CT Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative CMEEC

MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE OF THE BOARDS OF DIRECTORS OF CONNECTICUT MUNICIPAL ELECTRIC ENERGY COOPERATIVE AND CONNECTICUT TRANSMISSION MUNICIPAL ELECTRIC ENERGY COOPERATIVE November 1, 2019 A Special Meeting of the Joint Legislative Committee of the Boards of Directors of Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative (“CMEEC”) and Connecticut Transmission Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative (“CTMEEC” or “Transco”) was held on Friday, November 1, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at the offices of CMEEC, 30 Stott Avenue, Norwich, CT and via telephone. The meeting was legally noticed in compliance with Connecticut State Statutes and all proceedings and actions hereafter recorded occurred during the publicly open portions of the meeting. The following Committee Members participated: Bozrah Light & Power: Ralph Winslow Jewett City Department of Public Utilities: Louis Demicco (via telephone) Groton Utilities: Keith Hedrick (via telephone) East Norwalk, Third Taxing District: Debora Goldstein The following CMEEC staff participated: Michael Lane, CMEEC CFO and Interim CEO Robin Kipnis, Esquire, CMEEC General Counsel Scott Whittier, CMEEC Director of Enabling Services Margaret Job, CMEEC Executive Assistant / Paralegal Other participants: David Silverstone, Esquire, Municipal Electric Consumer Advocate Ms. Job recorded. Chair Debora Goldstein called the meeting to order at 10:04 a.m. noting that it was a Special meeting and confirmed no new agenda items may be introduced. The participants were asked to speak their names so everyone would know who was at the meeting in person and on the telephone. She confirmed with everyone on the phone that they could hear the proceedings and that there was a quorum. -1- Specific Agenda Items A Public Comment Period There was no public comment made. B Approval of the Minutes of the October 11, 2019 Special Meeting of the Joint Legislative Committee A motion was made by Committee Member Keith Hedrick, seconded by Committee Member Louis Demicco to approve the Minutes of the October 11, 2019 Special Meeting of the Joint Legislative Committee. Motion passed unanimously. C Discussion and Possible Action on Draft Policy for the Hiring and Oversight of Lobbyists Chair Goldstein explained that this item was referred to this Committee by the Special Committee as one of their recommendations that were approved by the Board. She stated that a draft policy was developed and provided to this Committee in advance of today’s meeting. Lengthy discussion followed. After listening to discussion, David Silverstone, Esquire, Municipal Electric Consumer Advocate, questioned whether the policy would prevent casual conversation by, for example, a board member with a state representative. He also suggested that a representative of CMEEC employed by CMEEC, spend a day per week at the legislature during legislative sessions. He said doing so would give CMEEC presence and credibility to the legislators putting CMEEC in a better position to react should legislation be introduced that would have negative impact on CMEEC and its members. Ms. Kipnis stated that Mr. Silverstone’s suggestions would be taken under advisement and incorporated where warranted. After further discussion, the Committee agreed to table the policy for further discussion with staff review based on today’s commentary for a future meeting of this Committee. Chair Goldstein entertained a motion to table the policy for a future meeting of this Committee. A motion was made by Committee Member Demicco, seconded by Committee Member Hedrick to table the policy for discussion at a future meeting of the Joint Legislative Committee. -2-  Motion passed unanimously. D Update on Status of Federal Pole Attachment Legislation and Litigation Ms. Kipnis provided an overview of the status of the federal pole attachment legislation and litigation. She stated that at a recent Legal and Regulatory conference hosted by APPA, the topic of pole attachment was covered. She stated that she attended an excellent presentation addressing this issue. She stated she would request a copy of the presentation from the APPA and forward it to this Committee. She added that it does not seem likely that legislation being proposed to overturn the FCC’s order to remove municipal exemptions from federal regulation of pole attachments through its Communications Act will happen. She added that the matter is being litigated in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Mr. Whittier provided an update on the status of the letter that he sent to CMEEC’s congressional representatives urging their support. He stated that he recently received communication from both Senators Richard Blumenthal and Christopher Murphy. Senator Blumenthal explained that he had been a co-sponsor on S. 2012 to restore local control over pole attachments for not-for-profit utilities. Senator Murphy stated that he had further questions for the FCC but would communicate with Mr. Whittier at a later date. Discussion followed with respect to CMEEC’s response to the order and in what form it should be made. There being no further business to come before this Committee, Chair Goldstein entertained a motion to adjourn. A motion was made by Committee Member Hedrick, seconded by Committee Member Demicco to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 10:57 a.m. -3-