Duluth Public Utilities Commission.

411 West First Street City of Duluth Duluth, Minnesota 55802 Unofficial Actions - Final Duluth Public Utilities Commission. Tuesday, July 18, 2023 5:15 PM Council Chambers, City Hall, 411 West First Street NOTE: This was not an official meeting and no actions were made as there was no quorum. ROLL CALL Members Present: Erin Abramson, Chris Adatte, Andrea Crouse, Councilor Mike Mayou, Carrie Ryan Members Absent: Councilor Noah Hobbs, Councilor Terese Tomanek Staff Present: Jim Benning, Jean Coleman, Leanna Gilbert, Chris Ostern, Tom Pfeffer, Kerry Venier President Ryan noted the absence of a quorum and opened the floor to discussion at 5:25 p.m. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD No comments were made at this time. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Water utility discussion DPUC108 Indexes: Attachments: Water rate scenario 9.25 Water Rate Scenario 12.75 Proposed Rates Avg per Bill Category Water Capital Plan from 2023-final-budget-book Staff provided rate scenarios and additional information as requested. There was some discussion about the assumptions made in the scenarios and the capital projects that could be done with the additional money. Commissioner Mayou requested a list of proposed capital projects. This will be included in the upcoming budget presentation. City of Duluth Page 1 Printed on 8/16/2023 Duluth Public Utilities Commission. Unofficial Actions - Final July 18, 2023 NEW BUSINESS Lead services replacement update The four sets of plans for projects that we submitted were certified and approved by the Department of Health. Staff is waiting for the Public Facilities Authority to give us an application that we can complete to get the funding for these projects. It is still unknown whether it will be a grant or a loan. The other unknown is the taxability of the project to the homeowner. That will be determined at the federal level. Jim Benning will check with the Finance Director about whether a letter from the Commission would be helpful. COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS Commissioner Crouse asked about allowing electronic voting. Assistant City Attorney Coleman will look into whether this would be allowed. PREVIEW OF UPCOMING BUSINESS The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at 5:15 p.m. Staff will present the proposed 2024 utilities budget for approval and recommendation to City Council in August. The Commission may discuss the public education piece of the water rate process in September. ADJOURNMENT The discussion ended at 5:59 p.m. City of Duluth Page 2 Printed on 8/16/2023