Meeting of Commissioners of
Public Utility District No. 1 of Clark County, Washington
April 18, 2023
A meeting of Commissioners of Public Utility District No. 1 of Clark County was held at Clark Public Utilities, 1200 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, Washington, on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.
Present: President Jane Van Dyke, Vice President Jim Malinowski, Secretary Nancy Barnes Commissioners, CEO/General Manager Lena Wittler, Director of Energy Resources Dan Bedbury, Director of Finance Melissa Ankeny, Director of Operations/Interim Director of Water Gene Morris, Director of Communications Erica Erland, Director of Information Services Jeff Groff, Director of Engineering Cal Morris, Director of Employee Resources Nichole Reitzenstein, General Counsel John Eldridge, Director of Customer Service Lisa Fix, Community Engagement Specialist Morgan Van Fleet, Energy Resource Manager Terry Toland, Senior Communications Manager Heather Allmain, Construction Services Manager Dana Allen, Water Quality Manager John Roth, Senior Customer Service Representative Jeff Kuratli and Assistant to the CEO/General Manager Margaret Anderson.
Staff present via digital conference (phone or video): PIO/Media Specialist Dameon Pesanti.
Others present via digital conference (phone or video) or in person: Rick Marshall, Don Steinke, Becca Kempton, Gordon Matthews, Peter Harrison and Thomas Gordon.
Press representatives: None
At 9:00 a.m., President Van Dyke called the meeting to order for the transaction of formal business and the agenda was approved (Materials B).
Public Comment
There were no comments.
Consideration of the Minutes of April 4, 2023
The minutes were approved as presented.
Consideration of Accounts Payable
The board, by a unanimous vote, approved the following payment amounts as listed on the Letter of Transmittal dated April 18, 2023 from the District Auditor (Materials C):
Electric Revenue Fund – $10,476,340.15
Water Revenue Fund – $8,462.18
Generating System Fund – $2,647,388.95
For a total of $13,132,191.28
Employee Service Awards
Director of Customer Service Lisa Fix introduced Jeff Kuratli, Senior Customer Service Representative. Jeff was recognized for 30 years of service. Director of Engineering Cal Morris introduced Dana Allen, Construction Services Manager. Dana was recognized for 30 years of service (Materials D).
Consideration of Resolutions of Intent to Establish LUD Nos. 1428 and 1462
Construction Services Manager Dana Allen addressed the board regarding the Intent to Establish Local Utility District Nos. 1428 and 1462.
Resolution No. 7781 – LUD No. 1428 – NE 99th St. Subdivision
Resolution No. 7782 – LUD No. 1462 – Iron Horse
After the presentation by Ms. Allen, Commissioner Van Dyke opened for public comment. There being no comment, a motion was made by Commissioner Barnes seconded by Commissioner Malinowski, and unanimously carried that Resolution Nos. 7781 and 7782 be adopted and a public hearing was set for May 16, 2023 (Materials E).
Consideration of Renewal of the River Road Generating Plant Operations and Maintenance Agreement
Director of Energy Resources Dan Bedbury reviewed the memo dated April 18, 2023 (Materials F). The current Operations and Maintenance agreement with General Electric International for the River Road Generating Plant expires December 31, 2023. Staff is requesting to extend the contract with GE until December 31, 2033. Clark Public Utilities does retain the option to terminate the agreement early (each year) as soon as 2025, if operational needs at the plant change.
Commissioner Malinowski moved to authorize the CEO/General Manager to enter into an amendment of the Operations and Maintenance agreement with General Electric International extending their operations of the River Road Generating Plant until December 31, 2033. Commissioner Barnes seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Commission Reports and Comments
Commissioner Malinowski reported on his attendance at the Northwest Power and Conservation Council meeting.
Commissioner Barnes reported on her attendance at the Public Power Council, Pacific Northwest Utilities Conference Committee and the Columbia River Economic Development Council meetings.
Commissioner Van Dyke reported on her attendance at the Washington PUD Association meetings where she was elected Vice President. Commissioner Van Dyke also provided a brief legislative update.
Staff Reports
CEO/General Manager Lena Wittler provided a brief update on National Lineman Appreciation Day. The Utility recognized all field workers today with a breakfast at our Operations facility. Ms. Wittler reminded the Commissioners about the Earth Day tree planting event this coming Saturday and the Home and Garden Idea Fair, April 29 & 30.
Director of Communications Erica Erland gave a brief overview of activities planned for the Earth Day Tree Planting and Home and Garden Idea Fair as the Utility returns to in person events.
Director of Operations/Interim Director of Water Gene Morris provided the board with an update on the Utility’s apprenticeship programs and the opportunity for one of our linehelpers to job shadow at Snohomish PUD in the coming months.
Public Comment
Rick Marshall encouraged the board to read Lazard’s Levelized Cost of Energy annual review.
Other Business before the Board
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 10:18 a.m.