Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority

Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority MINUTES October 8, 2025, 5:30 p.m. GRU Administration Building 301 SE 4th Avenue Gainesville, FL 32601 Members Present: Vice-Chair Haslam, Jack Jacobs, Chair Lawson, Robert Skinner _____________________________________________________________________ A. CALL TO ORDER B. ROLL CALL C. INVOCATION D. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE E. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA Public Comment: Jim Konish. Moved by Robert Skinner Seconded by Vice-Chair Haslam Approved F. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Moved by Robert Skinner Seconded by Jack Jacobs Approved G. CHAIR COMMENTS Chair Lawson opened the discussion on the 2025 performance evaluation of GRU CEO Ed Bielarski, inviting Chief People Officer Cheryl McBride to present a 1 summary of the Board’s evaluations. Following the presentation, Chair Lawson shared his own reflections on Mr. Bielarski’s leadership and invited comments from fellow Board members before addressing the topic of a merit-based salary adjustment. Vice Chair Haslam acknowledged the personal criticism Mr. Bielarski has faced on social media. Director Jacobs noted that, as the public face of GRU, Mr. Bielarski’s statements may not always be received with trust by all stakeholders. He suggested the potential value of appointing a Public Information Officer to support public engagement. Director Skinner echoed concerns about social media commentary. Mr. Bielarski declined to comment during this portion of the meeting. Chair Lawson noted that GRU employees are budgeted for a 3% merit increase and requested Board input on applying the same adjustment to the CEO’s compensation. He also recommended revisiting the CEO’s compensation structure in the coming year, in consultation with the Chief People Officer, to ensure alignment with market benchmarks. The proposed increase would be retroactive to June 2025, marking Mr. Bielarski’s one-year anniversary in the role. Vice Chair Haslam raised concerns about public perception, noting that Mr. Bielarski is currently the highest-paid city employee. He emphasized that compensation comparisons should be made against utility executives rather than municipal roles. Director Jacobs supported the merit increase and expressed interest in conducting further research. Director Skinner also endorsed the adjustment, citing Mr. Bielarski’s industry expertise. Jacobs reiterated that the CEO should receive the same merit increase as other GRU staff. Mr. Bielarski concluded by clarifying that while the merit pool is set at 3%, individual increases may vary. Public comments were provided by Jim Konish, Chuck Ross, and Cheryl McBride. Vice Chair Haslam responded to points raised during public comment. Moved by Vice-Chair Haslam Seconded by Robert Skinner The Board approved a 3% merit increase for Mr. Bielarski, retroactively effective as of June 2025. Approved 2 H. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT Public Comment: Chuck Ross, Jim Konish, David Fitzgerald I. DIRECTOR COMMENTS Vice Chair Haslam addressed several matters raised during the public comment period, offering clarification and perspective on key concerns. Director Jacobs also responded to public feedback and specifically addressed circulating rumors regarding GRU’s potential purchase of power from Duke Energy and selling assets. J. CONSENT AGENDA 1. 2025-806 State of the Utility, Monthly Update August 2025 (B) K. RESOLUTIONS (Roll Call Required) 1. 2025-807 GRUA resolution approving natural gas agreement with the Municipal Gas Authority of Georgia and TD Bank (B) Approved as Recommended L. CEO COMMENTS CEO Ed Bielarski responded to remarks made by Director Jacobs during the Director Comments portion of the meeting, and also responded to a question posed by Mr. Fitzgerald during public comment. M. ATTORNEY COMMENTS Scott Walker of Folds Walker provided an update on GRU’s ongoing legal proceedings related to House Bill 1645. Derek Perry, Utilities Attorney, confirmed his collaboration with Folds Walker on the matter. He further clarified that he serves as GRU’s authorized representative in legal communications with the firm and expressed appreciation for their professionalism and support throughout the process. N. BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. 2025-808 Approval of FY26 Information Technology Service Level Agreement (SLA) between GRU and the City of Gainesville (B) 3  CEO, Ed Bielarski provided an overview of the key components and obligations outlined in the Service Level Agreement (SLA). Chair Lawson provided an overview of the purpose of Service Level Agreements (SLAs), emphasizing their positive impact on GRU. Vice Chair Haslam expressed his support for implementing SLAs, affirming their value to the organization. Public Comment: Jim Konish CEO Bielarski responded to comments made during public comment. Moved by Jack Jacobs Seconded by Vice-Chair Haslam Recommendation: The GRU Authority approve the FY26 Enterprise Information Technology Service Level Agreement between GRU and the City of Gainesville executed by the Chief Executive Officer on behalf of GRUA. Approved as Recommended 2. 2025-809 Approval of Agreement Between GRU and the City of Gainesville for Solid Waste and Stormwater Billing Services (B) CEO Ed Bielarski presented an overview of the amended agreement, originally established in 2023, which addresses GRU’s continued role in billing City residents through utility statements. The amendment was prompted by prior discussions about potentially discontinuing this service. In response, Brian Singleton, Special Advisor to the City Manager, formally requested that GRU maintain the billing arrangement. The proposed amendment includes increased compensation to GRU and features an 18-month termination clause to allow time for evaluating a transition to property tax-based billing. Mr. Singleton emphasized that the City has no plans to raise rates in the upcoming fiscal year, citing recent adjustments and a biennial review cycle. He also noted that GRU has administered this billing process since the 1980s. Chair Lawson supported the amendment, highlighting that it enables GRU to leverage its infrastructure in support of City operations. He referenced feedback from local business owners concerned that removing the billing item from utility statements could shift the financial burden from residential 4  tenants to businesses. Vice Chair Haslam expressed agreement with Lawson’s position and acknowledged the arrangement’s value to GRU, while cautioning that it could create public perception challenges if the City were to raise rates. Director Jacobs opposed the amendment, stating his concerns were rooted in principle rather than optics. He warned that the arrangement could give the City Commission unchecked authority to increase rates, with GRU potentially being perceived as responsible. Jacobs advocated for transferring billing responsibilities directly to the City and noted that embedding charges in property taxes could influence voter sentiment. He further clarified that while GRU controls IT SLA rates, it does not control Solid Waste and Stormwater rates. Vice Chair Haslam later shared that he was reconsidering his stance after reflecting on Jacobs’ points. Though still undecided, he indicated he would follow his instincts and second a motion if one were made. Board Member Skinner viewed the proposal as mutually beneficial and moved to approve the agreement with a term not to exceed 24 months, allowing for future reevaluation and discussion. Public Comment: Jim Konish Moved by Robert Skinner Seconded by Vice-Chair Haslam Recommendation: The GRU Authority authorizes the Chief Executive Officer to negotiate and execute an amended agreement between GRU and the City of Gainesville for solid waste and stormwater billing services. Director Skinner made a motion to approve the agreement with the City to not exceed 24 months, when it can be reexamined and discussed again. Approved 3. 2025-810 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) Update – Plan vs. Action (B) CEO Ed Bielarski delivered a presentation to the Board. Director Skinner remarked that the issue reflects basic economic principles, likening it to vehicle ownership—when purchasing a new car for 5  $40,000 to $50,000 isn’t feasible, making strategic repairs is a practical way to extend its lifespan. Recommendation: The Authority hear the presentation and ask any necessary questions. Heard 4. 2025-811 GRU Review – September, 2025 (B) CEO Ed Bielarski delivered a presentation to the Board. During the discussion, Director Skinner sought clarification on the reported customer call response time, specifically asking whether the current average wait time was 31 minutes. CEO Bielarski indicated he would follow up with the exact figure. Director Skinner also commended the gas team for their prompt response to a recent gas leak, as well as the tree trimming crew for their continued efforts. Recommendation: The Authority hear a presentation from the CEO and ask questions, if desired. Heard O. DIRECTOR COMMENTS No further comments from the Directors. P. ADJOURNMENT Adjourned at 7:15pm. _________________________ Kunti Nesbitt, GRUA Staff Liaison 6