Meeting of Commissioners of
Public Utility District No. 1 of Clark County, Washington
January 19, 2021
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, January 19, 2021.
Present: Assistant to CEO/General Manager Margaret Anderson.
Present via digital conference (phone or video): President Jim Malinowski, Vice President Nancy Barnes, Secretary Jane Van Dyke Commissioners, CEO/General Manager Lena Wittler, Director of Finance Melissa Ankeny, Director of Information Services Jeff Groff, Director of Energy Resources Dan Bedbury, Director of Operations Gene Morris, Director of Customer Service Lisa Fix, Director of Engineering Cal Morris, Director of Water Doug Quinn, Director of Communications Erica Erland, Director of Employee Resources Nichole Reitzenstein, General Counsel John Eldridge, Business Applications Manager Julie Landry, Enterprise Architect James Ellis and Media Specialist Dameon Pesanti.
Press representatives: None
Others present via digital conference (phone or video): Don Steinke, Alona Steinke, Cathryn Chudy, Jean Avery, Randal Freidman, Melissa Ahern, Brent Grering, Chris Thobaden, City of Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle, Mike Harris and Rick Marshall.
At 9:00 a.m., President Malinowski called the meeting to order for the transaction of formal business. Commissioner Malinowski noted a quorum was present and the agenda (Materials A) was approved.
Public Comment
Member of the public Jean Avery provided comment on building electrification and Clark PUD taking a visible leadership role in our community.
Member of the public Don Steinke provided comment on hiring staff to prepare for the future and to work on conservation, building electrification and the utility’s plans for an electric vehicle program. Mr. Steinke would like us to prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion in our hiring processes.
Member of the public Alona Steinke commented on improving internet access in the county.
Member of the public Randal Freidman provided comment on climate change, electric vehicle charging stations and a frustration with staff responses to public comments.
Member of the public Cathryn Chudy is advocating for Clark Public Utilities to participate in the broadband solution for Clark County.
Member of the public Rick Marshall provided written comment, but did not make verbal comments during the public meeting.
If members of the public have provided the utility with written comments, copies of these comments in their entirety may be obtained by contacting Margaret Anderson at [email protected] or 360-992-3378.
Consideration of the Minutes of January 5, 2021
There were no changes.
Consideration of Accounts Payable
The board, by a unanimous vote, approved the following payment amounts as listed on the Letter of Transmittal dated January 19, 2021 from the District Auditor (Materials B):
Electric Revenue Fund – $27,943,172.07 Water Revenue Fund – $5,859,795.67 Generating System Fund – $13,339,916.61
For a total of $47,142,884.35
Consideration of Establishment of LUD Nos. 1383 and 1385
Director of Engineering Cal Morris addressed the board regarding the Establishment of Local Utility District Nos. 1383 and 1385.
Resolution No. 7644 – LUD No. 1383 – Tenny Creek Resolution No. 7645 – LUD No. 1385 – Alpine Village
After the presentation by Mr. Morris, Commissioner Malinowski opened for public comment. There being no comment, a motion was made by Commissioner Barnes seconded by Commissioner Van Dyke, and unanimously carried that Resolution Nos. 7644 and 7645 be adopted. (Materials C).
Consideration of Property Surplus – Fisher Substation
Director of Engineering Cal Morris reviewed the memo dated January 9, 2021 (Materials D) outlining the City of Vancouver’s request that the utility sell a portion of land located at the Fisher Substation. The proposed project will enhance safety, increase capacity and improve the road surface. The City offered to purchase the property for $104,903; staff has determined the City’s offer represents market value and recommends declaring the parcel surplus.
Commissioner Van Dyke moved to declare this parcel surplus and sell the property outlined in the memo to the City of Vancouver for $104,903, Commissioner Barnes seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
City of Vancouver Broadband Resolution
City of Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle addressed the board regarding the effort they are leading to expand broadband infrastructure across Clark County. Ms. McEnerny-Ogle shared that in November the Vancouver City Council adopted a resolution that formally requests Clark Public Utilities perform a study of the feasibility of improving broadband in Clark County.
The City provided the board with copies of resolutions and letters of support from cities and school districts across the county also supporting this request (Materials E).
After discussion among commissioners, staff and members of the public, the board asked staff to look into the process of a feasibility study. Commissioner Malinowski asked staff to work with Russ Elliott with the State and Commissioner Van Dyke asked if there could be an update at the next meeting. CEO/General Manager Lean Wittler indicated an update at the next meeting would be early and commissioners agreed to expect an update in a month.
Commissioner Reports and Comments
Commissioners Malinowski, Barnes and Van Dyke all reported on their attendance at the Washington PUD Association.
Commissioner Barnes reported on her attendance at the Energy NW meetings, Legislative review with the Washington PUD Association and the Columbia Springs Board Meeting.
Commissioner Van Dyke reported on her attendance at the Public Power Council meetings and
reminded folks to register and participate in the upcoming Race for Warmth.
Commissioner Malinowski reported on his attendance at the Energy NW meetings.
Staff Reports
Director of Finance Melissa Ankeny provided the board with an overview of the accounts receivables through the month of November (Materials F).
Director of Operations Gene Morris and Director of Customer Service Lisa Fix both provided updates regarding storm support during the January 13, 2021 windstorm.
Public Comment
There were no public comments.
Other Business before the Board
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 10:23 a.m.