Duluth Public Utilities Commission.

411 West First Street City of Duluth Duluth, Minnesota 55802 Minutes - Final Duluth Public Utilities Commission. Tuesday, September 19, 2023 5:15 PM Council Chambers, City Hall, 411 West First Street CALL TO ORDER President Ryan called the meeting to order at 5:16 p.m. ROLL CALL Members Present: Erin Abramson, Andrea Crouse, Councilor Noah Hobbs, Councilor Mike Mayou, Carrie Ryan Members Absent: Chris Adatte, Councilor Terese Tomanek Staff Present: Jim Benning, Jean Coleman, Cyndi Falconer, Leanna Gilbert, Chris Ostern, Tom Pfeffer, Kerry Venier PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD No comments were made at this time. APPROVAL OF MINUTES DPUC113 August 15, 2023 DPUC meeting minutes draft Indexes: Attachments: 08152023 DPUC meeting minutes draft Commissioner Abramson motioned to approve the August 15, 2023 meeting minutes, and the motion was approved by all present. NEW BUSINESS Water 2024 budget information DPUC114 Water financial information & 5-year capital plan Indexes: Attachments: Water financial slide of budget presentation DPUC_RateDiscussion_WATER_5 Year Plan 08 08 23 Staff provided the water financial page of the budget presentation and a five-year capital plan for water as previously requested. There was some City of Duluth Page 1 Duluth Public Utilities Commission. Minutes - Final September 19, 2023 discussion about various aspects of the water utility. Draft water public education presentation Staff provided the draft water public education presentation and received questions and comments from commissioners. Staff will revise the presentation as requested for review at the October meeting. There was some discussion about public meetings. 2024 utilities fees DPUC115 2024 proposed utilities fees Indexes: Attachments: 2024 Fees Jim Benning noted that the utilities fixed rates were added to the fee schedule for annual review. There was some discussion about when the fixed rates were last changed and what they cover. DPUC116 23PUC-004 - RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING FEES FOR VARIOUS UTILITY-RELATED SERVICES. Indexes: Attachments: 23PUC-004 2024 utility fees President Ryan motioned to approve resolution 23PUC-004, and the motion was approved by all present. UPDATES FROM STAFF Jim Benning mentioned our request for $13.4M from the State for the water treatment plant. A resident reported that Niagara Street has a hole in the road. This is considered a bridge and will probably be an unbudgeted repair for next year from the stormwater fund. Cyndi Falconer reported that the 8th Street project is still expected to be completed by the end of October. We met with the State about projects and funding. There is not a lot of change at this time. COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS Commissioner Crouse asked about the effects of the rain that we got last week and mentioned a culvert on Brewery Creek. Commissioner Mayou asked if that area was redone after the 2012 flood, and staff responded that it was. Jim Benning said that Niagara Street was washed out. Tom Pfeffer mentioned that the 1st Avenue East project was delayed considerably due to washing out. Commissioner Mayou asked about the MNDOT tunnels. Jim Benning responded that the City has assisted with their outfalls. UPCOMING COUNCIL ACTIONS City of Duluth Page 2 Duluth Public Utilities Commission. Minutes - Final September 19, 2023 Jim Benning mentioned the budget presentation scheduled for November 9. PREVIEW OF UPCOMING BUSINESS The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at 5:15 p.m. in the WLSSD Board Room at 2626 Courtland Street. Staff will provide an updated public education presentation for water. Commissioners should start thinking about a timeline for public education. KNOWN ABSENCES FOR FUTURE MEETINGS Two councilors were not available on October 17, so the regular meeting was moved to October 24. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:54 p.m. City of Duluth Page 3