Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority

Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority MINUTES January 15, 2025, 5:30 p.m. GRU Administration Building 301 SE 4th Avenue Gainesville, FL 32601 Members Present: Craig Carter, Vice-Chair Haslam, Jack Jacobs, Chair Lawson, Robert Skinner _____________________________________________________________________ A. CALL TO ORDER Craig Carter joined the meeting at 5:30 pm. Vice-Chair Haslam joined the meeting at 5:30 pm. Jack Jacobs joined the meeting at 5:30 pm. Chair Lawson joined the meeting at 5:30 pm. Robert Skinner joined the meeting at 5:30 pm. B. INVOCATION The invocation was lead by Vice Chair Haslam. C. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE D. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA 5:35PM End public discussion at 6:05PM Public Comment: Jim Konish, Chuck Ross, David Hastings, Bobby Murmer, Janice Garry, Nancy Deren, Melanie Sheppens (UF Student), Campbell (UF Student - Climate activist group), Inaudible Name Director Skinner reminds public that GRU's decision to terminate Solar PPA agreement does not mean a departure from solar efforts in the future, just a departure from this specific contract. 1  Moved by Craig Carter Seconded by Vice-Chair Haslam Motion: Accept the agenda as written. Aye (5): Craig Carter, Vice-Chair Haslam, Jack Jacobs, Chair Lawson, and Robert Skinner E. CHAIR COMMENTS Chair Lawson fully expects GRU to return to solar efforts in the future with the right PPA. F. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT 5:56 - 6:26 Public Comment Jim Konish, Angela Casteel, Chris Russell, David Chaiz, Rainy Eagle Glenn, Bobby Mermer, Chuck Ross, Sicilla Abonte', Syed M Haider, Dr Burke Hughes DDS, Paige Nicholson DDS, Donald Sheppherd. G. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approval of the Minutes from the December 11, 2024 GRUA Meeting (B) 2. 2025-15 Termination and Release of Solar Power Purchase Agreement (B) Recommendation: GRUA approve the Termination and Release of the Renewable Power Purchase Agreement and authorize the CEO, or his designee, to execute the Termination and Release between GRU and FL Solar 6, LLC. 3. 2025-24 Wild Spaces & Public Places Multi-Use Trail Systems in GRU Utility Rights-of-Way (B) H. CEO COMMENTS Ed spoke to some of the comments made by the public regarding solar Orgis contract and other comments. Ed commented on his vision for "Customer First" - thinking about GRU operations from a customer perspective. I. ATTORNEY COMMENTS Attorney Scott Walker provides updates on the lawsuit with Judge Wright. 2 J. BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. 2025-29 State of the Utility, Monthly Update (B) Update on turbine repair at Deerhaven. State of the Utility Presentation by COO, Tom Brown. Presentation was displayed. Recommendation: The GRU Authority hear a monthly update from the utility’s operational areas. 2. 2025-17 First Amendment to the Contract between Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority (GRUA) and Folds Walker, LLC for General Legal Services (B) Public comment: Jim Konnish, Donald Sheppherd. Recommendation: The Authority approve the extension to the general legal services agreement with Folds Walker through August 8, 2025. Moved by Craig Carter Seconded by Robert Skinner Approved as Recommended 3. 2025-30 FY26 GRU Budget: Presentation on GRU's Debt Portfolio Review (B) Presentation of Debt Portfolio by Mark Benton, Finance Director. Recommendation: The Authority hear a presentation from staff. Heard K. RESOLUTIONS (Roll Call Required) 1. 2025-26: A resolution of the GRUA authorizing and ratifying the GRUA’s use of independent legal counsel to serve as “Utilities Attorneys” for the purpose of conducting the business of the Authority (B) Public comment: Donald Sheppherd Moved by Jack Jacobs Seconded by Vice-Chair Haslam 3  Recommendation: Approve resolution that authorizes Utilities Attorney as an agent of the City for the purposes outlined in the Charter Amendment, and to provide that Utilities Attorney performs legal services for the Authority as directed or approved by the Authority or the CEO/GM, including, without limitation, to sign as to form on legality all agreements entered into pursuant to the Charter Amendment, for the benefit of the System and ratifies all prior actions heretofore taken by the Utilities Attorney. Approved as Recommended L. DIRECTOR COMMENTS Director Jacobs encouraged the public to educate themselves and us to work to educate them. Vice Chair Haslam encouraged the public to engage in back and forth as the meeting progresses through the agenda and not just talk and leave, reminding everyone that they are all local directors. Director Skinner - Concurred with previous directors. Director Carter - Briefed all on two conversations he had with two customers/constituents. Praising GRU employees and their knowledge and customer service. Thanked GRU employees. Chair Lawson - Thanked board members for their commitment. M. ADJOURNMENT Chair Lawson adjourns. _________________________ Christine Kunkel, GRUA Staff Liaison 4