_07202026-1700

CITY OF RIVER FALLS UTILITY ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES JULY 20, 2026 The meeting was called to order by Utility Advisory Board (UAB) Chair Chris Lick at 6:30 p.m. The pledge of allegiance was said. Utility Advisory Board Present: Amber Bjork, Joel Donna, Lance Hovland, Mark Klecker, Chris Lick, Tim Thum, and Rose Walker Staff Present: Utility Director Kevin Westhuis; WPPI Energy Services Manager Jenna Willi; Public Works Manager Erica Ellefson; Executive Assistant Lanae Nelson and IT Technician Joe Reardon Approval of Minutes: Meeting Minutes: 06-15-2026 MSC Walker/Bjork approved minutes. Unanimous. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Patricia LaRue – LaRue welcomed new Utility Advisory Board (UAB) members Joel Donna and Lance Hovland. Spoke about renewable energy, the history of Junction Falls Hydroelectric Dam and studies related to the dam and Lake George. William Hansen – Hanson thanked UAB for their service and welcomed new members Joel Donna and Lance Hovland. Spoke about renewable energy at the Junction Falls Hydroelectric Dam and the biodiversity of Lake George. NEW BUSINESS: Resolution 2026 – 07 Recommending Purchase Approval of Whitetail Ridge Corporate Park Street Lighting Utility Director Westhuis presented the proposed purchase of Lumec streetlight poles and luminaires for the Whitetail Ridge Corporate Park street-lighting project as part of the City's Capital Improvement Program. He reviewed the project history, first-phase design, lighting specifications, and aesthetic plan. Two quotes were received, with Border States submitting the lowest bid of $162,288. MSC Klecker/Walker moved to approve the resolution. Motion passed unanimously. Resolution 2026 – 08 Recommending Approval of Addition of a RG-3 Optional Residential Rate WPPI Energy Services Manager Jenna Willi presented the proposed RG-3 optional residential Time-of-Use rate designed to encourage off-peak energy use, particularly for electric vehicle charging. She reviewed the current residential rate options, the benefits of the proposed three- tier rate, and the anticipated wholesale cost savings for the utility. If approved, WPPI Energy will coordinate a group filing with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. MSC Donna/Walker moved to approve the resolution. Motion passed unanimously. REPORTS: Finance Report Public Works Manager Ellefson reviewed the monthly financial reports, including revenues, expenditures, budget status, and capital expenses for the electric, water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities. Utility Dashboards Westhuis reviewed utility performance dashboards. Monthly Report Utility reports for June 2026 were included in the meeting packet. Utility Director’s Report Welcomed Joel Donna and Lance Hovland to the Utility Advisory Board. Update provided on the Wastewater Treatment Plant Biosolids Dryer project. Thanked customer service staff for assisting customers facing service disconnection. There is 1 disconnection for today. Thanked Amber Bjork and Rose Walker for being a part of the River Falls Parade float on July 10. Community Appreciation Event is August 5 at the City Hall Plaza. Sign up is available. Water department has started annual hydrant flushing ADJOURNMENT: MSC Klecker/Walker to adjourn. Motion caried unanimously. UAB Chair Lick adjourned the meeting at 7:41 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Executive Assistant Lanae Nelson