January 24, 2023
MINUTES OF REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
OF
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF NORTHWEST RURAL PUBLIC POWER DISTRICT
A regular meeting of the Board of Directors of Northwest Rural PPD was held at the headquarters January 24, 2023 at the hour of 10:00 a.m. The meeting was called to order by President Gary Fuchser. The following Members were present and constituted a quorum: Lee Ahrens, Lucas Bear, Gary Fuchser, Christopher Garrett and Marcus Sandberg.
Also present were General Manager Chance Briscoe, Operations Manager Ron Olson, Member Service Representative Les Tlustos, Office Manager Tony Hindman, District Counsel Terry Curtiss, Employee Guest Matt Anderson and Director-Elect Kevin Christy.
Unless otherwise noted, all votes were taken by roll call on motion duly made and seconded and unanimously passed.
Open Meeting Law: The Open Meeting Law was acknowledged.
New Director – Newly elected Director Kevin Christy read and signed the Oath of Office and was seated as a Director on the Board.
Agenda: Motion to accept the agenda; motion carried.
Approval of Minutes: A motion was made to accept the minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 29, 2022; motion carried.
Public Comments: None.
Check Register and Payroll Summary Review: The Check Register and Payroll Summary for the previous month were reviewed. President Fuchser declared the items as informational items requiring no Board action.
Action Items: President Fuchser turned the meeting over to District Counsel Curtiss to conduct officer elections. A slate of nominees was made for; Lee Ahrens as President, Chris Garrett as Vice President, Marcus Sandberg as Secretary, Lucas Bear as Treasurer, and Kevin Christy as Assistant Treasurer. A motion was made to cease nominations and cast a unanimous ballot for the slate of Officers; motion carried. Curtiss turned the meeting over to President Ahrens for the remainder of the meeting.
Financial Report: Manager Briscoe reviewed the operating report for the previous month. A motion was made to table the financial report as it is preliminary waiting to finalize after the audit; motion carried.
Safety Report: Operations Manager Olson reviewed the safety statistics and safety report for the previous month. Olson also reviewed the goals that were met or missed on the 2022 Safety Improvement Plan. A motion was made to accept the safety report; motion carried.
Staff Reports: The staff made the following reports and answered Board questions:
a. Operations Manager Olson reviewed the Outage Report for the previous month.
b. Member Services Representative Tlustos discussed changes to the ACRE program, plans to rebrand and will review again at the March meeting. Also, set up plans for the Scholarship Committee to review applications in February.
General Manager’s Report: Manager Briscoe generally reported on or discussed, among other things: (1) activities of the Tri-State Rate Committee; (2) attendance at the NRECA CEO Conference; (3) Mountain Parks has provided notice to Tri-State to withdraw from membership in two years; (4) Tri-State’s recent filing at FERC to request a re-hearing on the Partial Requirements settlement agreement; and (5) a brief update on FERC matters of which we are still awaiting a final ruling from the Commission on exit fees.
Tri-State Report: Director Bear was unable to attend the last meeting.
Items for Next Agenda: The next meeting date was set for Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.
Legal Update: None.
Other Business: A brief discussion was held about future power supply plans and the Board considered next steps to fill the vacancy left by Director Smith.
Executive Session: None
Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned at 11:32 a.m.
APPROVED:
____________________________________ ____________________________________
President Secretary
February 16, 2022
MINUTES OF REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
OF
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF NORTHWEST RURAL PUBLIC POWER DISTRICT
A regular meeting of the Board of Directors of Northwest Rural PPD was held at the headquarters Thursday, February 16, 2022 at the hour of 1:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by President Gary Fuchser. The following Members were present and constituted a quorum: Lee Ahrens, Lucas Bear, Gary Fuchser, Christopher Garrett, Marcus Sandberg, Lynden Smith and Bruce Troester.
Also present were General Manager Chance Briscoe, Operations Manager Ron Olson, Office Manager Tony Hindman, employee Terry Knapp and District Counsel Terry Curtiss.
Unless otherwise noted, all votes were taken by roll call on motion duly made and seconded and unanimously passed.
Open Meeting Law: The Open Meeting Law was acknowledged.
Agenda: Motion to accept the agenda; motion carried.
Approval of Minutes: A motion was made to accept the minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 20, 2022; motion passed.
Public Comments: None.
Check Register and Payroll Summary Review: The Check Register and Payroll Summary for the previous month were reviewed. President Fuchser declared the items as informational items requiring no Board action.
Action Items: The Board was presented with a proposed revision to Policy 501 which set some fees higher beginning in 2022. After discussion, a motion was made to accept the revised policy; motion passed.
Management then presented the Board with a proposal to advance funds from the newly adopted PowerVision loan facility provided by CFC. It was discussed that NRPPD needed to pay off a Line of Credit which was advanced in 2021 in the amount of $750,000. However, after discussion regarding expected supply issues, inflationary impacts on material purchases and expected interest rate increases, a motion was made to advance $1,500,000 now on a 25 year term and have management come back with additional information next month to review if additional long term debt would be prudent to increase inventory stock further; motion passed.
Financial Report: Manager Briscoe reviewed the operating report for the previous month. A motion was made to accept the financial report; motion carried.
Safety Report: Operations Manager Olson reviewed the safety statistics and safety report for the previous month. A motion was made to accept the safety report; motion carried.
Staff Reports: The staff made the following reports and answered Board questions:
a. Operations Manager Olson reviewed the Outage Report for the previous month and an issue with a bushing at a substation discovered during routine testing.
b. Member Service Representative Tlustos reviewed the scholarship applications received, achievement of 100% ACRE for board and management, and reviewed a
potential solar installation that the City of Chadron is discussing with NRPPD.
General Manager’s Report: Manager Briscoe generally reported on or discussed, among other things: (1) attendance at the NREA Board Meeting and Legislative Reception; (2) attendance at the NREA Manager’s Meeting and testifying at the Natural Resources Committee on LB 1045; (3) attendance at a Western United Board Meeting and the heavy discussion of supply chain issues; (4) attendance at the Tri-State Rate Committee which was essentially review of past actions on Tri-State rates; and (5) recent developments in the Tri-State matter before FERC.
Tri-State Report: Director Bear gave a report on the Tri-State board meeting where among other things he discussed operating statistics for the previous month, the board held a strategic planning session, Tri-State used approximately $70M of deferred revenue last year, there was concern from the board over holding the rate reductions agreed to during the FERC settlement, the Rifle gas generation plant is set to close in 2022, and that the hydrogen generation plant conversion at Escalante is still moving forward.
Items for Next Agenda: The next meeting date was set for March 17, 2022 with the time to be announced. The review of inventory and additional Long Term Debt will be reviewed.
Legal Update: None.
Other Business: None.
Executive Session: A motion was made to enter Executive Session at 2:06 p.m. to discuss litigation matters; motion carried with Director Bear abstaining and Director Bear left the meeting. A motion was made to exit Executive Session at 3:07 p.m.; motion carried.
Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned at 3:08 p.m.
APPROVED:
____________________________________ ____________________________________
President Secretary
March 17, 2022
MINUTES OF REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
OF
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF NORTHWEST RURAL PUBLIC POWER DISTRICT
A regular meeting of the Board of Directors of Northwest Rural PPD was held at the headquarters Thursday, March 17, 2022 at the hour of 11:30 a.m. The meeting was called to order by President Gary Fuchser. The following Members were present and constituted a quorum: Lee Ahrens, Lucas Bear, Gary Fuchser, Christopher Garrett, Marcus Sandberg, Lynden Smith and Bruce Troester.
Also present were General Manager Chance Briscoe, Operations Manager Ron Olson, Office Manager Tony Hindman, employee Drew Loutzenhiser, District Counsel Terry Curtiss, Rick Nelson NREA Interim CEO, and Greg Strehle NREA Vice President.
Unless otherwise noted, all votes were taken by roll call on motion duly made and seconded and unanimously passed.
NREA Discussion: Rick Nelson and Greg Strehle were introduced from NREA to review the current state of NREA. Mr. Nelson began with an introduction of himself and then introduced Mr. Strehle. Mr. Strehle discussed the purpose of NREA and mission of NREA to provide value to the membership. Upon conclusion of the NREA Discussion the meeting was suspended to have lunch at 12:05.
Mr’s Nelson and Strehle left the meeting and President Fuchser called the meeting back into session at 12:45.
Open Meeting Law: The Open Meeting Law was acknowledged.
Agenda: Motion to accept the agenda; motion carried.
Approval of Minutes: A motion was made to accept the minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 16, 2022; motion passed.
Public Comments: None.
Check Register and Payroll Summary Review: The Check Register and Payroll Summary for the previous month were reviewed. President Fuchser declared the items as informational items requiring no Board action.
Action Items: Management discussed some extra equipment that has been ordered but then management discussed additional time was needed to compile other quotes and delivery dates to consider further material inventory stock and the corresponding Long Term Debt that may be required. A motion was made to table the Long Term Debt Discussion until the next meeting; motion carried.
Financial Report: Manager Briscoe reviewed the operating report for the previous month. A motion was made to accept the financial report; motion carried.
Safety Report: Operations Manager Olson reviewed the safety statistics and safety report for the previous month. A motion was made to accept the safety report; motion carried.
Staff Reports: The staff made the following reports and answered Board questions:
a. Operations Manager Olson reviewed the Outage Report for the previous month and informed the Board that an employment offer has been made and accepted
for a new lineman to begin in May.
General Manager’s Report: Manager Briscoe generally reported on or discussed, among other things: (1) attendance at a MDM Meeting; (2) the on-site portion of the annual financial audit has concluded with no outstanding issues and final report expected in early April; (3) attendance at a Basin Manager’s Conference; (4) attendance at the Tri-State Rate Board Meeting; and (5) recent developments in the Tri-State matter before FERC.
Tri-State Report: Director Bear gave a report on the Tri-State board meeting where among other things he discussed operating statistics for the previous month, increasing stockpiles of coal at generation stations, net margins for 2021 were $26M after use of $78M of deferred revenue, REC’s from solar, wind and hydro and that Tri-State implemented the FERC Settlement 2% rate reduction as of March 1st.
Items for Next Agenda: The next meeting date was set for April 21, 2022 at 1:00 pm. An audit report and review of inventory and additional Long Term Debt set for the next meeting.
Legal Update: None.
Other Business: None.
Executive Session: A motion was made to enter Executive Session at 2:10 p.m. to discuss litigation matters; motion carried with Director Bear abstaining and Director Bear left the meeting. A motion was made to exit Executive Session at 3:09 p.m.; motion carried.
Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned at 3:10 p.m.
APPROVED:
____________________________________ ____________________________________
President Secretary
April 21, 2022
MINUTES OF REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
OF
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF NORTHWEST RURAL PUBLIC POWER DISTRICT
A regular meeting of the Board of Directors of Northwest Rural PPD was held at the headquarters Thursday, April 21, 2022 at the hour of 1:0 p.m. The meeting was called to order by President Gary Fuchser. The following Members were present and constituted a quorum: Lee Ahrens, Lucas Bear, Gary Fuchser, Christopher Garrett, Marcus Sandberg, Lynden Smith and Bruce Troester.
Also present were General Manager Chance Briscoe, Operations Manager Ron Olson, Member Service Representative Les Tlustos, employee Toby Rasmussen, and District Counsel Terry Curtiss.
Unless otherwise noted, all votes were taken by roll call on motion duly made and seconded and unanimously passed.
Open Meeting Law: The Open Meeting Law was acknowledged.
Agenda: Motion to accept the agenda; motion carried.
Approval of Minutes: A motion was made to accept the minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 17, 2022; motion passed.
Public Comments: None.
Check Register and Payroll Summary Review: The Check Register and Payroll Summary for the previous month were reviewed. President Fuchser declared the items as informational items requiring no Board action.
Action Items: Brandon Blair from DeCoria, Blair and Teague joined the meeting by phone to present their audit findings for year ending 2021. The audit report included a clear and unqualified opinion as to all material respects of the financial statements being fairly presented. Upon conclusion of the presentation, Brandon left the meeting and a motion was made to accept the audit report as presented; motion carried.
Legal Report: Mr. Curtiss began his legal report with a quick overview of the recent FERC activities. Mr. Briscoe then supplied additional information as it related to other events regarding the FERC proceeding on the CTP, such as depositions, preparations for the upcoming hearing and an expectation of the timeline for conclusion of the proceeding. Additionally a couple recent rulings from FERC were discussed. First was a ruling from the Commission that the conditional withdrawal notices that United, NRPPD and Poudre Valley have submitted are invalid. Second was a ruling by the Chief Judge to dismiss a motion made by Tri-State to compel responses from
United and Guzman Energy which had been withheld under the confidentiality established by the Joint Interest Agreement signed between United, NRPPD and Guzman. The next phase is a hearing scheduled for the first two weeks of May, 2022 and expected recommendation by the judge in late July or early August.
Action Items: A discussion was held regarding a carry over item related to additional long-term debt for materials. Due to the supply chain problems and it being unlikely to receive large quantities of materials it was the consensus of the Board to continue to order material but not to extend additional debt at this time. No action was taken.
Management then presented options to replace the current riding lawn mower that has fallen in some disrepair. After discussion and consideration, a motion was made to approve purchase of an EGo electric riding lawn mower in the amount of $7,000; motion carried.
Policy 501, Fees, was considered. The change was to establish a single amount due for work being conducted by employees after-hours and on weekends for work related to customer services. After discussion, a motion was made to accept the recommended changes; motion carried.
A discussion was held regarding changes to the retirement plan documents. The two items to be changed related to additional options for employees to invest and to add the Board President as a trustee of the plan. The actual document was still being drafted by the retirement plan administrators. A motion was made to authorize management to sign the documents upon completion; motion carried.
Financial Report: Manager Briscoe reviewed the operating report for the previous month. A motion was made to accept the financial report; motion carried.
Safety Report: Operations Manager Olson reviewed the safety statistics and safety report for the previous month. A motion was made to accept the safety report; motion carried.
Staff Reports: The staff made the following reports and answered Board questions:
a. Operations Manager Olson reviewed the Outage Report for the previous month and discussed some back feed connections currently in place.
b. Member Service Representative Tlustos discussed large interest in solar development and several calls fielded in that regard.
General Manager’s Report: Manager Briscoe generally reported on or discussed, among other things: (1) attendance at Tri-State’s Annual Meeting; and (2) Activities of the Tri-State manager’s meeting and Rate Committee.
Tri-State Report: Director Bear gave a report on the Tri-State board meeting and Annual Meeting, where among other things he discussed operating statistics for the previous month, recent reports received from Tri-State regarding FERC proceedings, and that there were no changes to the Executive Committee during the re-organization vote.
Items for Next Agenda: None.
Other Business: None.
Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned at 3:53 p.m.
APPROVED:
____________________________________ ____________________________________
President Secretary
May 26, 2022
MINUTES OF REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
OF
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF NORTHWEST RURAL PUBLIC POWER DISTRICT
A regular meeting of the Board of Directors of Northwest Rural PPD was held at the headquarters Thursday, May 26, 2022 at the hour of 1:0 p.m. The meeting was called to order by President Gary Fuchser. The following Members were present and constituted a quorum: Lee Ahrens, Lucas Bear, Gary Fuchser, Christopher Garrett, Marcus Sandberg, Lynden Smith and Bruce Troester.
Also present were General Manager Chance Briscoe, Operations Manager Ron Olson, Member Service Representative Les Tlustos, employee Denny Thorson, District Counsel Terry Curtiss, customer Kevin Christy, and scholarship recipients Sam Hindman and Ashley Tobiasson.
Unless otherwise noted, all votes were taken by roll call on motion duly made and seconded and unanimously passed.
Open Meeting Law: The Open Meeting Law was acknowledged.
Agenda: Motion to accept the agenda; motion carried.
Approval of Minutes: A motion was made to accept the minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 21, 2022; motion passed. A motion was made to accept the minutes of the Special Meeting held April 29, 2022; motion passed, Director Bear abstained.
Public Comments: Director Troester introduce Mr. Christy as his guest to observe the meeting.
Scholarship Recipients: Mr. Tlustos reviewed that NRPPD selects recipients for four scholarships and the qualifications for selection. He then introduced the recipient of the Arbor Wealth Scholarship, Ashley Tobiasson. He then introduced one of the two Tri-State Scholarship recipients, Sam Hindman. Each of the recipients gave a brief overview of their future plans. The other two recipients were not able to attend the meeting. The other Tri-State recipient was Tatianna Higgins and the Basin recipient was Jacey Garrett.
Check Register and Payroll Summary Review: The Check Register and Payroll Summary for the previous month were reviewed. President Fuchser declared the items as informational items requiring no Board action.
Action Items: The Board reviewed their action from the Special Meeting held April 29th. A motion was made to ratify their action of submitting a non-conditional withdrawal notice from Tri-State; motion passed, Director Bear abstained.
Financial Report: Manager Briscoe reviewed the operating report for the previous month. Amotion was made to accept the financial report; motion carried.
Safety Report: Operations Manager Olson reviewed the safety statistics and safety report for theprevious month. A motion was made to accept the safety report; motion carried.
Staff Reports: The staff made the following reports and answered Board questions:
a. Operations Manager Olson reviewed the Outage Report for the previous month and mentioned that a new employee has been hired, Cole Coss.
b. Member Service Representative Tlustos discussed that no students have submitted application for the Youth Energy Leadership camp. Also, discussed were that 82 accounts have been signed up in the Irrigation Load Control Program.
General Manager’s Report: Manager Briscoe generally reported on or discussed, among other things: (1) attendance at NREA’s Manager Meeting; (2) activities of the Tri-State Rate Committee; (3) the Western United Board Meeting and the continued challenges due to supply chain issues; and (4) attendance at a MDM Meeting at Wheat Belt. Lengthy discussion was held on the two-week hearing at FERC on the Tri-State exit methodology and questions about the next steps in the process. Finally, a ruling by the judge on the Stated Rate reserve issues was posted at the FERC. Tri-State was not successful in defending their positions against most of United Power’s protests.
Tri-State Report: Director Bear gave a report on the Tri-State board meeting where among other things he discussed operating statistics for the previous month, low water levels at Amity and Lake Powell, expected rate increases from WAPA due to low hydro levels, fires in New Mexico, and changes to the financial forecast to use $32M of deferred revenue instead of booking an additional $25M to deferred revenue.
Items for Next Agenda: None.
Legal Report: None.
Other Business: None.
Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned at 2:52 p.m.
APPROVED:
____________________________________ ____________________________________
President Secretary
June 23, 2022
MINUTES OF REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
OF
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF NORTHWEST RURAL PUBLIC POWER DISTRICT
A regular meeting of the Board of Directors of Northwest Rural PPD was held at the headquarters Thursday, June 23, 2022 at the hour of 1:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by President Gary Fuchser. The following Members were present and constituted a quorum: Lee Ahrens, Lucas Bear, Gary Fuchser, Christopher Garrett, Marcus Sandberg, Lynden Smith and Bruce Troester.
Also present were General Manager Chance Briscoe, Operations Manager Ron Olson, Member Service Representative Les Tlustos, employee Kelly Troester, and District Counsel Terry Curtiss.
Unless otherwise noted, all votes were taken by roll call on motion duly made and seconded and unanimously passed.
Open Meeting Law: The Open Meeting Law was acknowledged.
Agenda: Motion to accept the agenda; motion carried.
Approval of Minutes: A motion was made to accept the minutes of the Regular Meeting of May 26, 2022; motion passed.
Public Comments: None.
Check Register and Payroll Summary Review: The Check Register and Payroll Summary for the previous month were reviewed. President Fuchser declared the items as informational items requiring no Board action.
Action Items: None.
Financial Report: Manager Briscoe reviewed the operating report for the previous month. A motion was made to accept the financial report; motion carried.
Safety Report: Operations Manager Olson reviewed the safety statistics and safety report for the previous month. A motion was made to accept the safety report; motion carried.
Staff Reports: The staff made the following reports and answered Board questions:
a. Operations Manager Olson reviewed the Outage Report for the previous month.
b. Member Service Representative Tlustos one student plans to attend the Youth Energy Leadership Camp this year and requested to have any Directors that wanted to participate in the parades to contract Les.
General Manager’s Report: Manager Briscoe generally reported on or discussed, among other things: (1) attendance at Tri-State’s Board Meeting; (2) a review of the NREA Manager’s Meeting; and (3) an update on the FERC proceedings.
Tri-State Report: Director Bear gave a report on the Tri-State board meeting where among other things he discussed operating statistics for the previous month, further reduction of Tri-State employees, the bond buy-back program that Tri-State has initiated, many renewable projects have been delayed due to supply chain issues, and that the Board voted no to supply a substation transformer to a substation serving United Power since they have given their withdrawal notice.
Items for Next Agenda: None.
Legal Report: None.
Other Business: None.
Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned at 1:58 p.m.
APPROVED:
____________________________________ ____________________________________
President Secretary
July 28, 2022
MINUTES OF REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
OF
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF NORTHWEST RURAL PUBLIC POWER DISTRICT
A regular meeting of the Board of Directors of Northwest Rural PPD was held at the headquarters Thursday, July 28, 2022 at the hour of 1:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by President Gary Fuchser. The following Members were present and constituted a quorum: Lee Ahrens, Lucas Bear, Gary Fuchser, Christopher Garrett, Marcus Sandberg, Lynden Smith and Bruce Troester.
Also present were General Manager Chance Briscoe, Operations Manager Ron Olson, Member Service Representative Les Tlustos, and District Counsel Terry Curtiss.
Unless otherwise noted, all votes were taken by roll call on motion duly made and seconded and unanimously passed.
Open Meeting Law: The Open Meeting Law was acknowledged.
Agenda: Motion to accept the agenda; motion carried.
Approval of Minutes: A motion was made to accept the minutes of the Regular Meeting of June 23, 2022; motion passed.
Public Comments: None.
Check Register and Payroll Summary Review: The Check Register and Payroll Summary for the previous month were reviewed. President Fuchser declared the items as informational items requiring no Board action.
Action Items: A motion was made to appoint Manager Briscoe as the Voting Delegate for the upcoming NRECA Region VII meeting; motion carried.
Financial Report: Manager Briscoe reviewed the operating report for the previous month. A motion was made to accept the financial report; motion carried.
Safety Report: Operations Manager Olson reviewed the safety statistics and safety report for the previous month. A motion was made to accept the safety report; motion carried.
Staff Reports: The staff made the following reports and answered Board questions:
a. Operations Manager Olson reviewed the Outage Report for the previous month and mentioned that tree cutters have completed work for 2022.
General Manager’s Report: Manager Briscoe generally reported on or discussed, among other things: (1) attendance at Tri-State’s Board Meeting held virtually; (2) a review of the Tri-State Manager’s Meeting; (3) an update on the FERC proceedings; and (4) a review of the EPRI Electrification 2022 Conference.
Tri-State Report: Director Bear gave a report on the Tri-State board meeting where among other things he discussed operating statistics for the previous month, problems reported on a software conversion project and that Mr. Reif has announced his upcoming retirement as Corporate Counsel.
Items for Next Agenda: None.
Legal Report: None.
Other Business: None.
Executive Session: A motion was made to enter Executive Session to discuss legal matters; motion carried with Director Bear abstaining. Director Bear left the meeting and the Board entered Executive session at 2:06 p.m. A motion was made to exit Executive Session at 2:35 p.m.; motion carried.
Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned at 2:36 p.m.
APPROVED:
____________________________________ ____________________________________
President Secretary
August 24, 2022
MINUTES OF REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
OF
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF NORTHWEST RURAL PUBLIC POWER DISTRICT
A regular meeting of the Board of Directors of Northwest Rural PPD was held at the headquarters Thursday, August 24, 2022 at the hour of 1:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by President Gary Fuchser. The following Members were present and constituted a quorum: Lee Ahrens, Lucas Bear, Gary Fuchser, Christopher Garrett, Marcus Sandberg, Lynden Smith and Bruce Troester.
Also present were General Manager Chance Briscoe, Operations Manager Ron Olson, Member Service Representative Les Tlustos, Foreman Abe Young, and District Counsel Terry Curtiss.
Unless otherwise noted, all votes were taken by roll call on motion duly made and seconded and unanimously passed.
Open Meeting Law: The Open Meeting Law was acknowledged.
Agenda: Motion to accept the agenda; motion carried.
Approval of Minutes: A motion was made to accept the minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 28, 2022; motion passed.
Public Comments: None.
Check Register and Payroll Summary Review: The Check Register and Payroll Summary for the previous month were reviewed. President Fuchser declared the items as informational items requiring no Board action.
Action Items: The Board was presented with an option to renew a contract with Tri-State to extend sales of Renewable Energy Credits until February, 2023. The pricing is for $1.00 per REC with an expectation that pricing may increase next year. A motion was made to renew the contract as presented and authorize Manager Briscoe to sign on behalf of NRPPD; motion carried.
Manager Briscoe discussed an option to purchase an electric pickup truck. The option would be to accelerate the vehicle replacement plan by one year for a staff truck. Discussion was held regarding the appropriateness of the current vehicle rotation plan and whether one should be replaced with an electrified vehicle. The Board requested additional information to be provided at the following meeting. No action was taken.
Financial Report: Manager Briscoe reviewed the operating report for the previous month. A motion was made to accept the financial report; motion carried.
Safety Report: Operations Manager Olson reviewed the safety statistics and safety report for the previous month. A motion was made to accept the safety report; motion carried.
Staff Reports: The staff made the following reports and answered Board questions:
a. Operations Manager Olson reviewed the Outage Report for the previous month, discussed that Cole completed his probation period and has been submitted for
apprenticeship, and that NRPPD has filed an insurance claim on a substation regulator.
b. Member Services Representative Tlustos discussed the upcoming parades and requested that interested drivers contact him.
General Manager’s Report: Manager Briscoe generally reported on or discussed, among other things: (1) attendance at Tri-State’s Board Meeting; (2) Tri-State Rate Committee; (3) participation at the NREA Board Meeting in Scottsbluff; (4) a brief update on FERC CTP docket with expectation of initial decision coming the end of September; and (5) discussion with some potential future power suppliers and consultants that may help provide advice on selection of a future power supplier.
At 2:35 p.m. Director Garrett was excused and left the meeting.
Tri-State Report: Director Bear gave a report on the Tri-State board meeting where among other things he discussed operating statistics for the previous month, potential reliability issues west of the Mississippi, new $40M expense disclosed during the Finance Committee, and that the Board may consider mitigation of deferred revenue needs by altering the Financial Goals policy.
Items for Next Agenda: Vehicle replacement discussion and consider electric truck purchase.
Legal Report: None.
Other Business: None.
Executive Session: None.
Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned at 2:45 p.m.
APPROVED:
____________________________________ ____________________________________
President Secretary
September 26, 2022
MINUTES OF REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
OF
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF NORTHWEST RURAL PUBLIC POWER DISTRICT
A regular meeting of the Board of Directors of Northwest Rural PPD was held at the headquarters Monday, September 26, 2022 at the hour of 1:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by President Gary Fuchser. The following Members were present and constituted a quorum: Lee Ahrens, Lucas Bear, Gary Fuchser, Christopher Garrett, Marcus Sandberg, and Bruce Troester.
Also present were General Manager Chance Briscoe, Operations Manager Ron Olson, Member Service Representative Les Tlustos, Apprentice Lineman Cole Coss, and District Counsel Terry Curtiss.
Unless otherwise noted, all votes were taken by roll call on motion duly made and seconded and unanimously passed.
Open Meeting Law: The Open Meeting Law was acknowledged.
Agenda: Motion to accept the agenda; motion carried.
Excuse Director Attendance: A motion was made to excuse Director Smith from the meeting;motion carried.
Approval of Minutes: A motion was made to accept the minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 24, 2022; motion carried.
Public Comments: None.
Check Register and Payroll Summary Review: The Check Register and Payroll Summary for the previous month were reviewed. President Fuchser declared the items as informational items requiring no Board action.
Action Items: Manager Briscoe presented materials related to NRPPD’s vehicle replacement plan and savings achieved from the electric vehicle. The presentation included historical information developed in the past to establish a rotation plan and to spread out purchases so as to not have a year with a very large expenditure. The consensus of the board was to continue with the previously established plan. Next was a discussion contrasting expenses associated with operation of the electric vehicle compared to IRS mileage reimbursement or ownership of a similar gas vehicle. After discussion a motion was made to authorize management to purchase a new electric pickup: Ahrens – aye, Bear – aye, Fuchser – aye, Garrett – aye, Sandberg – aye, and Troester – no; motion carried.
Financial Report: Manager Briscoe reviewed the operating report for the previous month. A motion was made to accept the financial report; motion carried.
Safety Report: Operations Manager Olson reviewed the safety statistics and safety report for the previous month. A motion was made to accept the safety report; motion carried.
Staff Reports: The staff made the following reports and answered Board questions:
a. Operations Manager Olson reviewed the Outage Report for the previous month and finishing up construction projects for the year.
b. Member Services Representative Tlustos discussed rebates process for riding lawn mowers and announced the winner of the electric chainsaw.
c. The automated delinquent message was reviewed by the board and a brief overview was given related to a network monitoring program that is being tested.
General Manager’s Report: Manager Briscoe generally reported on or discussed, among other things: (1) attendance at Tri-State’s Board Meeting; (2) Tri-State Rate Committee; (3) attendance at a CFC meeting for 100% borrowers; and (4) a brief discussion about potential future power suppliers and indicative pricing being received.
Tri-State Report: Director Bear gave a report on the Tri-State board meeting where among other things he discussed operating statistics for the previous month, building up coal supply inventory, and continued financial condition being affected negatively with a year to date shortfall of about $88M from budget forecast.
Items for Next Agenda: Irrigation Load Control review.
Legal Report: Update on the appeal by United Power regarding FERC’s jurisdiction over TriState and notice being given during an NREA legal seminar that federal agencies are likely to begin stricter enforcement in the coming year.
Other Business: None.
Executive Session: None.
Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned at 3:29 p.m.
APPROVED:
____________________________________ ____________________________________
President Secretary
October 27, 2022
MINUTES OF REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
OF
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF NORTHWEST RURAL PUBLIC POWER DISTRICT
A regular meeting of the Board of Directors of Northwest Rural PPD was held at the headquarters Monday, October 27, 2022 at the hour of 1:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by President Gary Fuchser. The following Members were present and constituted a quorum: Lee Ahrens, Lucas Bear, Gary Fuchser, Christopher Garrett, Lynden Smith and Bruce Troester.
Also present were Operations Manager Ron Olson, Member Service Representative Les Tlustos, Office Manager Tony Hindman, and Line Superintendent Trampas Belknap.
Unless otherwise noted, all votes were taken by roll call on motion duly made and seconded and unanimously passed.
Open Meeting Law: The Open Meeting Law was acknowledged.
Excuse Director Attendance: A motion was made to excuse Director Sandberg from the meeting; motion carried.
Agenda: Motion to accept the agenda; motion carried.
Approval of Minutes: A motion was made to accept the minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 26, 2022; motion carried.
Public Comments: None.
Check Register and Payroll Summary Review: The Check Register and Payroll Summary for the previous month were reviewed. President Fuchser declared the items as informational items requiring no Board action.
Action Items: Line Superintendent Belknap reviewed small bucket trucks and reviewed quotes received from two vendors. Recommendation was to approve quote from Altec, partially because of their maintenance program. A motion was made to accept management’s recommendation to order 2 small bucket trucks from Altec; motion carried.
Financial Report: The Board reviewed the operating report for the previous month and asked a series of questions to Operations Manager Olson. A motion was made to accept the financial report; motion carried.
Safety Report: Operations Manager Olson reviewed the safety statistics and safety report for the previous month. A motion was made to accept the safety report; motion carried.
Staff Reports: The staff made the following reports and answered Board questions:
a. Operations Manager Olson reviewed the Outage Report for the previous month, gave an overview of results from pole testing, reviewed construction on the Flats
Substation, discussed backfeeds for NPPD while substation work was completed, and discussed that NRPPD will be selling an electric UTV.
b. Member Services Representative Tlustos reviewed options for community investment for the American Legion Hall in Gordon and option to get matching funds from Basin.
c. Office Manager Hindman discussed a cybersecurity program that has been tested over the last few months and plans to complete alternate testing with NISC and put into the 2023 budget.
General Manager’s Report: Operations Manager Olson reviewed the written manager’s report with particular attention to the supply chain issues discussed at Western United and forecast shortfalls on the Tri-State financial reports.
Tri-State Report: Director Bear gave a report on the Tri-State board meeting where among other things he discussed operating statistics for the previous month, shortfall from the 2022 forecasts, that Basin hit their highest ever peak in August 2022, and that he was excused from the Executive Session where the FERC matter was discussed.
Items for Next Agenda: Irrigation Load Control review, 2023 Budget Review and the meeting date for November was set for the 22nd at 1:00 pm.
Legal Report: None.
Other Business: None.
Executive Session: None.
Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned at 2:51 p.m.
APPROVED:
____________________________________ ____________________________________
President Secretary
November 22, 2022
MINUTES OF REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
OF
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF NORTHWEST RURAL PUBLIC POWER DISTRICT
A regular meeting of the Board of Directors of Northwest Rural PPD was held at the headquarters Monday, November 22, 2022 at the hour of 1:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by President Gary Fuchser. The following Members were present and constituted a quorum: Lee Ahrens, Lucas Bear, Gary Fuchser, Christopher Garrett, Marcus Sandberg, and Bruce Troester.
Also present were General Manager Chance Briscoe, Operations Manager Ron Olson, Member Service Representative Les Tlustos, Office Manager Tony Hindman, District Counsel Terry Curtiss, and Employee Guest Kelli Anderson.
Unless otherwise noted, all votes were taken by roll call on motion duly made and seconded and unanimously passed.
Open Meeting Law: The Open Meeting Law was acknowledged.
Agenda: Motion to accept the agenda; motion carried.
Approval of Minutes: A motion was made to accept the minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 27, 2022; motion carried.
Director Smith: At 1:05 p.m. Director Lynden Smith joined the meeting.
Public Comments: None.
Check Register and Payroll Summary Review: The Check Register and Payroll Summary for the previous month were reviewed. President Fuchser declared the items as informational items requiring no Board action.
Action Items: None.
Financial Report: Manager Briscoe reviewed the operating report for the previous month. A motion was made to accept the financial report; motion carried.
Safety Report: Operations Manager Olson reviewed the safety statistics and safety report for the previous month. A motion was made to accept the safety report; motion carried.
Legal Report: A discussion was led by Curtiss and Briscoe to review the current status of the FERC case. The exception filings and answers to exception filings have been submitted by all parties. Tri-State has filed a motion to strike some portions of the exception filing by United Power and that issue is still pending. Now, unless something unexpected arises, we will be awaiting a final ruling to come from the Commissioners. District Counsel Curtiss left the meeting at 1:45 p.m.
Staff Reports: The staff made the following reports and answered Board questions:
a. Operations Manager Olson reviewed the Outage Report for the previous month, the electric UTV going to an online auction, and that pole testing should be completed in November.
b. Member Services Representative Tlustos reported that NRPPD has received a portion of the funds for the Gordon American Legion and expected to have the rest soon. He will line up a photo opportunity upon receipt.
General Manager’s Report: Manager Briscoe generally reported on or discussed, among other things: (1) activities of the Tri-State Rate Committee; (2) attendance at a Tri-State Manager Meeting; (3) a meeting for CFC and some cyber security statistics; (4) a full review of the 2023 proposed budget; and (5) a discussion of potential changes for the 2023 irrigation load control program to be brought for the December meeting.
Tri-State Report: Director Bear gave a report on the Tri-State board meeting where among other things he discussed operating statistics for the previous month, shortfall from the 2022 forecasts, Tri-State moving a drag line for coal mining operations, an update on the Oracle conversion, and the potential problems facing Tri-State if there is a railroad strike.
Items for Next Agenda: Irrigation Load Control and the 2023 Budget.
Other Business: None.
Executive Session: None.
Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned at 2:53 p.m.
APPROVED:
____________________________________ ____________________________________
President Secretary
MINUTES OF BUDGET HEARING
OF
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF NORTHWEST RURAL PUBLIC POWER DISTRICT
A Budget Hearing was held on December 29, 2022 at the hour of 1:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by President Gary Fuchser. The following Members were present and constituted a quorum: Lee Ahrens, Lucas Bear, Chris Garrett, Gary Fuchser, Lynden Smith, and Bruce Troester.
Also present were General Manager Chance Briscoe, Operations Manager Ron Olson, Office Manager Tony Hindman, Member Service Representative Les Tlustos, Director-Elect Kevin Christy, and District Counsel Terry Curtiss.
Unless otherwise noted, all votes were taken by roll call on motion duly made and seconded and unanimously passed.
Open Meeting Law: The Open Meeting Law was acknowledged.
Order of Business: A motion was made to accept the Order of Business; motion carried
2023 Budget Review: Manger Briscoe reviewed presentation that was made in November regarding the 2023 Budget. Several questions were asked by the Board and discussion was held.
Adjournment: After questions were reviewed, President Fuchser declared the meeting adjourned
at 1:42 p.m.
APPROVED:
| ____________________________________ President |
____________________________________ Secretary-Treasurer |
December 29, 2022
MINUTES OF REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING
OF
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF NORTHWEST RURAL PUBLIC POWER DISTRICT
A regular meeting of the Board of Directors of Northwest Rural PPD was held at the headquarters December 29, 2022 at the hour of 1:42 p.m. The meeting was called to order by President Gary Fuchser. The following Members were present and constituted a quorum: Lee Ahrens, Lucas Bear, Gary Fuchser, Christopher Garrett, Lynden Smith, and Bruce Troester.
Also present were General Manager Chance Briscoe, Operations Manager Ron Olson, Member Service Representative Les Tlustos, Office Manager Tony Hindman, District Counsel Terry Curtiss, and Director-Elect Kevin Christy.
Unless otherwise noted, all votes were taken by roll call on motion duly made and seconded and unanimously passed.
Open Meeting Law: The Open Meeting Law was acknowledged.
Excuse Director – A motion was made to excuse Director Sandberg from the meeting; motion carried.
Agenda: Motion to accept the agenda; motion carried.
Approval of Minutes: A motion was made to accept the minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 22, 2022; motion carried.
Public Comments: None.
Check Register and Payroll Summary Review: The Check Register and Payroll Summary for the previous month were reviewed. President Fuchser declared the items as informational items requiring no Board action.
Action Items: A motion was made to accept the 2023 Budget as presented during the Budget Hearing; motion carried.
Manager Briscoe presented a change to the load control program for 2023. The change is mainly to expand the program offering for two additional months, April and October. A discussion was held and a motion was made to approve the expansion of the load control program; motion carried.
Financial Report: Manager Briscoe reviewed the operating report for the previous month. A motion was made to accept the financial report; motion carried.
Safety Report: Operations Manager Olson reviewed the safety statistics and safety report for the previous month. A motion was made to accept the safety report; motion carried.
Staff Reports: The staff made the following reports and answered Board questions:
a. Operations Manager Olson reviewed the Outage Report for the previous month, discussed the recent storm/blizzard activity in the area, reviewed a problem with the computer system at CRC affecting outage reporting by customers and reported that Cole Coss has been formally accepted into the apprentice program.
b. Member Services Representative Tlustos introduced an option to reformat the Nebraskan magazine insert. The option would have brought the production of the
magazine in-house, discontinued advertisements, and shortened the insert from 12 pages to four. After lengthy discussion a motion was made to continue the magazine under the current program at this time to be considered for changes at a future date; motion carried. Tlustos also reviewed the scholarship opportunities and applications recently made available to area students.
General Manager’s Report: Manager Briscoe generally reported on or discussed, among other things: (1) activities of the Tri-State Rate Committee; (2) attendance at the Mid-West Electric Consumers annual meeting; (3) review of the NREA Annual Meeting; (4) a brief update on FERC matters; and (5) a recap of a meeting with other Nebraska Tri-State members regarding the potential exit fees from Tri-State and possible future power supply options.
Tri-State Report: Director Bear gave a report on the Tri-State board meeting where among other things he discussed operating statistics for the previous month, water diversion from the Fort Lupton cooling towers increasing costs from $600 per month to $7,000 per month, anticipated use of $97M of deferred revenue in 2022 and board approval to retire $10M of Capital Credits.
Items for Next Agenda: The next meeting date was set for Tuesday, Jan 24, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.
Legal Update: None.
Other Business: None.
Executive Session: A motion was made to enter executive session at 4:00 p.m. to discuss staff wages; motion carried. A motion was made to exit executive session at 4:13 p.m.; motion carried.
Action Item: A motion was made to approve staff wages as discussed in Executive Session with Manager Briscoe; motion carried.
Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned at 4:15 p.m.
APPROVED:
____________________________________ ____________________________________
President Secretary