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, MAY 8, 2006 AT 4:30 P.M.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Commissioner Sipola called the meeting to order at 4:31 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; Dennis Lindberg, City Councilor.

 

Moved by Raukar and supported by Bloomquist  that financial Resolution No. 5079 authorizing the payroll dated April 29, 2006 in the amount of $89,465.32, checks #44162 through #44185, and direct deposits #9167 through #9219; and bills dated April 25, 2006 through May 8, 2006 in the amount of $867,085.22, checks #73620 through #73730, and wire and electronic transfers in the amount of $418,953.70, and the minutes of the regular Commission meeting held on April 24, 2006 be approved as presented.  Motion carried.

 

The Monthly Injury Report for April 2006 was reviewed. 

 

The General Manager updated the Commission on the construction phase of the Biomass Project and to date the project continues to be on schedule and on budget.  Installation of the boiler will begin sometime in the next two weeks.

 

Mr. Leoni reviewed the Request for Commission Action regarding the Intern Program.  Moved by Park and supported by Raukar that management be authorized to hire one student recommended by the Mesabi Range College at the rate of $9.50 and hour with a starting date of May 22, 1006, working up to 67 (sixty-seven) shifts, at an estimate cost of $5,682.  Motion carried.

 

The next negotiation meeting for the AFSCME Labor Agreement is scheduled for May 9, 2006.  It was noted that AFSCME has filed for mediation with the first mediation session set for June 2006 should both sides be unable to settle the contract.

 

The Commission was asked to note Packet Item E-3 – the 2006 Construction Season Priorities list for steam work underway and completed. 

 

The General Manager noted that the Director of Finance or the General Manager will be attending all City Finance Committee Meetings in the future and either the Director of Operations Distribution – Steam and Water, or the General Manager, would be attending all City Street and Alley Committee Meetings as well and the City Buildings’ and Grounds’ Committee Meetings.  Councilor Lindberg indicated the City welcomes the Utility’s participation at these Committee Meetings.

 

There being no further business to come before the Commission, Commission President Sipola declared the meeting adjourned at 4:39 p.m.

 

ATTEST:                                                                      APPROVED:

 

 

 

_______________________                                      ___________________________

Matt Raukar, Secretary                                                 Dr. Don Sipola, President