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, NOVEMBER 13, 2006 AT 4:30 P.M.
Commissioner Sipola called the meeting to order at 4:40 p.m.
Present: Commissioners Bloomquist, Raukar, Park, and Sipola.
Absent: Commissioner Muskovitz.
Also Present: Terry Leoni - General Manager; Bill Hafdahl - Director-Finance & Administration; Sue Lalli - Supervisor-Public Relations / Customer Service; Doug Ganoe – Director, Operations-Production; Rob Raplinger, City Councilor.
Commission President Sipola presented for discussion suggested guidelines for use by the Commission when general discussions are held as part of Commission meetings or a member of the audience addresses the Commission. The guidelines are to ensure meetings are conducted in an undisruptive manner. After discussion, it was moved by Bloomquist and supported by Park that the following Resolution # 5092 be approved. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION #5092
WHEREAS, the City of Virginia, Department of Public Utilities Commission President’s responsibility is to enforce rules of order during Commission meetings so the Commission may perform its functions in the fairest, most expedient and impartial manner as possible.
WHEREAS, the degree of formality in presiding over the meetings often depends on the size of the group in attendance and the amount of agreement on the topic in discussion.
WHEREAS, there has been less strict adherence to procedural rules on past occasions.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Public Utilities Commission President shall rule out of order direct debates and discussions between Utility employees, Utility customers, City Council liaisons, vendors, or others appearing at a Commission meeting.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, those appearing before the Commission: (1) are to direct issues to the Commission; (2) that appearing parties should clearly state their request of the Commission; (3) that direct responses from employees shall be at the discretion of and limited in extent by the Commission; (4) that questions or complaints received shall be responded to by the Commission or referred to the appropriate member of staff for evaluation by the Commission; (5) that all personal remarks made during meetings will be considered out of order; (6) that discussions and debates should only be directed toward motions and not motives, principles, or personalities; (7) and that discussion should remain relevant to the business of the Utility Commission at the Commission meeting at all times.
Moved by Park and supported by Raukar that financial Resolution No. 5091 Authorizing the payroll dated October 26, 2006 in the amount of $101,951.66, checks #44507 through #44529, and direct deposits #9865 through #9917 and the payroll dated November 9, 2006 in the amount of $92,131.35 checks #44530 through #44552 and direct deposits #9918 through #9969 and bills dated October 26, 2006 through November 13, 2006 in the amount of $1,201,530.45, checks #74834 through #74974, and wire and electronic transfers in the amount of $177,823.39 and the minutes of the regular Commission meeting held on October 23, 2006 be approved as presented. Motion carried.
The October 2006 Monthly Injury Report was reviewed.
Carried forward
City of Virginia Page 2
Public Utilities Commission
Meeting Minutes
November 13, 2006
Brought forward
General Manager Leoni updated the Commission on the status of the Biomass wood yard, explaining how wood delivery and storage will be handled. The fence around the wood yard is under construction and two fire hydrants have been installed at the location. The first fire of the boiler is set for the week of November 20, 2006 and will be fired with gas. The first wood will be in the hoppers the week of December 13, 2006 with the first fire using wood shortly after that date. Mr. Leoni noted that several contracts for wood / fuel supply have been entered into with local loggers that have contact Lea.
Mr. Leoni notified the Commission that a letter of resignation had been received from Brian Ford, the Power Plant Supervisor - Production. Mr. Ford’s letter of resignation noted he has accepted a position in Nevada and will leave the Utility in two weeks. It was moved by Bloomquist and supported by Park to accept the resignation of Brian Ford and request that Management prepare a letter of appreciation to Mr. Ford for the fine work done while employed at the Utility. Motion carried.
Commission President Sipola reported the Finance Committee of the Commission, a meeting of the Committee of the Whole, was held at 3:30 p.m. today at which time the 2007 budget was reviewed. Another meeting will be held for a final review of the budget with anticipated approval of the 2007 Budget at the first Commission meeting in December 2006.
Commission President Sipola reported that the Commission at the Finance Committee meeting, as the meeting was of the Committee of the Whole, reviewed the suggestion that the Commission consider holding only one regular meeting each month. After discussion, it was the unanimous consensus of the Commissioners to continue with two regular Commission meetings each month.
At 5:11 p.m. Commission President Sipola closed the meeting for the Performance Review of the General Manager.
At 6:25 p.m. Commission President Sipola opened the meeting.
There being no further business to come before the Commission, Commission President Sipola declared the meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
_______________________________ _______________________________
Jackie Park, Vice President Dr. Don Sipola, President