Common Council — Agenda packet

BLACK RIVER FALLS UTILITY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES August 31, 2026 Utility Commission President John Lund called a meeting of the Black River Falls Municipal Utility Commission to order on August 31, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. in the Utility Conference Room at 349 South McKinley Street. Commissioners in attendance were Jeff Amo, Jay Eddy, and Don Mathews. Also present were General Manager Casey Engebretson, Office Manager Sam Linehan, Water Lead Jeff Bauer, and Garrett Aleckson (Banner Journal). A motion was made by Commissioner Eddy and seconded by Commissioner Amo to approve the minutes from the July 27th, 2026 regular meeting. Aye: Lund, Amo, Eddy, and Mathews Motion carried. The Commission reviewed the July vouchers. A motion was made by Commissioner Amo and seconded by Commissioner Mathews to approve the accounts payable vouchers; CK #43928 – 43990 and EP #101037 - 101045 – Totaling $670,052.28. Aye: Lund, Amo, Eddy, and Mathews Motion Carried. The Commission reviewed the July 2026 arrears. The Commission reviewed the 2027 draft electric, water, and sewer budgets. Casey Engebretson and Sam Linehan outlined material additions to the budget, including increases to wages and benefits, larger planned maintenance projects, and the addition of wages, benefits, and taxes for a potential journey lineman hire in the second half of 2027. Sam and Casey answered questions and will incorporate some revisions into the final budget, to be approved at the September meeting. Casey Engebretson informed the Commission that the Utility has received approximately $56,000 to-date from the PFAS litigation. Casey is expecting one more final installment payment . Casey Engebretson provided an update to the Commission regarding the WWTP’s WPDES 5-year permit renewal. The current permit expires at the end of 2027. The application for permit renewal is due by June 30, 2027. The application and required testing is complete. An application for renewal of the phosphorus multi-discharger variance is also required and must be included as part of the renewal process, along with an economic impact analysis. These items are also complete and will be submitted with the WPDES permit renewal application. As Mayor, Commissioner Eddy is the designated Authorized Representative and is responsible for submitting the application(s). Casey will review the applications and supporting documentation with Commissioner /Mayor Eddy and Commissioner Eddy will submit. Casey Engebretson reminded the Commission that the WDNR has issued a WPDES Wastewater Sludge PFAS General Permit, requiring PFAS testing on the sludge at the WWTP. Test results were received, however, the WDNR were concerned about the accuracy of the test results, due to there being a quality control qualifier from the laboratory. The WDNR is requiring the Utility to re-test. The re-test will be conducted at the WI State Lab of Hygiene, at no cost to BRFMU. Casey Engebretson informed the Commission that the old bucket truck was sold at auction for $15,000. This was slightly higher than what was projected. The Utility received a check from the auction service for $14,850, which is the total amount, less the $150 flat fee. BRFMU IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER Casey Engebretson provided an update on the extension to the WPPI Energy Long -Term Power Supply contract. Casey stated that the Resolutions, Amendment, and legal opinion were all completed and sent to WPPI. Casey has confirmed that the documents were received by WPPI. Casey Engebretson presented a potential rate filing to the Commission for consideration. Casey explained that the Pgs rate file is for customers that have installed their own generation, most commonly solar arrays. Under the current Pgs rate tariff, if customers generate energy in excess of what is used, the excess energy is exported to BRFMU’s distribution system and BRFMU compensates the customer at a retail rate . The retail rate is designed to recover costs incurred by BRFMU for the purchase of energy and the cost for delivery to the customer. Although the excess generation allows BRFMU to avoid costs for the purchase of energy, the cost component of delivery remains as the customer needs the connection to the distribution system, regardless if the customer is receiving or exporting energy. Therefore, under the current retail rate structure paid for excess generation, the Pgs customer is not paying their fair share of delivery cost, and are actually being subsidized by non -Pgs customers. The new Pgs rate would pay new Pgs customers at the wholesale rate(avoided cost) for energy. Existing Pgs-1 customers would be grandfathered for 10 years under the retail rate. A motion was made by Commissioner Mathews and seconded by Commissioner Amo to authorize Casey Engebretson to work with WPPI to file revised Pgs-1 and Pgs-2 rate tariffs. Aye: Lund, Amo, Eddy, and Mathews Motion Carried. Casey Engebretson received a tuition assistance request from Jeff Bauer and presented it to the Commission for consideration. The Commission confirmed that the training was relevant to utility operations and provided benefit to Jeff’s professional development. Casey stated the process included an agreement and proof of completion requirements. A motion was made by Commissioner Mathews and seconded by Commissioner Amo to authorize reimbursement of 80% of total costs, not to exceed $3,500, upon successful completion of the certificate programs (with a Grade of C or better). Aye: Lund, Amo, Eddy, and Mathews Motion Carried. Next Meeting: September 28, 2026 @ 3:30 p.m. A motion was made by Commissioner Eddy and seconded by Commissioner Mathews to adjourn the meeting at 4:28 p.m. Aye: Lund, Amo, Eddy, and Mathews Motion Carried. Casey Engebretson, General Manager comm.mtg.minutes.8.31.2026 BRFMU IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER