Meeting of Commissioners of
Public Utility District No. 1 of Clark County, Washington
October 2, 2018
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, October 2, 2018.
Present: President Jim Malinowski, Vice President Nancy Barnes, Secretary Jane Van Dyke Commissioners, CEO/General Manager Wayne Nelson, Director of Operations Dan Krebs, Director of Communications Lena Wittler, Director of Engineering Cal Morris, Director of Water Doug Quinn, Director of Information Services Mike Harris, Interim Director of Finance Melissa Ankeny, Director of Customer Service Lisa Fix, Director of Energy Resources Dan Bedbury, Corporate Communications Manager Erica Erland, Communications Services Manager Heather Allmain, Materials and Purchasing Manager Cathy Wannamaker, Water Engineering Manager Russ Knutson, Water Systems Operator Justin Zucconi, Water Operations Manager Oscar Maciel and Assistant to CEO/General Manager Margaret Anderson.
Press Representatives: None
Others Present: Rick Syring, Terry Oliver, Sherry Erickson, Adam Walters, James Paulson and Roy Koegen (Materials A)
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 B) was approved as submitted.
Consideration of the Minutes of September 18, 2018
There were no changes or corrections.
Public Comment – Non Agenda Items
Member of the public James Paulson thanked the utility and the commissioners for the low income programs to improve home efficiencies. Mr. Paulson was recently denied a loan with us and wanted more information on why. Director of Customer Service will work with Mr. Paulson to see what occurred with his loan process.
Members of the public Adam Walters and Terry Oliver shared their thoughts on the Initiative 1631 fact sheet, both opposed the idea of sending out initiative information to customers and urged the utility to remain neutral. Commissioners responded that the intent of the fact sheet was not to distribute it proactively but to provide answers to questions when asked.
Consideration of Accounts Payable
The board, by a unanimous vote, approved the following payment amounts as listed on the Letter of Transmittal dated October 2, from the District Auditor:
Electric Revenue Fund – $23,250,913.99
Water Revenue Fund – $671,719.56
Generating System Fund – $317,613.54
For a total of $24,240,247.09
Washington PUD Association Award
Director of Water Doug Quinn recognized Water System Operator Justin Zucconi with the Washington PUD Association’s Water System Operator of the Year award. Mr. Zucconi was presented the award last months at the Water Workshop. The board congratulated Mr. Zucconi for the outstanding recognition from his peers.
Northwest Public Power Association Awards
Director of Communications Lena Wittler shared that Clark Public Utilities was named the 2018 winner of the Northwest Public Power Association’s Tom Hougan Award for overall Excellence in Commination. Clark Public Utilities is the first utility to win the award three times. In addition to that award, Clark Public Utilities received awards in six of the seven categories. The board congratulated the entire communications team on their contributions to the award winning entries.
Consideration of Bid Award No. 548 – Distribution Wood Pole Replacement
Materials and Purchasing Manager Cathy Wannamaker reviewed the memo dated October 2, 2018, detailing the bid results (Materials C). Commissioner Barnes moved to recommend that Bid No. 548 be awarded to the low evaluated bidder, Magnum Power LLC in the amount of $358,000.00 plus applicable taxes. Commissioner Van Dyke seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
Consideration of Bid Award No. 552 – Water Meter Changeout
Materials and Purchasing Manager Cathy Wannamaker reviewed the memo dated October 2, 2018, detailing the bid results (Materials D). Commissioner Van Dyke moved to recommend that Bid No. 552 be awarded to the low evaluated bidder, Aspen Plumbing, LLC in the amount of $222,000.00 plus applicable taxes. Commissioner Barnes seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
Electric System and Generating System Revenue Bond Sale
Interim Director of Finance Melissa Ankeny reviewed the presentation (Materials E) outlining the proposed sale of the 2018 Electric and Generating System revenue bonds. Ms. Ankeny shared that rating agency presentations went well and that of the three rating agencies, Standard and Poor’s upgraded the utility’s credit rating.
After the presentation Commissioner Van Dyke moved to adopt resolution 7497 for the Electric System authorizing the sale, issuance and delivery of the district’s Electric System revenue bonds, 2018 in the principle amount of not to exceed $45 million. Commissioner Barnes seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
After approval of resolution 7497 Commissioner Barnes moved to adopt resolution 7498 for the Generating System authorizing the sale, issuance and delivery of the district’s Generating System revenue bonds, 2018 in the principle amount of not to exceed $25 million. Commissioner Van Dyke seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Commissioner Reports and Comments
The board thanked Manager of Energy Planning and Operations Tom Haymaker for the Power Supply Workshop, stating they enjoyed all of the speakers and found the information shared to be very informative.
Staff Reports
CEO/General Manager Wayne Nelson discussed with the board the Initiative 1631 fact sheet prepared by staff at the request of the board. Following discussion, the board thanked staff for the information and noted that information on the fact sheet will be used when the board and the utility are asked what the financial impacts to our customers may be should the Initiative pass
Public Comment
Member of the public Adam Walters shared his thoughts regarding the size of the chart on the fact sheet; he would like it to be smaller.
Other Business before the Board
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 10:19 a.m.