CT Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative CMEEC
Regular MeetingNorwich, CT · May 23, 2018
Minutes
SUBJECT TO FINAL BOARD APPROVAL
MINUTES OF THE
REGULAR MEETING OF
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF
CONNECTICUT MUNICIPAL ELECTRIC ENERGY COOPERATIVE
May 23, 2018
The May Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors (“Board”) of the Connecticut Municipal
Electric Energy Cooperative (“CMEEC”) was held on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at the Spa at
Norwich Inn, Norwich, CT.
The meeting was legally noticed in compliance with Connecticut State Law and all proceedings
and actions hereafter recorded occurred during the publicly open portions of the meeting.
Chairperson Kenneth Sullivan called the meeting to order at 8:36 a.m. and determined a quorum
was present.
The following Member Representatives/Alternate Member Representatives/Municipal
Representatives participated:
Bozrah Light and Power Company: David Collard, Richard Tanger, Ralph Winslow
Groton Public Utilities: Ronald Gaudet, Mark Oefinger
Jewett City Department of Public Utilities: Louis Demicco (in person until 11:00 a.m. and then
via telephone beginning at 1:15 p.m.), Kenneth Sullivan, Richard Throwe
Norwich Public Utilities: John Bilda, Dr. Grace Jones
South Norwalk Electric & Water: Dawn Del Greco, David Westmoreland, Paul Yatcko (via
telephone)
Third Taxing District: Kevin Barber, David Brown, Debora Goldstein, Pete Johnson
The following CMEEC staff participates:
Drew Rankin, CMEEC Chief Executive Officer
Margaret Job, CMEEC Administrative Staff
Other participants:
Michael Boucher, Groton Resident
Dr. Ashley Miles
Ms. Job recorded.
Standard Action Items
(A) Public Attendee Comment Period
Chairman Sullivan invited any member from the public present at today’s meeting to
comment. Michael Boucher, a resident from Groton, CT, stood and addressed the Board
of Directors by reading a document he drafted containing his thoughts and concerns
related to the draft CMEEC Ethics Policy and the CMEEC Bylaws. He added that he had
provided a copy of his written document to both Drew Rankin and Municipal Electric
Consumer Advocate William Kowalski. His discussion focused mainly on his concerns
for the protection of ratepayers with respect to how the draft Ethics Policy is written.
(B) Introductions, If New Board Members Participating
Mr. Rankin explained that, when there are new Member Representatives of the Board of
Directors participating in the Board of Directors meetings, an introduction and brief
discussion of each of the Representatives backgrounds is conducted. At this time, the
newest members; Member Representative David Westmoreland and Municipal
Representative Dawn Del Greco participating in person for the first time, introduced
themselves followed by the remaining Representatives participating in person and via
telephone.
(C) Conduct Voting Roster / Roll Call
Mr. Rankin took roll call identifying the formal voting persons at today’s meeting. He
stressed that whether or not a Representative has formal voting rights, all should be
encouraged to participate fully in the Board meetings.
(D) Approve Minutes of CMEEC Regular April 6, 2018 Board of Directors’ Meeting
A motion was made by Member Representative Ronald Gaudet, seconded by
Member Representative John Bilda to approve the CMEEC Regular April 6, 2018
Board of Directors’ Meeting. Member Representative David Westmoreland and
Municipal Representative Dawn Del Greco abstained.
Vote passed. (18-05-01)
(E) Executive Session – Board of Directors Evaluation and Review: Facilitated Session
Chairman Sullivan entertained a motion to enter Executive Session.
A motion was made by Member Representative Demicco, seconded by Member
Representative John Bilda to enter Executive Session with direction to the Board to
return to Public session upon completion of the discussion in Executive Session.
Motion passed unanimously. (18-05-02)
The Board entered Executive Session at 8:51 a.m. Present during the discussion were the
Member Representatives/Alternate Member Representatives/Municipal Representatives,
Mr. Rankin and Dr. Ashley Miles.
Chairman Sullivan called the Regular Session of the CMEEC Board back to order at 1:15
p.m.
The following additional CMEEC staff were in attendance for the Regular Session:
Robin Kipnis, CMEEC General Counsel
Edward Pryor, CMEEC Chief Financial Officer
Justin Connell, CMEEC Director of Portfolio Management
Jake Pagragan, CMEEC Director of Customer and Community Prosperity
Scott Whittier, CMEEC Director of Enabling Services
The Following additional other participants were in attendance for the Regular Session:
Michael Boucher, Groton Resident
Claire Bessette, Reporter, The Day
William Kowalski, Municipal Electric Consumer Advocate
(F) Ethics Policy (Resolution/Vote)
Member Representative Gaudet explained that the draft Ethics policy had been developed
by the Ethics subcommittee appointed by the Board with guidance from third party
experts in the field, the Human Resource Consortium (the “HRC”). The Municipal
Electric Consumer Advocate also provided comments. Alternate Member Representative
Debora Goldstein asked whether the issues raised earlier today by Mr. Boucher were
addressed in the proposed Ethics Policy. Mr. Rankin confirmed that the policy, as
written addresses those issues.
Municipal Representative Mark Oefinger asked for a background on the Human
Resources Consortium, LLC (“HRC”) which Ms. Kipnis provided to his satisfaction,
indicating that they were selected as part of an RFP Process
Mr. Oefinger asked whether paragraph 1.5 Gifts, subsection (b) should include
prohibition of provision of gifts to private citizens as well as to any public official or
employee of the federal, state or municipal government. Ms. Kipnis noted she would
review this and will incorporate the suggestion if it was not already addressed. In
consideration of the question that remained, the Board concluded that vote on the
approval of the draft Ethics policy should be tabled until the June 2018 Board of
Directors meeting so further review of the policy could be conducted.
Chairman Sullivan entertained a motion to table approval of the Ethics Policy until
the next scheduled Board of Directors Meeting.
A motion was made by Member Representative Gaudet, seconded by Member
Representative Dr. Grace Jones to table approval of the Ethics Policy until the next
scheduled Board of Directors Meeting.
Motion passed unanimously. (18-05-03)
(G) Travel Policy (Resolution/Vote)
Member Representative Gaudet introduced the Travel policy presented for approval
today. He added that like the Ethics policy, the Travel policy had been vetted several
times by the Ethics subcommittee and edits made to it as recommended by the HRC. He
asked if anyone had questions or required clarification of any of the sections of the Travel
policy. Member Representative Collard stated he thought the last sentence in Section F
of the policy was unclear in its intent. Mr. Rankin explained that sentence was meant to
address the requirement that business travel expenses cannot conflict with the terms of
the RPSCs or provisions Members might have with their customers.
Alternate Member Representative Goldstein asked, with respect to Section B of the
policy, what CMEEC’s current procedure is. Mr. Rankin stated that approval had been
provided verbally. He continued to state that, at the recommendation of Alternate
Member Representative Goldstein from previous Board meeting, a form is being
developed to address requests for business travel.
A motion was made by Alternate Member Representative Ralph Winslow, seconded
by Municipal Representative Pete Johnson to approve the Resolution Adopting the
Travel Policy for the CMEEC Board of Directors and CMEEC Employees.
Motion passed unanimously. (18-05-04)
(H) NYPA St. Lawrence Allocations (Resolution/Vote)
Mr. Rankin explained this this agenda item serves two purposes. One being the
resolution to vote on the approval of entitlement allocations for receipt of Saint Lawrence
power. He explained that the Board of Directors had previously authorized the CMEEC
CEO to enter negotiations with NYPA on behalf of Connecticut as the Designated
Bargaining Agent for the Saint Lawrence power and to determine the appropriate
allocations for St. Lawrence power. He noted this resolution effectively ratifies and
approves the Agreement for the Purchase and Sale of Electric Products from the Saint
Lawrence-FDR Project Power and Energy (the “Agreement”) and that the new NYPA
energy allocations will become effective June 1, 2018. These allocations are contained in
a new Exhibit and are attached to the Resolution.
The second purpose is to provide general education about the project by CMEEC
Director of Enabling Services, Scott Whittier.
Mr. Whittier provided a high level review of the NYPA-St. Lawrence project, providing a
brief history of the project.
Municipal Electric Consumer Advocate William Kowalski inquired whether there was
any revenue stream to CMEEC in its role as Bargaining Agent under the Agreement. Mr.
Rankin stated that CMEEC performs this service on behalf of its Members and customers
and any fees associated with CMEEC’s role as Bargaining Agent is nominal.
A motion was made by Alternate Member Representative Winslow, seconded by
Municipal Representative Johnson to approve the Resolution Establishing the
Entitlement Allocations for the Receipt of Saint Lawrence-FDR Project Power and
Energy to CMEEC for and Behalf of CMEEC as Designated Bargaining Agent.
Motion passed unanimously. (18-05-05)
Chairman Sullivan entertained a motion to enter Executive Session for an
arbitration update.
A motion was made by Alternate Member Representative Goldstein, seconded by
Member Representative Dr. Jones to enter Executive Session with direction to the
Board to return to Public session upon completion of the discussion in Executive
Session.
The Board entered Executive Session at 1:48 p.m.
The basis for going into executive session was Conn. Gen. Stat. Secs. 1-200(6)(B).
Present during the discussion were the Member Representatives/Alternate Member
Representatives/Municipal Representatives, Messrs. Rankin and Pryor and Ms. Kipnis.
A motion was made by Alternate Member Representative Winslow, seconded by
Municipal Representative Johnson to adjourn the meeting.
There being no further business to come before this Board, the meeting was
adjourned at 2:16 p.m.
CONNECTICUT MUNICIPAL ELECTRIC ENERGY COOPERATIVE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
RESOLUTION 18-05-05
Resolution Establishing the Entitlement Allocations for the Receipt of Saint Lawrence -FDR
Project Power and ENERGY to CMEEC for and Behalf of CMEEC as Designated Bargaining
Agent
Whereas, the CMEEC Board of Directors in Resolution 17-03-04 authorized the Chief Executive Officer
of CMEEC to finalize and execute the “Agreement for the Purchase and Sale of Electric Products from the
Saint Lawrence-FDR Project Power and Energy” (the “Agreement”) between CMEEC as Designated
Bargaining Agent and to finally determine the Connecticut “qualifying entities” that are eligible to receive
firm capacity and energy under the Agreement.
Whereas, CMEEC has made such determination and designated the “qualified entities” eligible to receive
energy and capacity under the Agreement to be the six (6) CMEEC Members including Bozrah Light and
Power, the Mohegan Tribal Utility Authority plus the Wallingford Electric Division.
Whereas, the purchase of Electric Products from the Project was authorized as an Additional Power Project
by way of Resolution 14-06, which also established the Entitlement Allocations of the MEUs in Attachment
B to that Resolution as a fixed percentage.
Whereas, the capacity allocation continues to be a firm fixed allocation of 3.2 MW under the Agreement.
Whereas, in addition and as a result of the Agreement, the methodology for calculating the energy
allocation from NYPA to Connecticut for distribution to the “qualified entities” has changed from fixed for
the term of the Agreement to an annual allocation each January 1 based on the two (2) year prior hourly
metered load data necessitating a corresponding change to the Entitlement Allocation for each “qualified
entity”.
Whereas, the CMEEC BOD desires to approve the determination as to the “qualified entities” as provided
in Attachment B to this Resolution and approve their current Entitlement Allocation.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
CONNECTICUT MUNICIPAL ELECTRIC ENERGY COOPERATIVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The Board does hereby ratify and approve the Agreement as provided to the Board at this
meeting.
Section 2. Attachment B to Resolution 14-06 is hereby amended to reflect the addition of the MTUA and
Bozrah Light and Power as “qualified entities” under the Agreement.
Attachment B
New Agreement: Proposed Basis for Applying Intra-
St. Lawrence Project
State Recipient Allocations
NYPA Agreement Expiration
NYPA Agreement Start Date 5/1/2017 4/30/2032
Date:
(Revised Allocations Begin Date 6/1/2018)
Use MEU % of total MEU energy updated annually to correspond
Capacity:
w/NYPA contract (Two year lag data)
Basis Convention:
Use MEU % of total MEU energy updated annually to correspond
Energy:
w/NYPA contract (Two year lag data)
Energy Capacity
2018 Allocations % MWh % Firm
State of Connecticut 100% 19,170 100% 3.2
Wallingford Electric Division 33.47% 6,416 33.47% 1.071
Groton Utilities 23.76% 4,555 23.76% 0.760
Norwich Public Utilities 17.46% 3,347 17.46% 0.559
Bozrah Light & Power 8.43% 1,616 8.43% 0.270
MTUA 7.18% 1,377 7.18% 0.230
South Norwalk Electric & Water 5.06% 970 5.06% 0.162
Third Taxing District 3.36% 644 3.36% 0.108
Jewett City Department Public Utilities 1.28% 246 1.28% 0.041
Agenda
TO: Directors and Officers
FROM: Kenneth Sullivan, Drew Rankin
DATE: May 17, 2018
SUBJECT: Agenda for the Regular Board of Directors’ Meeting, Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Attached is the Agenda for the CMEEC Regular Board of Directors’ Meeting to be held at The Spa at
Norwich Inn, on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 beginning at 8:30 a.m. per the agenda below:
AGENDA
Agenda Topic Tab Page
Item Number
A Public Attendee Comment Period
B Introductions, If New Board Members Participating
C Conduct Voting Roster / Roll Call
D Approve Minutes of CMEEC Regular April 6, 2018 Board of 1 3
Directors’ Meeting
E Executive Session: (8:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
Board of Directors Evaluation and Review: Facilitated Session
Lunch 12:30 to 1:15 p.m.
Specific Action Items: Regular Session (1:15 p.m. to finish – estimated 2:30 p.m.)
Agenda Topic Tab Lead Page
Item Number
F Ethics Policy (Resolution/Vote) 2 Ronald Gaudet 21
G Travel Policy (Resolution/Vote) 3 Ronald Gaudet 29
H NYPA St. Lawrence Allocations (Resolution/Vote) 4 Scott Whittier 35
Executive Session: Arbitration Update Robin Kipnis
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