Approved by the Board:
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS'
RESCHEDULED MEETING
_________________________
___________________________
The
Board of Commissioners met in the Boardroom of the Administrative Offices,
|
Present: |
Commissioners Robert Cochran, Tony
DeLuca, Semone James, Peter Kramer, Frank Lain, Julee Rodocker and Sandra
Zerkle. |
|
Absent: |
Commissioner Joseph Graves |
The
Secretary declared a quorum present.
Chairperson
James called the meeting to order at
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion
by Commissioner DeLuca, seconded by Commissioner Cochran, to approve the
minutes of the rescheduled regular board meeting held
Carried
unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
THE
CHAIR ANNOUNCED THAT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO SPEAK TO THE BOARD ON
ANY AGENDA SUBJECT OR ON ANY OTHER SUBJECT NOW, OR AT THE END OF THE MEETING.
There
were no public comments.
COMMUNICATIONS
None.
COMMITTEE
REPORTS
BOARD RETREAT SUMMARY
The
Present: Commissioners Robert Cochran, Tony DeLuca, Joseph Graves, Semone James, Peter Kramer, Frank Lain, Julee Rodocker, and Sandra Zerkle. Absent: None
Facilitator: Bryan Singletary, President of Practical Energies
Staff Present: Acting Corporate Secretary Rosemary Sullivan
The Board of Commissioners met with Facilitator Bryan Singletary on day one of the board retreat to receive guidance regarding board development and strategic planning in relation to Board of Water and Light (BWL) matters.
Facilitator Bryan Singletary informed the Commissioners that
the American Public Power Association may present a workshop in the near future
on governance roles and responsibilities in
Strategic planning is structural, and looks at the future of the utility, based on market, consumer technology, and financial issues. A strategic plan is a living, written document that expresses consensus of the governing board on the future outcome of the utility.
The roles of the Commissioners are to:
· Hold staff accountable
· Represent all consumers
· Insure long-term success of the utility
· Approve the budget
· Evaluate the GM
· Help the organization stay on course
· Audit every aspect of the organization
Value Mission Statements are an expression of what the organization wants to become. Value Statements are explanations of how one is expected to behave around others and how one values its stockholders. A Mission Statement is an explanation of what the company does and why it exists.
Mr. Singletary presented a slide of the following exercise:
Vision Statement Exercise
a.) As an organization moves forward we will be…..
b.) As a public power sector our governance structure will be characterized by…..
c.) Our customers will view us as…..
d.) What will we be known for in the community…..
e.) We will lead through…..
f.) Our employee’s will describe the organization by…..
Value Statement of Exercise:
What are
How will you value your:
a.) Key Accounts
b.) Commercial Customers
c.) Residential Customers
d.) Employee’s
e.) Community
f.) Other Departments
Mission Statement Exercise:
Describe what the organization does:
a.) Provide reliable utilities
b.) Cost effectiveness
c.) Ensure long term power discussion for the long haul
d.) Environmental stewards
e.) Planning new market strategies
f.) 600 kW – last power plant
Strength and weaknesses are internal, opportunities and threats are external
(SWOT = Strength – Weaknesses - Opportunities – Threats)
What are strengths of the BWL?
· Low rates
· Top quality water
· Good service
· Reliability
The Commissioners brainstormed a master list of issues that the BWL must have in order to do well and move towards a vision consistent with its values and mission:
a.) Reliable cost effective power long term power supply
b.) Human Resource Department - work to keep workforce healthy, insure reliable people power, succession planning
c.) Evaluate direct reports accurately – General Manager, Internal Auditor, and Corporate Secretary
d.) Labor relationships
e.) Identify renewable energy resource opportunities – diversify quality
f.) Customer service – maintain quality
g.) Public image (advertising) customer public image
h.) Maintain communication mechanism with public
i.) Maintain sufficient cash for good bonding rates, maintain good bonding capabilities
j.) Continue to seek Operations &Maintenance (O&M) cost reductions
k.) Establish budget/perform budget maintenance
l.) Continue to identify new markets for sales
m.) State of the art Information Technology operations, i.e. smart metering mobile tracking
n.) Ensure public and workplace safety
o.) Hold GM accountable to strategic issue metrics
p.) Demand side management and efficiency programs
q.) Maintain compliance
The Commissioners again brainstormed items for information they would like to receive from the GM on a monthly basis:
a.) Budget Compliance
b.) Schedule Compliance on Capital Projects
c.) Safety Metrics
d.) Progression on Strategic Initiatives (issues)
e.) Legal Updates
f.) Press Releases (courtesy call)
g.) What questions – CAIDI, SAIDI (reliability measures).
How BWL did compared to others?
h.) Customer Satisfaction
i.) Employee Satisfaction
j.) Management to Report on Community Involvement
k.) Monthly Written Report on What GM has Done (maintain positive image)
l.) Regulatory Compliance
m.) Rate Comparison
n.) Financial Report
o.) Information Technology Report Update
Submitted by Rosemary Sullivan
Acting Corporate Secretary
The
report will be filed with the minutes of the
BOARD RETREAT SUMMARY
The
Present: Commissioners Robert Cochran, Tony DeLuca, Joseph Graves, Semone James, Peter Kramer, Frank Lain, Julee Rodocker, and Sandra Zerkle. Absent: None
Staff Present: General Manager J. Peter Lark, Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer Susan Devon, Executive Director of Operations Dick Peffley, Executive Director of Strategic Planning and Development George Stojic, Director of Production George Bibbings, Communications Director Mark Nixon, Director of Engineering Doug Wood, Government Relations Manager Calvin Jones and Corporate Secretary Rhonda Jones.
On day two of the Board
retreat, the Commissioners met with staff members to discuss strategic planning
in relation to the Board of Water and Light (BWL). As such, General Manager J. Peter Lark
discussed the need for the BWL to start thinking about its long-term electric
generation plans. In essence, the BWL
will look at renewables, energy efficiency and building a power plant to
replace 120 mW (which are Eckert units 1-3 initially and units 4-6
eventually). Staff is working to obtain
more landfill gas, making hydro’s operational, and creating an energy
efficiency program. It was also noted
that staff worked with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) regarding
the mercury rules and air quality relative to the Eckert Station units. In addition, it would cost the BWL more money
to cleanup the stacks than it is worth due to their current age and anticipated
life span. It takes approximately 7-10
years to build a plant. Therefore, it is
necessary to make decisions regarding whether to build a plant, partner with
another entity or do nothing at all.
Additionally, the BWL may also want to consider building and/or
partnering to build a gas plant. The cap
and trade program (which allows a certain amount of populants in the
environment and also allows for the buy and sell of those allowances) will
increase the cost of natural gas and will be dependent upon the results of the
upcoming presidential election. Listed
below are various facts regarding power plants in the state of
Plant Information:
·
Few plants have been built in the
·
Last base load plant built in
· Demand increased due to consumption and plant retirements.
· The last nuclear plant built in the United States (U.S.) was 1979.
· Detroit Edison (DTE) plans to build a nuclear plant, which should take 12-15 years.
·
Building a nuclear plant is not an option for
the BWL due to size, cost, and opposition to build in the
It was noted that during the plant consideration process, the BWL should form a community group that would be responsible for making recommendations relative to building a plant. Listed below is the suggested timetable for the upcoming project:
· Receive integrated resource plan – March 2008
· Form community group – April 2008
· Receive community group recommendation(s) – July 2008
· File (if applicable) with the DEQ – Fall 2008
In response to a Commissioner question, staff noted that they were unsure if the existing permit at Erickson Station would allow for a new plant to be built under new environmental rules. However, they would check and see if it is possible.
George Stojic, Executive Director of Strategic Planning and Development reviewed, in detail, presentation materials entitled, “Electric Generation Expansion Planning”. The review addressed a number of items that specifically included the electric planning process, retail and historical sales, demand growth, existing generating capacity, new resource options, generating technologies, planning goals and contingencies as well as environmental costs. Three principle goals to consider in the electric planning process include reliability, affordability and minimizing risk.
Electric planning process
· Forecast future electric peak demands and annual energy requirements
· Identify inventory of operating units over planning horizon
· Determine if additional resources are needed
· Evaluate resource options to determine which resources best meet the need
Listed below is a brief summary of some of the specific points discussed during the presentation.
· BWL forecast for retail sales load; 1.1 million mWh or one third of sales go to non-retail customers.
· BWL is long on base load generation, containing 9 units spread out over 3 plants.
· BWL anticipates taking some of the Eckert units out by the year 2018.
· BWL also anticipates an overall 1.4% growth rate
Commissioner Zerkle
departed at
·
BWL ownership interest in
· Natural Gas – 1/3 more drilling wells are dedicated to natural gas. Supply is currently flat and prices are expected to increase.
· Retooling equipment can trigger new source review (NSR) in which the Environmental Protection Agency can require air emissions controls.
· Eckert Power Plant NSR retrofit exposure and replacement costs include the following:
Air Emission Control Equipment
Selective Catalytic Reduction $80,000,000
Flue Gas Desulfurization 130,000,000
ACI with Polishing Filter 3,000,000
Annual O&M 3,200,000
Water Intake Regulations
Closed
Annual O&M 146,000
Listed below are the net unit heat rates per British thermal units (Btu’s) of input for each Kwh generated per new plant technologies and existing facilities.
· New Combined Cycle units – 6,860
(Natural gas fired combined cycle units are very efficient and used to produce steam. They are only utilized a few months in a year due to high gas prices.)
· New Circulized Fluidized Bed – 9,837
(CFB can burn almost anything including renewables. However, it is a little less efficient than pulzarized coal.)
· New Pulzarized Coal – 9,643
· Erickson – 10,645
· Eckert 6 – 11,759
· Eckert 5 – 11,770
· Eckert 4 – 11,652
· Eckert 3 – 12,330
· Eckert 2 – 13,062
· Eckert 1 – 12,864
New Resource Options
· Traditional generating plants
- Coal
- Natural gas
· Renewable energy
· Energy efficiency
· Load management
· Market purchases
Renewable Energy Options
· Landfill gas – High reliability at 97%.
·
Hydro –
· Wind – Availability is 25%.
· Solar
· Biomass – Is a possibility.
Commissioner Zerkle returned at
In addition to the above
items, staff reported that Sargent Lundy is doing a site analysis regarding the
building of a new generation facility.
It was estimated that the BWL could build a 550 mW plant but it could
also build the smallest supercritical plant (530 mW) at the site as well. Other municipalities have expressed an
interest in partnering with the BWL, as they do not have good options after
2010. If the BWL decides to partner with
others then the transmission issues will be the respective partners issue and
not the BWL’s. The BWL is pulling out of
the MPPA Power Pool and they have been notified to that effect
respectively. If the BWL covers its load
and what is needed for MPPA then the BWL still has to work through the MPPA for
third party sells. Huge demand for new
plants in
In order to determine the cost to build a new plant: multiply the number of kW’s that one would need by the cost per kW.
Receiving air permits takes place prior to taking bonding action. The BWL would earn interest on the bonds until it starts paying to actually build the plant. The revenue stream will increase until the project takes flight also noting that the revenue from excess capacity is relatively safe. BWL cost will eventually increase. However, DTE and Consumers Energy cost are also going to heighten at a faster pace than the BWL. In addition, it was further advised that risk exposure could be determined by how much the BWL exceeds the initial 120 mW of needed generation.
A copy of the Electric Generation Expansion Planning
presentation dated
Recap of Strategic Planning
Session – Day One
The Board of Commissioners presented staff with a list of items that represented their strategic planning discussion from day one of the board retreat. The list contained key elements of a mission statement, master issues, and reporting metrics. It was noted that staff is already working on many of the issues. However, it was suggested that the General Manager develop a strategic plan that would incorporate the master issues and reporting metrics discussed during the board retreat. In addition, the Board would like to be kept abreast of the master issues on a regular or quarterly basis. The information presented to staff is an idea of what the Commissioners would like to see in the plan and a framework to begin the project. The Commissioners agreed that they would like to receive communication from staff as to the framework of the strategic plan by May 2008. The communication would include the time needed to complete the plan, persons assigned to the task, and talking points.
In response to the overview, Peter Lark noted his reluctance to state what staff would have prepared by May 2008, as he has not worked on this topic until now.
In response the Commissioners clarified that the BWL should formalize the process as they are already working on many of the tasks. It was also conveyed that the General Manager needs time to digest what was discussed and ensure that he is in agreement with the plan. The Commissioners also want to ensure that the ideas for the retreat are carried forward and not forgotten. Furthermore, the reports stipulated in the reporting metrics will help ensure that the Board of Commissioners abstains from the operational side of the BWL.
There being no further
business the meeting ended at
Submitted by Rhonda Jones
Corporate Secretary
The report
will be filed with the minutes of the
Summary Report of
the Joint Meeting of the
Board of Water and
Light Commissioners
and
Board of Commissioners Chair, Santiago Rios called the
meeting to order at
The following Commissioners were present: Robert Cochran, Joseph Graves, Semone James, Peter Kramer, Santiago Rios, Julee Rodocker, and Sandra Zerkle. Absent: Commissioner Robin Smith.
Councilmember’s Present:
Kathy Dunbar (arrived
at
BWL Staff Present: General Manager J. Peter Lark, Chief Financial Officer Susan Devon, Executive Director Dick Peffley, Manager of Governmental Relations Calvin Jones, Corporate Secretary Rhonda Jones, and Administrative Secretary Rosemary Sullivan.
IBEW Local 352 Representatives Present: Business Manager Joseph Davis, Assistant Business Manager Ron Byrnes, Assistant Business Manager Jim Dravenstat-Moceri, and President Dolores Appling.
The purpose of the joint meeting was to present an update to City Council on the following topics:
Public Comment
There were no public comments.
Agenda Items:
1. Update on Tree
Trimming. J. Peter Lark, General Manager
reported that the Board of Water and Light (BWL) is doing a good job with tree
trimming and is at the end of its 5-year cycle.
The Wright Tree Service contract continues to be reviewed and the BWL is
in the process of establishing one in-house tree trimming crew and contracting
trim work to the City of
2. Update on
3. Update on Rules of
Procedure. Commissioner Rios reported
that the Board of Commissioners received input on the Rules of Procedure from
Brigham Smith, City Attorney. They were
amended and approved at the
4. Update on Safety Improvements. Mr. Lark noted that the BWL is considering the implementation of a safety incident plan. Whereas, employees are rewarded for going one year without a safety incident. They are reviewing a monetary and non-monetary reward system so that employees will know that management takes safety seriously.
Joseph Davis, Business Manager and Dolores Appling, President of IBEW Local 352 recommended that proactive solutions such as, purchasing equipment and maintaining safety often works better than incentives. At times, monetary incentives cause people to work against one another and gives employees a sense of entitlement. It was noted that one must change their overall thought process regarding safety.
5. Update on Financials for Fiscal year end 2007. Susan Devon, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) reported the following net income for fiscal years 2006 and 2007.
FY06 FY07
Electric $15,000,000 gain $22,700,000 gain
Water 2,200,000 loss 900,000 gain
Steam 5,300,000 loss 800,000 gain
Chilled Water 1,100,000 loss 850,000 loss
Councilmember Wood inquired as to the status of negotiations between the BWL and City administrators regarding the payback contingency for the street light rider.
Mr. Lark advised City Council that he was unaware of any negotiations
regarding the payback contingency contained within the street light rider. He also noted that the payback period has
commenced and the City of
Councilmember Dunbar asked if the City of
6. Update on Removal of Lead Pipes. It was reported that the BWL is ahead of schedule and is in the process of adding another BWL crew to assist with the removal of lead pipes. Customers with special priorities, i.e. churches, hospitals, community centers, etc. has been addressed and the removal process is essentially following the CSO Project. In response to a question from City Council, BWL staff noted that they would follow-up with Council regarding customer’s ability to determine when their lead pipes will be replaced. City Council and the Commissioners also discussed increasing the BWL’s involvement in the CSO Project to help increase efficiencies and reduce cost.
An Ad Hoc Committee on Workforce Development comprised of Commissioners, staff persons, and union representatives was formed to look at tree trimming, high school partnerships, present BWL employment and the development of capacity to allow the BWL to do more work in-house. Corresponding cost benefit analysis of work presently done by external parties will also be taken into consideration during the review process.
7. Update on Public Relations. Mr. Lark advised Council that there have been several positive things that have recently occurred. Some of those items include the Renewable Portfolio Standard, an upcoming change a light announcement with the Mayor of Lansing and Urban Options, as well as a future BWL project involving the exchange of old incandescent light bulbs for compact fluorescent lamps (CFL’s).
8. Update from the Director of Internal Audit. Susan Devon, CFO reported that the Internal Audit Department has completed three audits that include fuel procurement, procurement cards, and coal audit. Two requests for proposals (RFP) are also being developed relative to the SAP Controls Assessment and deferred benefit plan advisors. They will also conduct a feasibility study regarding the implementation of Sarbanes-Oxley.
9. Update on CSO Project. The BWL continues to work with the Public Service Department to coordinate work necessary due to the CSO Project. In response to Council’s inquiry, BWL staff noted that they continue to receive customer complaints that are monitored on a daily basis. In addition, staff also confirmed that the BWL recoups cost whenever contractors dig into utility lines that were properly marked.
10. Update on Organizational Structure and Strategic Plan. Mr. Lark noted recent additions to the executive management team that include Susan Devon, Chief Financial Officer and George Stojic, Executive Director of Strategic Planning and Development. It was also advised that Dick Peffley was named Executive Director of Operations. In addition, the General Counsel position is currently vacant but has been posted and individual persons are now in charge of each respective power plant. Mr. Lark further noted that he has enjoyed his time at the BWL. He is very positive and upbeat and believes that they have a fine team in place.
Joseph Davis, Business Manager of IBEW Local 352 announced
his scheduled departure from the BWL for a position with the IBEW as an
International Representative. He noted
that there have been leadership changes at the BWL over the last several years
and hopefully, they now has a team in place that will lead the company into the
future. Mr. Davis advised everyone of
the importance of having a good relationship between management, City Council
and city leaders, as they are all charged under City Council and the City of
Commissioner Rios further advised that there is a good working relationship between the Board of Commissioners and management. He sees everything as positive and very optimistic. In addition, the Board of Commissioners is presently planning a joint retreat with key management staff to establish objectives.
11. Pending Litigation. Mr. Lark directed City Council to the materials that were contained in the meeting packet.
12. Other.
Calvin Jones. City Council congratulated Calvin Jones on his recent promotion to Manager of Governmental Relations. They also thanked him for his hard work and efforts in responding to their questions and concerns.
Streetlights. Councilmember
Woods reported streetlights out on
Mr. Lark reported that Dick Peffley is in the process of developing a program in which to monitor all of the streetlights and change out those that are older in existence.
Special Thanks. Councilmember Woods thanked the Board of Commissioners and staff for condolence cards and contributions made in honor of her mother’s passing.
Compact fluorescent lamps (CFL’s). Councilmember Dunbar reminded everyone that although CFL’s are energy efficient they are not recyclable. It is important to advise customers that they are mercury-based light bulbs that save electricity but cannot be tossed away in the same fashion as traditional light bulbs. She also suggested either placing a sub-depository at either the BWL or the City Recycling Station to allow for easy and proper disposal of CFL’s.
Welcome. Councilmember
Quinney welcomed Peter Kramer to the Board of Commissioners. He also announced and invited persons to
participate in the upcoming American Diabetes 5k Walk scheduled for Saturday,
October 6th at
The meeting adjourned at
The report will be filed with the minutes of the
Joint Meeting of
the
Board of Water and
Light Commissioners
and
City Council President Brian Jeffries called the meeting to
order at
Commissioners Present: Robert Cochran, Tony DeLuca, Joseph Graves, Semone James, Peter Kramer, Frank Lain, Julee Rodocker and Sandra Zerkle. Absent: None.
Councilmember’s Present: Kathy Dunbar, Eric Hewitt, Brian Jeffries, A’Lynne Robinson and Carol Wood. Absent: Councilmember’s Sandy Allen, Tim Kaltenbach and Derrick Quinney.
BWL Staff Present: General Manager J. Peter Lark, Chief Financial Officer Susan Devon, Executive Director of Operations Dick Peffley, Executive Director of Strategic Planning and Development George Stojic, Director of Internal Audit Susan Pifer, Director of Engineering Doug Wood, Manager of Governmental Relations Calvin Jones and Corporate Secretary Rhonda Jones.
IBEW Local 352 Representatives Present: Business Manager Ron Byrnes and Assistant Business Manager Jim Dravenstat-Moceri.
City Staff Present: Mayoral Chief of Staff Jerry Ambrose and Legislative Office Manager Terese Horn.
The purpose of the joint meeting was to present an update to City Council on the following topics:
1. Update on CSO Project. General Manager J. Peter Lark gave a brief overview of the CSO Project in which it was noted by Mayoral Chief of Staff Jerry Ambrose that the Board of Water and Light (BWL) would enter into a memorandum of understanding should both entities agree that the BWL would take on some of the CSO work. The BWL would also determine if there is a need to hire additional employees for this particular project. In addition, Commissioner Cochran advised that his objective was to ensure that the BWL hires new employees to work with existing staff members to help maintain the BWL’s skilled labor force when the existing workforce retires.
2. Update on
Strategic Planning. Mr. Lark reported
that Executive Director of Operations George Stojic is currently working on an
integrated resource plan that would address strategic planning. The BWL currently forecast an annual electric
growth rate of 1.4% over twenty years.
The Mayor and City Council has expressed interest in city growth, i.e.
Accident Fund, Police Triangle, etc. As
such, the BWL hopes to meet load growth with renewables and energy efficiencies. There is a need for the BWL to determine a
way to service its customers reliably and effectively by 2018. The BWL must also determine its options
relative to reliance on MISO, building a plant or partnering with Consumers
Energy (CE) who has extended an offer to the BWL to buy into their new
plant. In addition, the BWL plans to
develop a
In response to Council questions, Mr. Lark noted the following:
· Eckert Station Offline - The BWL does not intend for Eckert Station to come offline for a long time because it can still run Units 4-6. The primary concern resides with Units 1-3 and the need to determine a course of action under new environmental rules by 2018.
· Green Power and the Strategic Plan – The BWL will rollout an energy efficiency program fall 2008. The BWL’s renewable program requires $.03 more per kWh, which is inexpensive. However, staff is working to bring that cost to $.01 to $.01 ½ per kWh. The BWL’s green power cost is relatively the same as CE. However, even with those costs BWL’s total rates including green power costs are below CE’s normal rates by approximately 25%. It was also clarified that if the BWL does not sell all of its green power then it must absorb the cost. However, the BWL hopes that the new program will increase participation and offset some of the absorption cost. In response to a Councilmember’s suggestion to spread the cost over the entire customer base, Mr. Lark noted that utility companies do not typically act in such a manner. The primary reason being a customer’s reluctance to pay for a service that they did not request. Therefore, the BWL is working to reduce the cost and thereby, increase overall involvement.
· Patty Ache Bill – The BWL does not have a position on the Patty Ache Bill.
3. Update on Water Bonds. In response to Council’s question regarding the acceleration of the lead line program, Mr. Lark noted that the BWL is ahead of schedule and already accomplishing said task.
Council inquired about the fly ash pit clean up and the timeline to have said project completed. In response Director of Engineering Doug Wood noted that the BWL recently awarded bids for the contract. Therefore, City Council should start to see the clean up project move forward in 2008. The BWL is also working with the Drain Commissioner and the Department of Environmental Quality regarding an easement.
4. Update on
5a. Update on Tree Trimming. In response to Council’s question regarding the tree trimming process, staff advised that the BWL has a total of seven (7) trucks. Only those homes directly affected are notified of pending tree trimming work. The BWL is in the process of listing the designated areas and upcoming schedule on its website.
Commissioner Lain suggested that the BWL and the City of
Staff also confirmed that the City’s tree trimming crew is
available to the BWL. Wright Tree
Service does not have exclusive rights to the BWL’s tree trimming work. In addition, it was also suggested that the
BWL and City of
5b. Update on Lead Line Replacement Program. It was reported that the BWL is ahead of schedule in replacing lead service lines. As of January 2008, approximately 5,100 (40%) were replaced with an expectation that the BWL will have completed approximately 5,600 (43%) by fiscal year end. This schedule will place the BWL head of schedule by approximately 100 services.
In response to a Council question regarding foreclosures and access, staff noted that the increased rate of home foreclosures has slowed the process. However, the BWL can typically locate a contact person to gain access into the basement of a home in order to complete the lead service replacement.
6. Update on Power Plant Replacement. See item number 2.
7. Update on
Financials. Mr. Lark gave a brief
financial update in which he noted a 2.48% rate of return effective six months
year ended
Chief Financial Officer Susan Devon advised that one of the financial issues involves the transfer of funds from the Defined Benefit (DB) to the Retiree Benefit Plan and Trust (VEBA). Recent market changes have affected the assets value. Therefore, staff must wait and see what happens with the market, as funds must be transferred to the VEBA plan.
8. Update on Ad Hoc Committee on Workforce Development. Staff reviewed information provided in the meeting handout that gave an overview of the BWL’s efforts regarding the following:
· First Step Program – High school to work based learning program
· Joint Technical Training Committee – The committee is in the process of developing a centralized technical training program for staff throughout the BWL
· Anti-Harassment Policy Training – All BWL employees are scheduled to partake in anti-harassment training from December 2007 through February 2008.
· Substance Abuse Awareness Training
· Integrated Management Team Development Training
·<