Meeting of Commissioners of
Public Utility District No. 1 of Clark County, Washington
July 7, 2020
A meeting of Commissioners of Public Utility District No. 1 of Clark County was held at the Electric Center, 1200 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, Washington, on Tuesday, July 7, 2020.
Present: President Jane Van Dyke, Vice President Jim Malinowski, Secretary Nancy Barnes Commissioners, CEO/General Manager Lena Wittler and Assistant to CEO/General Manager Margaret Anderson.
Present via conference call: Director of Energy Resources Dan Bedbury, Director of Information Services Mike Harris, Director of Engineering Cal Morris, Director of Water Doug Quinn, Director of Communications Erica Erland, Director of Operations Gene Morris, Director of Customer Service Lisa Fix, General Counsel John Eldridge and Media Specialist Dameon Pesanti.
Press representatives: None
Others present via conference call: Rick Marshall, Don Steinke, Randall Freidman and Cathryn Chudy.
At 9:00 a.m., President Van Dyke called the meeting to order for the transaction of formal business. Commissioner Van Dyke noted a quorum was present and the agenda (Materials A) was approved after CEO/General Manager added Consideration of Extension of Emergency Community Response as an action item.
Consideration of the Minutes of June 16, 2020
Commissioner Barnes requested a change to the LUD section of meeting notes; it should read Commissioner Van Dyke opened the public meeting.
Public Comment
Member of the public Don Steinke shared his thoughts on House Bill 2311, Electric Vehicle charging stations and internet service for children in low income households.
Member of the public Randall Freidman introduced himself to the Commissioners and let them know that he has provided comments on our Integrated Resource Plan and shared that he feels ours falls short.
Member of the public Cathryn Chudy provided her thoughts on allowing fuel switching to be eligible for energy assistance to replace heat pumps with newer technology, her support for renewable energy and vehicle electrification.
Following public comments, the meeting was recessed into executive session at 9:10 a.m. in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act. RCW 42.30.110 (1)(g) – to evaluate the qualifications of an applicant for public employment or to review the performance of a public employee. The executive session was expected to last no longer than 30 minutes and no action was taken during the executive session.
Commissioner Van Dyke reconvened the public meeting at 9:50 a.m.
Consideration of Accounts Payable
The board, by a unanimous vote, approved the following payment amounts as listed on the Letter of Transmittal dated July 7, 2020 from the District Auditor (Materials B):
Electric Revenue Fund – $25,599,626.83
Water Revenue Fund – $3,412,454.26
Generating System Fund – $3,726,317.60
For a total of $32,738,398.69
Consideration of Bid Award No. 599 – 15kV EPR URD Cable
Director of Engineering Gene Morris reviewed the memo dated July 7, 2020, detailing the bid results (Materials C). Commissioner Barnes moved to recommend that Bid No. 599 be awarded to the low evaluated bidder General Pacific, Inc., in the amount of $790,856.00 plus applicable taxes. Commissioner Malinowski seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
Consideration of Emergency Community Response Extension
CEO/General Manager Lena Wittler reviewed the memo dated July 7, 2020 (Materials D) requesting board approval to extend the temporary guidelines for the Operation Warm Heart, Senior Rate Credit and Guarantee of Service programs through August 4, 2020.
Commissioner Barnes moved to extend the Emergency Community Response measures under the Operation Warm Heart, Senior Rate Credit and Guarantee of Service programs through August 4, 2020. Commissioner Malinowski seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Commissioner Reports and Comments
Commissioner Malinowski reported on his attendance at the Energy Northwest Executive Board Meeting.
Commissioner Van Dyke reported on her attendance at the American Public Power Association virtual annual conference.
Commissioner Barnes reported on her attendance at the Columbia Springs Board meeting.
Staff Reports
There were no staff reports.
Public Comment
There were no public comments.
With no public comments to come before the board, the meeting was recessed into executive session at 10:23 a.m. in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act. RCW 42.30.110 (1)(g) – to evaluate the qualifications of an applicant for public employment or to review the performance of a public employee. The executive session was expected to last no longer than 45 minutes and no action was taken during the executive session.
Commissioner Van Dyke reconvened the public meeting at 11:00 a.m.
Consideration of Resolution for the General Manager Salary
This agenda item was deferred to the July 21, 2020 commission meeting.
Other Business before the Board
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 11:05 a.m.