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, 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 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 23, 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 March 23, 2023 at the hour of 1:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by President Lee Ahrens. The following Members were present and constituted a quorum: Lee Ahrens, Lucas Bear, Kevin Christy, 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, and Employee Guest Cole Coss.
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 February 21, 2023; motion carried.
Public Comments: Three applicants for the vacant board seat announced their interest in filling the vacancy and shared a brief review of their qualifications. The applicants were; Burrell Hughes, Jim Milne, and Ethan Skinner. After some discussion and questions from the Board, the applicants left the meeting.
Check Register and Payroll Summary Review: The Check Register and Payroll Summary for the previous month were reviewed. President Ahrens declared the items as informational items requiring no Board action.
Action Items: The Board considered the three applicants for the vacant seat. After discussion a consensus was reached. A motion was made to appoint Ethan Skinner to fill the vacancy; motion carried.
A slate of policies were presented for review and minor revisions. After discussion a motion was made to rescind policies E-2, E-6, O-3, O-5, and O-12 to be replaced by 105 Equal Opportunity and Sexual Harassment, 106 Americans with Disabilities Act, 107 Right-of-Way, 108 Vandalism, and 110 Wiring Code and Inspection; motion carried.
Policy O-6 Service Area was reviewed and discussion about its duplication of information presented elsewhere. A motion was made to rescind policy O-6 Service Area; motion carried.
The Board was presented with an updated quote for purchase of a side-by-side. Due to the economy and supply chain issues, the cost increased about $10,000 from the budgetary approval previously given. A motion was made to approve the purchase; 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. Per request from the previous month, Olson also reviewed the three-year 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 and also reviewed annual reports from our drug and alcohol testing vendor.
b. Member Services Representative Tlustos reviewed the name change for our lobbying group from ACRE to America’s Electric Cooperative PAC and handed out renewal forms. Tlustos also updated the Board on irrigation load control applications received and comparisons to previous years.
General Manager’s Report: Manager Briscoe generally reported on or discussed, among other things Basin Manager’s Meeting held virtually; (2) plans to add the policy manual to the Call To Order app; and (3) updates on recent FERC activities with Tri-State.
Tri-State Report: Director Bear reported the usual operating metrics of Tri-State, an additional $10M accounting error due to Asset Retirement Obligations, a $30-40M study for impacts to small mouth bass in a waterway, response from WAPA regarding requests for allocation assignments, and Tri-State’s recording of $0 margin for 2022.
Other Meetings Attended: Director Ahrens reported on attendance at the NRECA Annual Meeting. A couple of the topics discussed were related to the changes of the lobbying group as noted above and recommendations by NRECA to adopt a succession plan policy. Management will provide a potential draft succession plan policy at a future meeting.
Items for Next Agenda: None.
Legal Update: None.
Other Business: The next meeting date was set for Monday, April 24th at 1:00 p.m.
Executive Session: None.
Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned at 3:05 p.m.
APPROVED:
____________________________________ ____________________________________
President Secretary
April 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 April 24, 2023 at the hour of 1:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by President Lee Ahrens. The following Members were present and constituted a quorum: Lee Ahrens, Lucas Bear, Kevin Christy, Gary Fuchser, Christopher Garrett, Marcus Sandberg and Ethan Skinner.
Also present were General Manager Chance Briscoe, Operations Manager Ron Olson, Member Service Representative Les Tlustos, Office Manager Tony Hindman, and Employee Guest Kelsey Yada.
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.
Oath of Office: Director Skinner read aloud and signed the Oath of Office to officially take his seat as Director.
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 23, 2023; motion carried.
Public Comments: None.
Check Register and Payroll Summary Review: The Check Register and Payroll Summary for the previous month were reviewed. President Ahrens declared the items as informational items requiring no Board action.
District Counsel: District Counsel Terry Curtiss joined the meeting at 1:17 p.m.
Action Items: A slate of policies were presented for review and minor revisions. After discussion a motion was made to approve 301 Management Succession Plan and to rescind policies E-2, E-3, and E-4 to be replaced by 200 Board Training, 201 Elected Board Candidates, and Hiring a General Manager; 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. Olson also reviewed safety statistics and ratio calculations for DART and VAR. 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 briefed the Board about receipt of insurance for substation fence and breaker damage.
b. Manager Briscoe reviewed some operating statistics for the Gordon solar project on the well fields serving the city of Gordon.
General Manager’s Report: Manager Briscoe generally reported on or discussed, among other things: (1) a meeting with NPPD to better understand their rate structure; (2) an additional meeting of the Rate Design Committee for Tri-State to discuss a few logistical issues in preparation for a filing in June; (3) a recap of meeting with the NE congressional delegation’s offices during the NRECA Legislative Conference; (4) updates on FERC matters including rejection of Tri-State’s filing to alter some of the exit processes; and (5) a review of a solar proposal to install 3 solar generating sites in NRPPD territory. After discussion it was determined further analysis should be considered for solar projects and a bid proposal process should be completed.
Tri-State Report: Director Bear could not attend the Tri-State board meeting in person but referenced some of the operating statistics for the month and that the board reorganization meeting resulted in the same slate of officers.
Other Meetings Attended: None.
Items for Next Agenda: Audit report.
Legal Update: None.
Other Business: None.
Executive Session: None.
Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned at 2:36 p.m.
APPROVED:
____________________________________ ____________________________________
President Secretary
May 25, 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 May 25, 2023 at the hour of 12:56 p.m. The meeting was called to order by President Lee Ahrens. The following Members were present and constituted a quorum: Lee Ahrens, Lucas Bear, Kevin Christy, Gary Fuchser, Christopher Garrett, Marcus Sandberg and Ethan Skinner.
Also present were General Manager Chance Briscoe, Operations Manager Ron Olson, Member Service Representative Les Tlustos, Office Manager Tony Hindman, District Counsel Terry Curtis, and Employee Guest Darren Drabbels.
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.
Scholarship Recipients: Member Service Representative stated three of the four 2023 scholarship recipients were in attendance and proceeded to introduce each. He gave a brief review of the scholarship awarded and the school the recipient planned to attend. Each recipient gave a short statement as to their future plans and were awarded their scholarship funds. This year the awards were given to: Ty Brady, $500 Arbor Wealth Scholarship; Mia Skinner (not present), $500 TriState Scholarship; Paityn Homan, $500 Tri-State Scholarship; and Arielle Lawrence, $1000 Basin Scholarship. After presentation of awards the recipients left the meeting.
Tri-State Visit: Representatives from Tri-State G&T joined the meeting; CEO Duane Highley, Board Chair Tim Rabon, and Executive Committee Member Shawn Turner. President Ahrens welcomed the group to the meeting. CEO Highley thanked the board for the time given and began a conversation to understand positions and differences between the organizations. The conversation lasted about an hour and concluded without any resolution to the issues being
argued before FERC. At the conclusion of the conversation, the delegation left the meeting.
Approval of Minutes: A motion was made to accept the minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 24, 2023; motion carried.
Public Comments: None.
Check Register and Payroll Summary Review: The Check Register and Payroll Summary for the previous month were reviewed. President Ahrens 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 review the 2022 Audited Financial Report. Mr. Blair reviewed a number of sections from the report. At the conclusion of review Mr. Blair left the meeting. A motion was made to accept the 2022 Audit Financial Report; motion carried.
A slate of policies were presented for review and minor revisions. After discussion a motion was made to rescind policies O-33 to O-37 and be replaced by 400 Continuing Education, 401 DOT Anti-Drug, 402 Anti-Drug and Alcohol, 403 Alcohol Misuse, and 404 Nepotism; motion carried.
A discussion was held regarding recognition of potential hazards observed on the customer side of a meter. It was discussed that NRPPD already has a policy that if determined to be an immediate danger to life or property that the service will be disconnected, the state electrical inspector will be notified, and service will be restore after repairs are made. After lengthy discussion a motion was made, for other non-emergency situations, the crew will attempt to notify the customer of the observed hazard and that the office will follow up with a report of the hazard for repair and the service will be disconnected if the repair is not made within 60 days;
motion carried.
Revisions have been proposed by the NREA Managers group to the NREA Mutual Aid Agreement. Those revision mostly revolve around how to bill for services rendered and how to charge for those services. A motion was made to adopt the revised NREA Mutual Aid Agreement as presented; motion carried.
Operations Manager Olson introduced quotes for construction of a new garage to house equipment used by NRPPD that is becoming cluttered in the current storage building. Options were discussed for a 40x60 three bay or a 40x80 four bay garage. After consideration and discussion, a motion was made to approved construction of a 40x80 insulated and heated four bay garage; 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.
General Manager’s Report: Manager Briscoe generally reported on or discussed, among other things: (1) attendance at a NREA Managers meeting; (2) review of information presented at an Employment Law seminar; (3) a brief review of the Tri-State board meeting partially attended by phone; (4) continued high sales and backlog volumes reported at the Western United board meeting; (5) attendance at a MDM Meeting; (6) information from a recent NREA Board Meeting held in Norfolk; and (7) an update on current FERC proceedings.
Tri-State Report: Director Bear reported among other things that Tri-State reviewed the 2024 budget and indicated just over a 6% rate increase planned for 2024 and high cost of poles and other infrastructure on construction of a transmission line between Burlington, CO and Lamar, NE.
Other Meetings Attended: None.
Items for Next Agenda: Review of Gordon Solar installation.
Legal Update: None.
Other Business: The next meeting of the Board will be held at 1:00 pm on June 22nd.
Executive Session: None.
Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned at 4:50 p.m.
APPROVED:
____________________________________ ____________________________________
President Secretary
June 22, 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 June 22, 2023 at the hour of 1:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by President Lee Ahrens. The following Members were present and constituted a quorum: Lee Ahrens, Lucas Bear, Kevin Christy, Gary Fuchser, Christopher Garrett, Marcus Sandberg and Ethan Skinner.
Also present were General Manager Chance Briscoe, Operations Manager Ron Olson, Member Service Representative Les Tlustos, District Counsel Terry Curtis, and Employee Guest Brad Johnson.
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 25, 2023; motion carried.
Public Comments: None.
Check Register and Payroll Summary Review: The Check Register and Payroll Summary for the previous month were reviewed. President Ahrens declared the items as informational items requiring no Board action.
Action Items: Policy 509, Identity Theft was discussed and the policy require additional consideration. A motion was made to table Policy 509; motion carried.
A slate of policies were presented for review and minor revisions. After discussion a motion was made to rescind policies O-1, O-2 and O-4 and be replaced by 506 Right to Appeal to the Board of Directors, 507 Work on Consumer Premises, and 508 Non-Betterment Costs; motion carried.
The Board discussed who would be attending the NRECA Regional meeting and who would be the voting delegate. After discussion, a motion was made to appoint Director Bear as the delegate and Manager Briscoe as the Alternate; 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.
Additionally Olson discussed a couple construction projects that are potentially eligible for grant funding at 50%. The two projects were transmission lines from the
Dunlap Sub and distribution line from Hay Springs Sub to Chadron Sub. A number of scenarios were considered but the consensus was if grant monies are made available to proceed with both project at a gross cost of about $9M, of which NRPPD’s share would be $4.5M.
b. Manager Briscoe reviewed statistics from the solar on the Gordon City Wells.
General Manager’s Report: Manager Briscoe generally reported on or discussed, among other things: (1) attendance at a NREA Managers meeting; (2) a brief review of the Tri-State board meeting related to approval of the formulary rate and 2024 budget; (3) progress update on construction of the new garage; and (4) an update on current FERC proceedings. Briscoe also raised the potential of a forgivable loan program being offered through RUS and coupled with Direct Pay funds available through the IRS. The RUS program would allow up to 40% loan forgiveness on projects serving or located in distressed areas, two of which apply in NRPPD
service territory. The additional Direct Pay could provide an additional 40% discount if materials are domestically sourced. The consensus of the board was to submit a Letter of Intent for projects in Crawford, Hay Springs and Gordon areas. Additionally, Briscoe showed some video of Ford’s Intelligent Backup System that provides backup power to homes from the onboard batteries of an electric F-150. Briscoe recommended the Board approve a purchase of an extended range electric F-150, along with a 10kW rooftop solar for installation on the new garage. The consensus was to delay consideration of such a project.
Tri-State Report: Director Bear reported on Tri-State’s passage of the formulary rate and the 2024 budget reliance of $66M Deferred Revenue that Tri-State may or may not receive.
Other Meetings Attended: None.
Items for Next Agenda: Policy 509 Identity Theft.
Legal Update: None.
Other Business: The next meeting of the Board will be held at 1:00 pm on July 27th.
Executive Session: None.
Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned at 3:42 p.m.
APPROVED:
____________________________________ ____________________________________
President Secretary
July 27, 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 July 27, 2023 at the hour of 1:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by President Lee Ahrens. The following Members were present and constituted a quorum: Lee Ahrens, Lucas Bear, Kevin Christy, Christopher Garrett, Marcus Sandberg and Ethan Skinner.
Also present were General Manager Chance Briscoe, Operations Manager Ron Olson, Member Service Representative Les Tlustos, District Counsel Terry Curtis, and Employee Guest John Hessler.
Unless otherwise noted, all votes were taken by roll call on motion duly made and seconded and unanimously passed.
Excuse Director: A motion was made to excuse Director Fuchser; motion carried.
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 22, 2023; motion carried.
Public Comments: None.
Check Register and Payroll Summary Review: The Check Register and Payroll Summary for the previous month were reviewed. President Ahrens declared the items as informational items requiring no Board action.
Action Items: Policy 509, Identity Theft was discussed and the policy require additional consideration. A motion was made to table Policy 509; motion carried.
Policy 516, Harmonics was discussed with some minor and grammatical changes. A motion was made to approve Policy 516 and to rescind policies; O-15 Annual Billing, O-43 Harmonics, and O-44 AMI Remote Disconnect Collars; motion carried.
The Board was presented with an increase of Long Term Debt advance from the 2023 Budget.The budgeted amount was for $1.4M but due to inventory increases and legal costs related to the FERC proceeding, the amount was increased to $1.8M. A variety of term options and rates were considered. A motion was made to approve a Long Term Debt advance of $1.8M from CFC’s PowerVision loan facility, with a maturity term of 25 years and a 5 year fixed interest rate term.
A motion was made to appoint Director Bear as NRPPD’s voting delegate and Director Skinner as Alternate to Basin’s Annual 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. Additionally Olson discussed that tree cutters are north of Gordon and will be there for a couple weeks more.
b. Tlustos handed out new lapel pins to all Directors, who are members of America’s Electric Cooperative PAC.
General Manager’s Report: Manager Briscoe generally reported on or discussed, among other things: (1) attendance at Tri-State’s Manager Meeting; (2) attendance at Basin’s Manager Meeting; and (3) a brief review of Tri-State’s recent FERC filing for rates to become effective 1/1/24.
Tri-State Report: Director Bear reported on: Tri-State’s continued spending on multiple projects, including the on-going Oracle project; 32% availability of coal plants but only 16% of coal plant usage; renewables accounted for 37% of Tri-State’s supply and Tri-State set a new peak over 1,300 MW’s from renewables.
Other Meetings Attended: None.
Items for Next Agenda: Policy 509 Identity Theft and the next meeting date was set for August 23rd at 8:00 am.
Legal Update: District Counsel Curtiss reviewed Tri-State’s recent submittal to NRPPD for a Withdrawal Agreement. Both he and FERC counsel have been reviewing the draft agreement and will be submitting back to Tri-State a modified agreement for their consideration.
Other Business: None.
Executive Session: None.
Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned at 2:24 p.m.
APPROVED:
____________________________________ ____________________________________
President Secretary
August 23, 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 August 23, 2023 at the hour of 8:00 a.m. The meeting was called to order by President Lee Ahrens. The following Members were present and constituted a quorum: Lee Ahrens, Lucas Bear, Kevin Christy, Gary Fuchser, Christopher Garrett, and Ethan Skinner.
Also present were General Manager Chance Briscoe, Operations Manager Ron Olson, Member Service Representative Les Tlustos, District Counsel Terry Curtis, Employee Guest Criag Housh and representatives from PREMA, Zac Bryant and Loralee Young.
Unless otherwise noted, all votes were taken by roll call on motion duly made and seconded and unanimously passed.
Excuse Director: A motion was made to excuse Director Sandberg; motion carried.
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 27, 2023; motion carried.
Public Comments: PREMA representatives thanked the Board for allowing them to attend and observe the meeting.
Check Register and Payroll Summary Review: The Check Register and Payroll Summary for the previous month were reviewed. President Ahrens declared the items as informational items requiring no Board action.
Action Items: Policy 509, Identity Theft was discussed and a motion was made to approve Policy 509; 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. Additionally, Olson announced Denny Thorson has accepted a position with NPPD and we will look to refill the position later in the year and the new building is on schedule for completion by end of October.
b. Tlustos mentioned the upcoming Hay Springs parade if anyone wanted to participate.
General Manager’s Report: Manager Briscoe generally reported on or discussed, among other things: (1) attendance at Tri-State’s Board Meeting; (2) attendance at Basin’s Annual Meeting; (3) NREA Board Meeting; and (4) an update on FERC matters where FERC has still not issued a final ruling on the CTP but did issue a ruling on the four reserved issues from the Stated Rate Docket.
Tri-State Report: Director Bear reported on: Tri-State set a new peak for the month of May at 1,330 MW’s; plant disruptions forced Tri-State to purchase more market power than had been forecasted; the EPA GHG emission targets are to reduce emissions by 88%; and Tri-State is applying for grants and loan forgiveness programs under the federal programs for energy transitions.
Other Meetings Attended: Director Bear and Skinner both discussed attendance at the Basin Annual Meeting and talked about some of the presentations made during the meeting. Director Ahrens discussed attendance at the NREA Board Meeting in Scottsbluff. He commented that the NREA seems to be on the right track and things generally seem to be going well but a full time GM might be appropriate upon conclusion of the current GM’s contract.
Items for Next Agenda: None.
Legal Update: District Counsel Curtiss reviewed United Power’s state district court case, the “Adams County” case, and potential impact on FERC rulings for the CTP. It was also discussed that Tri-State and United will be attempting mediation in September and Tri-State has reserved Sept 22 for a Special Meeting of the Board if the mediation results in a settlement to be approved by the Board.
Other Business: None.
Executive Session: None.
Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned at 9:38 a.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