City of Columbia, Missouri  
Meeting Minutes  
Water and Light Advisory Board  
701 E Broadway  
Conference Room  
1A/1B  
Wednesday, November 8, 2023  
8:00 AM  
Regular  
I. CALL TO ORDER  
Mr. Philip Fracica called the meeting to order at 8:00 am.  
Staff: Sarah Talbert, Assistant Director Utilities -Rates and Fiscal Planning; David Sorrell,  
Utilities Director; Shawn Carrico, Engineering Supervisor; Erin Keys, Acting Assistant  
Director - Electric; Todd McVicker, Acting Utility Services Manager; Matt Nestor, Public  
Information Specialist; Matt Lucas, Rate Analyst II; David Storvick, Engineering Manager;  
William Stawn, Water Distribution Manager; Chris Kisch, Administrative Technician II;  
Madison Jones-Smith, Administrative Technician I  
Public: Mike Murphy, Jim Windsor, John Conway, Amanda Jacobs  
4 - Thomas Jensen, David Switzer, Philip Fracica and Amanda Jacobs  
1 - Gregg Coffin  
Present:  
Absent:  
II. INTRODUCTIONS  
A round robin was done for introductions.  
III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA  
Mr. David Switzer made a motion to approve the agenda as submitted with a  
second by Ms. Amanda Jacobs. Motion passed unanimously.  
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES  
The October 11, 2023 meeting minutes were approved as submitted with a  
motion by Mr. David Switzer and a second by Ms. Amanda Jacobs. Motion passed  
unanimously.  
Attachments: WLAB October 11, 2023  
WLAB Public Input 10-25-23  
WLAB October 26 , 2023 Rate Affordability  
V. FINANCIAL REPORT as available  
Monthly Financial Report  
Ms. Sarah Talbert stated the September 2023 quarterly financial statements were  
preliminary and unaudited. Beginning with cash and cash equivalents, water and electric  
were both up from June 2023. In monthly billed usage, water was down in June of 2023  
and electric was up from June 2023. In the Net Income Statement, Operating revenues for  
water were up in September 2023 compared to September 2022. Electric was down in  
September 2023 compared to September 2022. Operating expenses for water were up in  
September 2023 compared to September 2022. Operating expenses for electric were  
down in September 2023 compared to September 2022. In the statement of Revenue,  
Expenses, and changes in Retained Earnings, the operating revenue budgets for water  
and electric were down compared to last year. The Operating Expenditures budgets for  
water and electric were up compared to last year. On the Water Statement, Operating  
revenues for residential and commercial sales billed usage was up 5.1%. Operating  
expenses for source of supply, power and pumping, and Purification were all up due to  
maintenance of wells. On the electric statement, Operating Revenues were down due to a  
decrease in MISO transmission revenues. Operating expenses were down for  
Production-Operations due to miscellaneous steam power expenses- inventory  
adjustment per auditors. Operating expenses for Production-Maintenance were up due to  
an increase in IT support compared to 2022. Operating expenses in the other category  
were also down due to purchased power: Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 has significantly higher  
payments to MISO and SPP for purchase power costs due to higher energy prices,  
reliability concerns and weather events. Mr. Switzer reviewed adjustments and suggested  
a 4 year plan and waiting for an audit. Ms. Talbert stated the intent was for the end of  
January to be the time to send it to Council for any adjustments moved forward. The  
inter-office memo was discussed and brought up for specific questions with it being  
stated that the water debt coverage ratio was better than last year. The water and electric  
utility fund balance sheet was also brought forward for specific questions which there  
were none.  
Attachments: September 2023 Financial Statements  
September 2023 Statement Memo  
September Financial Statements comments  
Summary Change in Billed usage for Water and Electric  
VI. DIRECTOR'S REPORT  
a) MISO Load Forecast  
Ms. Talbert stated that the MISO Load Forecast had been submitted to TEA and advised  
the Water and Light Advisory Board (WLAB) to review it and ask questions. It was noted  
this report was required each year. Mr. Lucas spoke about the Load Forecast and stated  
there were not many changes within. He stated they had adjusted the methodology for  
forecasting and that August set an all time peak, which was set for students, with a 9  
megawatt (MW) difference in August alone. They(who are they? Staff or WLAB? ) expect  
another peak next July of 278.  
Attachments: FY24 CWLD Load Forecast  
b) Power Cost Adjustment Report  
Ms. Talbert brought to the attention of the board the Power Cost Adjustment Report. She  
stated it was a quarterly report and asked if the format was how they wanted it or if it  
required changes. It was a summary of the power cost adjustment determination for  
October 2023 and was intended to serve as the required quarterly update for the board. It  
was broken down into three sections, beginning with Projected expenses. Staff was  
forecasting an increase of $2,556,003 in power cost over the current projected FY 2023  
level. This was mainly due to transmission and natural gas expenses being lower in FY  
2023 than was typical combined with higher than normal transmission revenue. In  
Projected Power Cost Recovery, Staff was forecasting an increase in energy sales in  
fiscal year 2024 of 39,069,062 Kilowatt hour (kWh). Mild monthly temperatures in both  
the winter and summer seasons resulted in lower than typical energy usage in FY 2023.  
This corresponded to the forecasted base rate power cost recovery of $68,309,014 in  
fiscal year 2024, which was $332,38 less than the current projected power cost  
expenses. In spell PCA out here (PCA) Customer Impact, it was a summary of the  
PCA’s impact on each customer type through the current month. These impacts were  
based on class average monthly usage for the residential, small general service, large  
general service, and industrial customer classes. The calculated PCA for October 2023  
was $(0.000276). This would result in a bill credit of $0.21 for the average residential  
customer.  
Attachments: PCA Board Report - October 2023  
c) 3rd Quarter Renewable Energy Report  
Ms. Talbert discussed the third quarter renewable energy report and stated there would  
be a meeting with Council on November 20,2023 about the report as well as the goal of  
being 100% renewable by 2030.  
Attachments: 3rd Quarter Renewable Energy Report  
d) 4th Quarter CIP Progress Reports  
Ms. Talbert noted this was the normal quarterly update. The report was broken down by:  
· 1-2 year projects  
· 3-5 year projects  
· 5-10 year projects (water)  
· annual projects  
Mr. Switzer advised that before the next year and before the budget; there should be  
some discussions about what each project was. Ms. Talbert agreed.  
Attachments: 4th Quarter Electric CIP Report  
4th Quarter Water CIP Report  
Water and Electric CIP balances 9-30-23  
e) Quarterly Disconnection Update  
Ms. Talbert presented the Quarterly Disconnection Update. The number of pending  
commercial delinquent accounts was down in October compared to July at a number of  
57. Residential delinquent accounts were up compared to July with a number of 3,557. In  
total the number of pending delinquent accounts were up compared to July. The number  
of commercial accounts pending disconnect went up in October with a number of 15.  
Residential disconnects went down in October with a number of 344. Ms. Talbert stated  
that this could be due to the temperatures affecting disconnects in the month of July and  
October and many months before. Ms. Talbert stated that Central Missouri Community  
Action was the largest contributor in pledges. In October, the number of customers  
receiving help through the cash/help/city utility program was down with a number of 27.  
Donations were still being taken via utility bills. There were no disconnects during the  
months of January and February of 2023 due to the temperatures being too cold.  
Attachments: Pending disconnects for WLAB  
f) Quarterly 2018 Water Ballot Project Update  
Mr. Sorrell presented the 2018 Quarterly Bond Report which was broken up into 5  
sections. Beginning with the Water Treatment Plant (Wednesday, August 2, 2023  
through Wednesday, November 1, 2023) an issuance of Series 2023A Bonds was  
approved by the council on September 18, 2023. An ordinance calling for bids would be  
considered at the November 6, 2023 City Council Meeting. Staff was preparing to bid the  
project alongside the West Ash Pump Station and Southeast Pump Station following  
Council Approval on November 6, 2023. For the Southeast Pump (Wednesday, August 2,  
2023 through Wednesday, November 1, 2023) easement was waiting acceptance by  
Council. An ordinance calling for bids would be considered at the November 6, 2023  
Council meeting. Staff was preparing to bid the project alongside the West Ash Pump  
Station and Water Treatment Plant projects following Council approval on November 6,  
2023. For the West Ash Pump Station (Wednesday, August 2, 2023 through  
Wednesday, November 1, 2023) Project was advertised for construction with bids closing  
June 23, 2023. One bid was received, reviewed by staff, and rejected. Staff was preparing  
to rebid alongside the Southeast Pump Station and Water Treatment plant projects.  
There were plans for a re-bid. For the Southwest Water Tower (Wednesday, August 2,  
2023 through Wednesday, November 1, 2023) staff was actively working to acquire a  
property and the design could proceed once property was required. For the Well  
Platforms (Wednesday, August 2, 2023 through Wednesday, November 1, 2023) a  
design contract has been negotiated and would be presented to Council. The issuance of  
Series 2023A Bonds was approved by Council on September 18, 2023.  
Attachments: WaterBondProjStatus 20231101  
g) Training Update  
Ms. Talbert reminded the board about the EV training that would be held in person on  
December 12, 2023 at 1:00pm. A reminder email would be sent out in advance.  
h) Council Item Update  
Ms. Talbert noted at the October 5, 2023 Council meeting there were two special public  
comments. Mr. Jim Windsor stated that citizens and ratepayers need transparency  
regarding the electric transmission system. Ms. Lillian Davis discussed utilities and the  
misuse of letter of health. Council Bill B240-23 authorizing construction of one new 69 kV  
station class transformer and switchgear lineup at the Perche Creek Substation calling  
for bids was introduced with the first read. Council Bill 241-23 authorizing construction of  
the 161 kV bus reconfiguration at the Perche Creek Substation calling for bids was  
introduced with the first read. Council Bill 242-23 authorizing the addition of two new 161  
kV station class transformer and switchgear lineups at the Bolstad Substation calling for  
bids was introduced with the first read. Report 59-23 on Administrative Public  
Improvement Project: Wellfield Security Expansion was also discussed.  
At the October 16, 2023 Council meeting, a special comment was made by Ms. Abby  
Dickenson in favor of 100% renewable energy by 2030. Council Bill B240-23 authorizing  
construction of one new 69 kV station class transformer and switchgear lineup at the  
Perche Creek Substation was approved. Council Bill B241-23 authorizing construction of  
the 161 kV bus reconfiguration at the Perche Creek Substation was approved. Council bill  
B242-23 authorizing the addition of two new 161 kV station class transformer and  
switchgear lineups at the Bolstad Substation was approved. Council bill 253-23  
Authorizing construction of the McBaine Water Treatment Plant Upgrade was introduced  
with the first read. Council bill B254-23 authorizing construction of a southeast water  
pumping station project was introduced with the first read. Council bill 255-23 amending  
chapter 27 of the City Code to repeal Sec. 27-169 relating to the Solar One Utility  
Program was introduced with the first read. At the November 6, 2023 Council meeting,  
Council Bill 253-23 authorizing construction of the McBaine Water Treatment Plant  
Upgrade was read for the second time and brought to vote. Council Bill 255-23 amending  
Chapter 27 of the City Code to repeal Sec. 27-169 relating to the Solar One Utility  
Program was read for the second time and brought to vote. Council Bill 254-23  
authorizing construction of a Southeast Water Pump Station project was read for the  
second time and brought to vote. An outstanding item for council to consider was the  
TEA evaluation 100% renewable energy by 2030 which would be in Pre-Council work  
session on Monday, November 20, 2023.  
Attachments: Council Item Updates - October 2023  
VII. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT  
a) Follow-Up on Rate Affordability Metrics Meeting  
Mr. Switzer said he could check to see if Mr. Teodoro could still provide some  
presentation or information regarding the Rate Affordability Metrics. Mr. Switzer then  
spoke about his presentation and asked for feedback. He wanted to know what was  
useful and what the next steps should be for specific metrics for Columbia with  
researching water first. Mr. Switzer explained he felt more comfortable with water as that  
was his expertise. All agreed. This was then forwarded to the December meeting for  
further discussion.  
b) FY 2024 WLAB Goals  
The goals for the 2024 FY were discussed and broken up into five separate goals. Goal  
number one was to continue to provide guidance and for expanding the utility’s renewable  
energy portfolio to achieve the community’s renewable energy goals by supporting the  
implementation of City’s Community Solar Program and by participating in work sessions  
with the City Council on TEA renewable energy study. Goal two was to seek solutions to  
further improve the utility’s successful demand side management (DSM) and efficiency  
programs for the community by reviewing and encouraging utilization of Federal and State  
funding opportunities for the City utility and their customers, encouraging implementation  
of an EV charging program or rate structure to encourage charging at off peak periods,  
and supporting the AMI implementation study. Goal three was to continue improving  
WLAB communication with the community and Council, by specifically: Promoting the  
communities use of the web linked email access to WLAB members and the utility staff,  
hosting a public meeting to seek community input on current water and electric utility  
issues, and submitting a FY 2023 annual report to Council by the end of the calendar  
year 2023. Goal four was to develop a set of utility rate metrics to evaluate rate  
affordability and encourage their use to evaluate future utility rate changes. Goal five was  
to support the utility staff on the implementation of recommendations from the Integrated  
Electric Resource and Master Plan Task Force (IERMP) for distribution and transmission  
system improvements and expansions by supporting capital projects to expand the  
capacity and redundancy of the Perche Creek and Bolstad Substations, supporting  
development of a plan to upgrade Hinkson Creek Substation to avoid flooding impact and  
allow MU to upgrade its requested transmission access, and continuing to support the  
development of a transmission plan as recommended by the IERMP recommendations.  
This was a draft that was to be finalized before the December council meeting for  
approval. Mr. Storvick stated he felt good about this and there wasn’t anything he wanted  
to add. Mr. Jensen stated that the WLAB should create framework to work with staff on  
Capital Improvement Projects (CIP’s) to set priorities for tax credits.  
Attachments: WLAB FY24 Goals Draft  
c) WLAB Annual Report  
The WLAB annual report draft was discussed with the intent to finalize in December.  
Attachments: FY23 WLAB Annual Report  
d) Rolling Calendar  
The Follow-Up on Rate Affordability Metrics and WLAB 2024 Goals were moved to the  
December meeting.  
Attachments: WL Rolling Agenda November  
VIII. PUBLIC EMAIL COMMENTS  
Two emails had been submitted to the WLAB public email forum. Mr. Jim Windsor  
submitted an email discussing the affordability metrics and asked the board to look into  
it. Mr. Switzer said he appreciated the information and if they wanted to accomplish  
something they needed to measure it. He did feel it was worth a look at water since that  
is what he knows best. Mr. Dick Parker submitted a comment about using wind energy  
with solar energy to meet the goal of 100% renewable by 2030. It was stated that there  
was an MPUA contract in place for this.  
Attachments: WLABPublic Grain Belt Express  
WLABPublic Affordability Metrics attachment #1  
WLABPublic Affordability Metrics attachment #2  
WLABPublic Affordability Metrics  
WLABPublic Sikeston Power Supply Plans attachment #1  
WLABPublic Sikeston Power Supply Plans  
WLABPublic Water Tier Report  
IX. GENERAL COMMENTS BY PUBLIC, MEMBERS, AND STAFF  
Mr. Jim Windsor told the WLAB that it was unfortunate there was no quarterly update on  
the cash reserve and said they needed to know the cash reserve trend on a monthly  
basis. He also discussed focusing on reliability and that trying to achieve 100%  
renewable energy by 2030 was unrealistic. He also brought up repayment of bonds and  
that the current HDR Contract did not include testing terms. It was also stated that the  
McBaine Water Treatment Plant needed to have more discussions with staff about the  
deficit.  
Mr. Conway requested the following be considered:  
First was the Water Rate Evaluation after issuance of Water Bonds (Been doing this for  
at least the last 30 years on W&L rate increases):  
Annual Debt Service from Published Debt Service Schedule - $1,782,970 average per  
year for 30 year bond term  
Add required debt service minimum coverage of 1.10 - 1.10 times $1,782,970 equals  
$1,961,267 per year  
Next was the Water Revenue Projection. He said $2.00 times 12 months times 51,200  
customers equals $1,228,800 per year (need to adjust for other meter sizes). $1,961,267  
per year minus $1,228,800 equals $732,467 deficit per year. How will this deficit be  
handled? Another water rate increase!  
He presented the following options:  
$732,467/(12 X 51,200) equals $1.19 per month per customer  
OR  
$732,467/5,000,000 ccf equals $0.15 per ccf - add this to each step of all rate categories  
and nothing to base charge.  
Mr. Conways second point made:  
$25,000,000 Engineer’s opinion of probable construction costs for base bid only  
-$22,579,000 Funds available ($21,000,000 new water bond issue plus $1,579,000  
currently in CIP WO236)  
$ 2,421,000 Deficit financing prior to bid opening, where will this additional money come  
from?  
$2,421,000 Construction Cost Deficit  
$1,250,000 Estimated “Contingency Fund” at 5% of Construction  
$
900,000 Estimated Construction Administration, Inspection/Construction Observation,  
testing, shop drawing review/Submittal review (not currently in HDR contract)  
$4,571,000 Total Project Cost deficit prior to bid opening, where will this additional money  
come from?  
Mr. Conway requested these points be taken up with city staff to get a resolution as soon  
as possible.  
X. NEXT MEETING DATE  
December 12, 2023  
XI. ADJOURNMENT  
The meeting adjourned at 9:50 a.m. on a motion by Mr. David Switzer with a  
second by Mr. Tom Jensen.  
To submit questions or concerns to the Water & Light Advisory, please email wlabpublic@como.gov  
All media inquires should be submitted to Matt Nestor at Matthew.Nestor@como.gov or Todd McVickers  
at Todd.McVickers@como.gov.  
Members of the public may attend any open meeting. For requests for accommodations related to  
disability, please call 573-874-CITY (573-874-2489) or email CITY@CoMo.gov. In order to assist staff in  
making the appropriate arrangements for your accommodation, please make your request as far in  
advance of the posted meeting date as possible.  
USB DRIVES PROHIBITED: Due to cybersecurity concerns, flash drives and other media devices  
are no longer permitted for delivering files or presentation materials. A speaker who desires to  
display a presentation must upload the presentation, in advance, to the city network using an  
upload portal. To upload your files and learn more, visit CoMo.gov/upload. (Effective Jan. 1,  
2023)