Meeting of Commissioners of
Public Utility District No. 1 of Clark County, Washington
August 20, 2019
A meeting of Commissioners of Public Utility District No. 1 of Clark County was held at the Electric Center, 1200 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, Washington, on Tuesday, August 20, 2019.
Present: President Nancy Barnes, Secretary Jim Malinowski Commissioners, CEO/General Manager Lena Wittler, Director of Finance Melissa Ankeny, Director of Information Services Mike Harris, Director of Energy Resources Dan Bedbury, Director of Operations Gene Morris, Director of Communications Erica Erland, Manager of Energy Planning and Operations Tom Haymaker, Human Resources Manager Nichole Reitzenstein, Senior Legal Counsel John Eldridge, Engineering Executive Assistant Anna Bickford, Senior Communications Manager Heather Allmain, Payroll Accountant Wendy Toops and Assistant to CEO/General Manager Margaret Anderson.
Press Representatives: None
Others Present: Kathy Neary, Chris Walker, Robson White, Chris Thobaben, Mark Maggio, Rick Marshall, Cassi Marshall, Don Steinke, Patrick Gilbride, Peter Harrison, David Poland, Ty Stober, Eric Hale and Sam Wick (Materials A)
At 9:00 a.m., President Barnes called the meeting to order for the transaction of formal business. Commissioner Van Dyke attended the meeting via conference call. Commissioner Barnes noted a quorum was present and the agenda (Materials B) was approved as submitted.
Consideration of the Minutes of August 6, 2019
There were no changes or corrections.
Public Comment – Non Agenda Items
Don Steinke shared his thoughts regarding conservation and reduction of energy waste.
Consideration of Accounts Payable
The board, by a unanimous vote, approved the following payment amounts as listed on the Letter of Transmittal dated August 15, 2019 from the District Auditor (Materials C):
Electric Revenue Fund – $20,759,820.01
Water Revenue Fund – $507,469.24
Generating System Fund – $76,978.46
For a total of $21,344,267.71
Employee Service Award
Director of Finance Melissa Ankeny introduced Wendy Toops, Payroll Accountant. Wendy was recognized for 35 years of service (Materials D).
NoaNet Presentation
Chris Thobaben with the Middle Class Alliance and Chris Walker with NoaNet made a proposal to commissioners regarding rural broadband expansion and requested that the utility fund a county-wide survey to gauge customer interest and need (Materials E). Commissioners heard several comments from the public and following the discussion, the board requested that General Manager Lena Wittler work with staff to provide a report on survey options, potential impacts and resource requirements of the request before looking at next steps. Staff is expected to report back to the board in the coming months.
Consideration of Resolutions of Intent to Establish LUD Nos. 1375 and 1376
Engineering Executive Assistant Anna Bickford addressed the board regarding the Establishment of Local Utility District Nos. 1375 and 1376
Resolution No. 7559 – LUD No. 1375 – Hidden Crest PH 4 & 10
Resolution No. 7560 – LUD No. 1376 – Rivendell PH 7
After the presentation by Ms. Bickford, Commissioner Barnes opened for public comment. There being no comment, a motion was made by Commissioner Van Dyke, seconded by Commissioner Malinowski, and unanimously carried that Resolution Nos. 7559 and 7560 be adopted and a public hearing was set for September 17, 2019 (Materials F).
June Financials
Director of Finance Melissa Ankeny addressed the board (Materials G). June had warmer and drier weather resulting in electric revenues coming in above forecast. Ms. Ankeny reported that system sales and off system sales were above budget for the month. June residential sales were 101.9% of budget, commercial sales were 98.3% and industrial sales were 98.8% of budget. June ended with a net income loss of $220,000 compared to a budgeted loss of $832,000.
Ms. Ankeny provided a quarterly update on conservation spending and year-to-date capital spending for the Electric, Generating and Water Systems.
The Water System ended June with 493 new customers year-to-date which is a growth rate of 2.71%. There was a net income of $413,000 for June, compared to a budgeted net income loss of $65,000.
June Wholesale Operations
Manager of Planning and Operations Tom Haymaker addressed the board (Materials H). Mr. Haymaker updated the board on power supply noting that Slice performed below prompt month by 11 aMW and 20 aMW above budget forecasts. Loads were on budget for the month of June, power and gas prices were very mild with a few high price days during the middle of the month. Hydro generation is forecasting at budget for the remainder of the year and the run-off forecast is continuing its downward trend.
The Columbia Generating Station returned to power production on June 18 and was back up to 100% output on June 24.
Commissioner Reports and Comments
Commissioner Malinowski reported on his meeting with Nate’s Plumbing regarding the locate service we contract.
Commissioner Barnes reported on the planning activities for the upcoming Hooked on Nature event with Columbia Springs.
Staff Reports
Director of Finance Melissa Ankeny provided the board with an overview of the timeline for the Water Revenue Bond Sale (Materials I).
Public Comment
There were no additional comments.
Other Business before the Board
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 11:08