafdahl updated the Commissioners on the AMR Project. AMR installations continue in the Ridgewood area of Virginia. It is anticipated that all utility meters in the City of Virginia will be read using Automated Meter Reading equipment within the next three to five years. Installations are running smoothly and are being handled by Department employees. Currently some of the older electrical services are requiring a slightly longer time period to complete installation of the AMR equipment.

There being no further business to come before the Commission, Commission President Sipola declared the meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m. 

ATTEST: APPROVED:

_______________________ ___________________________

Jackie Park, Vice President Dr. Don Sipola, President