Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority

Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority MINUTES April 8, 2026, 5:30 p.m. GRU Administration Building 301 SE 4th Avenue Gainesville, FL 32601 Members Present: Vice-Chair Haslam, Jack Jacobs, Chair Lawson Members Absent: Robert Skinner _____________________________________________________________________ A. CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order at 5:31pm. B. ROLL CALL 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. C. INVOCATION Invocation given by Vice Chair Haslam. D. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE E. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA Public Comment: Jim Konish, Chuck Ross, David Hastings Moved by Vice-Chair Haslam Seconded by Jack Jacobs Approved F. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1  1. Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority Approve the Minutes from the March 10, 2026 Meeting (B) No public comment. Moved by Vice-Chair Haslam Seconded by Jack Jacobs Recommendation: The GRU Authority approve the minutes from the March 10, 2026 meeting. Approved G. CHAIR COMMENTS Chair Lawson indicated that he had no comments at this time. H. CONSENT AGENDA Public Comment: Nancy Deren, Jyoti Parmar Moved by Vice-Chair Haslam Seconded by Jack Jacobs Approved 1. 2026-258 State of the Utility, February 2026 (B) I. CEO COMMENTS CEO Bielarski delivered a presentation titled GRU Review, providing an update on key developments currently underway within GRU. Chair Lawson requested that Mr. Bielarski keep the board informed on a month‑ to‑ month basis regarding any fuel adjustments. He emphasized that the intention is not to interfere with operations, but rather to ensure the board remains engaged in that ongoing discussion. Director Jacobs also commented on the topic of fuel adjustments, noting that these adjustments occur in real time rather than solely on a monthly schedule. He added that GRU continually works to secure the best possible pricing for its customers. 2 J. ATTORNEY COMMENTS Scott Walker of Folds Walker had no comment. Derek Perry, GRU Utilities Attorney, had no comment. K. RESOLUTIONS (Roll Call Required) 1. 2026-259 Amendment to Utilities System Revenue Bond Master Bond Resolution and Subordinated Bond Resolution (B) Mark Benton provided an overview of the request before the Board. Chair Lawson asked for a more detailed explanation of what was being proposed, and Mr. Benton offered additional clarification. Bond Counsel from Holland & Knight LLP, represented by Michael Wiener, stated that he had no further comments. Director Jacobs expressed support for the amendment. He stated that the amendment appropriately designates the CEO, the GRUA Chair, and the CFO as authorized signatories. Public Comment: Chuck Ross, Jim Konish Following public comment, Attorney Perry and Mr. Wiener both confirmed that the amendment is permitted under the Utility System bond resolution. Moved by Vice-Chair Haslam Seconded by Jack Jacobs Recommendation: The GRU Authority adopt the proposed resolution. Approved 2. 2026-260 Resolution for Remarketing Gainesville Variable Rate Utilities Revenue Bonds 2023 Series B and Ratifying the Agent Public Comment: Chuck Ross Moved by Jack Jacobs Seconded by Vice-Chair Haslam Recommendation: The GRU Authority adopt the proposed resolution. Approved L. BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS 3 1. 2026-262 FY27 GRU Budget Cash and Liquidity Report (B) Mark Benton, Accounting & Finance Director, presented an overview of GRU’s Budget, Cash, and Liquidity for FY27. CEO Bielarski added that GRU has never drawn from the fund in question, but it is maintained as a precautionary measure should it ever be needed. Public Comment: Chuck Ross, Jim Konish, Bobby Mermer, TJ Mibdzianowski, David Hastings, Armando Gomez. Following public comment, CEO Bielarski addressed several of the points raised. Vice Chair Haslam also offered additional remarks. Director Jacobs and Chair Lawson provided further comments in response to statements made during public comment. Director Jacobs asked how long the rate stabilization charge has appeared on GRU bills. CEO Bielarski responded that he was unsure of the exact duration, but noted that it has been in place for a long time. He also provided additional clarification related to comments raised during public comment. Moved by Jack Jacobs Seconded by Vice-Chair Haslam Recommendation: The GRU Authority approve the transfer, effective March 31, 2026, of $16M of restricted regulatory cash assets in the Electric System Rate Stabilization Fund to unrestricted operating cash in the Electric System. Approved 2. 2026-264 FY27 GRU Budget Presentation of GRU’s Debt Portfolio Review (B) Mark Benton, Accounting & Finance Director, presented an overview of GRU’s Debt Portfolio for FY27. CEO Bielarski provided additional context and expanded on several points from the presentation. Chair Lawson thanked Mr. Benton and the BFA team for their hard work and continued efforts. Recommendation: The GRU Authority hear a presentation from staff. Heard 4  3. 2026-265 Public and Rental Rates for Pole and Lighting – Proposed Changes for FY27 (B) Christine Damm, Senior Analyst from Energy Delivery, presented information to the Board. CEO Bielarski provided additional remarks following her presentation. Public Comment: Jim Konish Moved by Vice-Chair Haslam Seconded by Jack Jacobs Recommendation: The GRU Authority approve the proposed changes to rates, standards and early termination language effective October 1, 2026. Approved 4. 2026-266 FY27 Water and Wastewater Connection Charges and Fee Summary – Proposed Changes (B) Debbie Daugherty, Water/Wastewater Officer, presented information to the Board outlining the specific request being brought forward. Public Comment: Armando Gomez, Jim Konish Following public comment, CEO Bielarski responded to several of the points raised. Director Jacobs commended the Water/Wastewater team for their hard work and offered additional remarks addressing statements made during public comment. Moved by Jack Jacobs Seconded by Vice-Chair Haslam Recommendation: The GRU Authority approve the proposed changes to water and wastewater connection charges and plan review, inspection, meter, tap and temporary water services fees effective as of October 1, 2026, for FY 27. Approved M. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT Public Comment: Angela Casteel, Chuck Ross, Nancy Deren, Armando Gomez, Jim Konish, Ashton Weber, David Hastings, Abigail Trachtenberg. N. DIRECTOR COMMENTS 5  Vice Chair Haslam responded to several of the points raised during General Public Comment. Director Jacobs also offered remarks addressing comments made during General Public Comment. O. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 8:09pm. _________________________ Kunti Nesbitt, GRUA Staff Liaison 6