Duluth Public Utilities Commission.

411 West First Street City of Duluth Duluth, Minnesota 55802 Minutes - Final Duluth Public Utilities Commission. Tuesday, November 28, 2023 5:30 PM Council Chambers, City Hall, 411 West First Street CALL TO ORDER President Ryan called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m. ROLL CALL Members Present: Erin Abramson, Chris Adatte, Andrea Crouse, Councilor Noah Hobbs, Councilor Mike Mayou, Carrie Ryan, Councilor Terese Tomanek Members Absent: none Staff Present: Jim Benning, Jean Coleman, Leanna Gilbert, Chris Ostern, Tom Pfeffer, Howard Smith, Kerry Venier PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD No comments were made at this time. APPROVAL OF MINUTES DPUC117 September 19, 2023 DPUC meeting minutes draft Indexes: Attachments: 09192023 DPUC meeting minutes draft The September 19, 2023 meeting minutes were approved unanimously. DPUC119 October 24, 2023 DPUC meeting notes draft Indexes: Attachments: 10242023 DPUC meeting notes draft The October 24, 2023 unofficial actions were received. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Water public education Staff provided a revised water public education presentation and received questions and comments from commissioners. The Commission decided to City of Duluth Page 1 Duluth Public Utilities Commission. Minutes - Final November 28, 2023 cancel the regular meeting scheduled for December 19. An in-person public meeting will be held at the beginning of the regular January meeting, and a virtual public meeting may be held at noon that same day. President Ryan will contact the Chamber of Commerce. The Commission may discuss the feedback and outcomes of the public meetings in February and possibly hold a public hearing in March. The intent would be to have a multi-year rate increase effective on April 1 with subsequent increases effective January 1 of each year. UPDATES FROM STAFF There were no updates from staff at this time. COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS Commissioner Tomanek mentioned that virtual attendance for board and commission members is an option if someone is ill and unable to attend in person. Commissioner Crouse had some comments and questions about the EPA inspection letter. Commissioner Mayou also had some questions and suggestions. UPCOMING COUNCIL ACTIONS No upcoming actions were mentioned. PREVIEW OF UPCOMING BUSINESS The December meeting was canceled. The Commission decided to hold the next regular meeting on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at 5:15 p.m. in City Council Chambers; however, it was later determined that another commission is meeting at that time. Staff recommends meeting on the regular meeting date of January 16, 2024 at 5:15 p.m. in City Council Chambers. An in-person public meeting will be held at the beginning of the regular January meeting, and a virtual public meeting may be held at noon that same day. Kerry Venier mentioned that the sanitary rate increases will expire in 2024. The Commission should review that next. President Ryan thanked Commissioner Hobbs for his time on the Commission, since this was his last meeting. KNOWN ABSENCES FOR FUTURE MEETINGS No absences were mentioned. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:38 p.m. City of Duluth Page 2