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, AUGUST 17, 2009, AT 4:30 P.M.

Commission President Bloomquist called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.

Present: Commissioners Bloomquist, Lucarelli, Raukar, Petroskey, and Marks.

Absent: None

Also Present: Terry Leoni – General Manager; Bill Hafdahl – Director–Finance and Administration; Sue Lalli – Public Relations / Customer Service Supervisor; Dennis Lindberg and Charles Baribeau – Virginia City Councilors; two representatives of Virginia City Cable Commission for the purpose of taping the meeting

Moved by Petroskey and supported by Lucarelli that financial Resolution #5143 authorizing the payroll dated July 30, 2009 in the amount of $102,139.12, checks #46314 through #46336, and direct deposits #13769 through #13824 and the payroll dated August 13, 2009 in the amount of $102,793.05, checks #46337 through #46359 and direct deposits #13825 through #13880; and bills dated July 27, 2009 through August 17, 2009 in the amount of $861,192.66, checks #81813 through #81906, and wire and electronic transfers in the amount of $551,965.29 and the minutes of the July 27, 2009 meeting be approved as presented. Motion carried.

Mr. Leoni noted the next meeting of the LEA board would be held on September 22, 2009 in Hibbing MN. Mr. Leoni also noted that Xcel Energy has filed for a new purchased power rate with the MPUC and between now and October of 2009 LEA would probably be giving testimony on the filing.

The July 2009 Monthly Injury Summary Report was reviewed. The report shows no injuries during the July 2009 time period.

Mr. Leoni reported that meetings have been held with the MPCA on air and water quality issues. The Commissioners will be kept up-to-date regarding resolution to the issues. Northeast Technical Services may, as a requirement of the resolution with the MPCA, be doing a study of Silver Lake that will affirm the Virginia Utility is not causing harm to Silver Lake.

Moved by Marks and supported by Petroskey that the Director of HR/Safety be authorized to attend the State SHRM Conference in Rochester, Minnesota, on October 12-13, 2009 at an approximate cost of $434.96. Motion carried.

Moved by Lucarelli and supported by Raukar that a member of Management and a member of AFSCME be authorized to attend a workshop on Fitting Jobs to Staff to be held on August 26, 2009 in Mt. Iron, Minnesota at an approximate cost of $30. Motion carried.

Mr. Leoni reported again that nothing has been heard with regard to continuing AFSCME Contract Negotiations. The Commission will be kept advised as negotiations progress.

Mr. Leoni noted the July financials contained in the information packet for tonight’s meeting show a much better financial picture than last year at this time due to various factors including rates and cost-cutting measures that have been put into place.

City Councilor Baribeau addressed the Commission with a request to assist the City by including a survey for the City, once it is formulated, in the Utility’s billings. It was suggested the survey be included in the Utility’s next Customer Newsletter that would be mailed to customers the beginning of October 2009.

There being no further business to come before the Commission, Commission President Bloomquist declared the meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m.

ATTEST: APPROVED:

____________________________ ____________________________

Matt Raukar, Secretary Quentin Bloomquist, President