HomeMy WebLinkAbout1-25-2022 Board of Water and Light
Approved by the Board of Commissioners 03-22-22
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
LANSING BOARD OF WATER AND LIGHT
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January 25, 2022
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The Board of Commissioners met at the Lansing Board of Water and Light (BWL) Headquarters-REO Town
Depot located at 1201 S. Washington Ave., Lansing, MI, at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 25, 2022.
Chairperson David Price called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Acting Corporate Secretary, Maria Koutsoukos, called the roll.
Present: Commissioners David Price, Beth Graham, Dusty Horwitt, Semone James, DeShon Leek, Tony
Mullen, Tracy Thomas, and Sandra Zerkle. Non-Voting Commissioners present: Larry Merrill (Delta
Township), and Brian Ross (DeWitt Township)
Absent: Commissioner Douglas Jester (East Lansing)
Acting Corporate Secretary Koutsoukos declared a quorum.
The meeting attendees recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Commissioner Thomas, Seconded by Commissioner Graham, to approve the Special Board
Meeting Minutes of December 21, 2021 and December 14, 2021, and the Regular Board Meeting minutes
of November 16, 2021.
Action: Motion Carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS
There were no public comments on agenda items.
COMMUNICATIONS
Electronic mail received from Kevin Shoen regarding fiber construction permits - Referred to
Management. Received and Placed on File.
Electronic mail received from Victor Diaz regarding butterfly garden partnership - Referred to
Management. Received and Placed on File.
Electronic mail received from Tom Hawley regarding street lighting - Referred to Management. Received
and Placed on File.
Electronic mail received from Terry and Valerie Price regarding water shutoff - Referred to Management.
Received and Placed on File.
Electronic mail received from Vivian and Brenden Cislo regarding electrical wire hazard - Referred to
Management. Received and Placed on File.
Electronic mail received from Magdalena Rivera regarding deposit fee - Referred to Management.
Received and Placed on File.
Late item electronic mail received from Heather Douglas regarding publishing LBWL’s energy mix on
LBWL’s website - Referred to Management. Received and Placed on File.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Vice-Chair Sandra Zerkle presented the Committee of the Whole Report:
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Meeting Minutes
January 11, 2022
The Committee of the Whole of the Lansing Board of Water and Light (BWL) met at the BWL Headquarters-
REO Town Depot located at 1201 S. Washington Ave., Lansing, MI, on Tuesday, January 11, 2022.
Committee of the Whole Chair Sandra Zerkle called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. and asked the Acting
Corporate Secretary to call the roll.
Present: Commissioners Sandra Zerkle, Beth Graham (arrived @5:33 p.m.), Dusty Horwitt, Semone James,
DeShon Leek, David Price and Tracy Thomas, and Non-Voting Member: Larry Merrill (Delta Township)
Absent: Commissioners Tony Mullen, Douglas Jester (East Lansing), and Brian Ross (DeWitt Township)
The Acting Corporate Secretary declared a quorum.
Public Comments
There were no public comments.
Approval of Minutes
Motion by Commissioner Price, Seconded by Commissioner James, to approve the Committee of the
Whole meeting minutes of November 9, 2021 as corrected.
Action: The minutes were approved as corrected.
Strategic Plan Execution Update
Strategic Planning and Marketing Executive Director, Brandie Ekren, presented the Strategic Plan
Execution Update. Ms. Ekren reviewed the Mission, Vision, and Value Statements, and explained the
goals, strategies and tactics of the five (5) priorities. The priorities are set to integrate and enhance
customer and community needs and experiences; sustain a workforce that embraces safety and supports
BWL’s success; lead in providing energy solutions; and continually improve organizational assets—to
which people and knowledge were added. The focus will be on communication, monitoring and tracking,
execution, and accountability. Ms. Ekren provided key action points for strategic planning and strategic
management.
Executive Director of Human Resources & Labor Relations, Michael Flowers, provided information on
expanded workforce engagement. Mr. Flowers stated that BWL conducted an employee survey with
Gallup with whom a four-year contract was formed in 2021 and partnered with Marsh for training in
workplace safety processes. BWL also developed new-hire onboarding and leadership processes,
succession planning processes, and processes to support career progression.
Enterprise Business Programs Manager, Kellee Christensen, provided information on the impacts of the
Strategic Plan to the BSmart program. Ms. Christensen reported that the BSmart program projects that
are in progress are near to, or in Phase V and near completion. BWL has improved customer experience
and the customer self-service portal with the BSmart program. The BSmart program has also improved
outage management and restoration practices.
Environmental Services & Reliability Compliance Manager, Lori Myott, spoke about climate response and
corporate sustainability. Ms. Myott reported that Environmental Services is working on a corporate
sustainability report which will track the sustainability and carbon reduction goals and indicate
improvements to be made year to year. Waste reduction with recycling and compost efforts, cleaning
Eckert station, renewable energy and energy use reduction, and sustainable land use with native
pollinators are some of the projects on which Environmental Services is working.
Ms. Ekren concluded the presentation stating that progress would be communicated by providing
quarterly updated Balanced Scorecards and an annual corporate sustainability report, while continuing to
provide dashboard reports and monthly highlights.
Chair Zerkle inquired what the monitoring and measuring of goals in the strategic plan includes. Ms. Ekren
responded that the balanced scorecard measures the tasks and activities in strategic management and
indicates the progress of the goals and the key initiatives.
Commissioner Thomas thanked Ms. Ekren and her department for their leadership.
Commissioner Merrill asked if the balanced scorecard, dashboards and key performance indicators were
all the same thing, whether they are parts of the different reports, and what determines which
information is reported to the Board. Ms. Ekren responded that the balanced scorecard reflects numbers,
and the key performance indicators reflect accomplished results and the measures that indicate the
results are being accomplished. Ms. Ekren stated that management review meetings are held quarterly
to determine barriers to success and to measure performance. Commissioner Merrill asked to what
extent strategic plan information is disseminated organization wide. Ms. Ekren responded that providing
the information is being addressed and obtaining the data in real time is the main focus.
Commissioner Horwitt asked if there was a year-by-year benchmark plan for achieving carbon neutrality.
Ms. Ekren responded the benchmark plan will be reflected in the annual corporate sustainability report,
and the report will indicate what carbon use was in the past and what it will be until carbon neutrality is
realized in 2030. Emphasis in the plan will be on changing behaviors which affect the environment.
Chair Zerkle inquired about federal money for electric cars and electric charging stations that was
addressed in recent bills. GM Peffley responded that CFO Heather Shawa, Executive Director of
Operations Dave Bolan, and Ms. Ekren continually search for grants for which BWL can apply. GM Peffley
added that the electric distribution system is being assessed for supplying to customer homes. He also
added that green fuels are being researched and the EV program will be a separate undertaking. Chair
Zerkle asked if the Smartmeters had the capability to measure usage and determine which residents could
have electric vehicles. GM Peffley responded that a separate charging station would need to be installed
but energy efficiency was started by the BWL before it was required by the state and some groups of
houses may be able to be serviced by one transformer. Chair Zerkle asked if there was a time of use rate
for electric cars. GM Peffley responded that there is an EV rate 22. He also stated that customers are
asked to charge their cars at night for a better rate.
Commissioner Graham asked if there was an area on the BWL website, or some avenue where the
community is kept informed, and if classrooms were visited with information. Ms. Ekren responded that
there are social media and communication platforms, and programs with school districts. Ms. Myott
responded that BWL partners with Consumers Energy and children are taught in partnerships with schools
about renewable energy, how electricity works, and energy saving tips.
Other
GM Peffley gave an update regarding a communication received about third party attachers on poles.
There is a price for each pole and when receiving a permit and a request to attach a line to a pole, BWL is
responsible for making the pole ready by making sure there is room on the pole. The highest voltage wires
go on the top. When there is a line attached to the pole without permission, BWL has to ask the other
attachers to move their lines which is expensive and time consuming. When BWL asked the attachers to
move their lines or be charged for having BWL move them, BWL ended up moving the lines with the help
of a construction company. Previously, complaints were received often, resulting in BWL redoing the
contracts for the pole attachments two years ago. Permission is required to attach to the poles so that
the lines are attached properly to protect the integrity of the pole and safety of the pole and the
community.
Commissioner Price asked what determines how many attachments can be on a pole. GM Peffley
responded the height of the pole, and the voltage of the line determines where the line is attached.
Commissioner Graham asked who repairs lines in the back yard of a customer. GM Peffley responded that
when BWL is notified, it doesn’t repair lines unless the lines are not fixed in a timely manner and BWL
charges the attacher for the repair. If a safety matter needs to be addressed or an emergency occurs,
BWL will make the line safe and charge the line attacher.
Commissioner Thomas commented that Wright Tree Company is working in his neighborhood and is doing
a great job but would like it brought to their attention that their MEN WORKING sign is not diverse.
Commissioner Horwitt asked for an update on the incident with the utility poles breaking and the train
hitting the wires. GM Peffley responded that wind sheer broke the poles, temporary new poles have been
put in, and conductors will be put in during the summer when there will be no interruption. There were
approximately six miles of wire downed but no injuries were reported. Costs are still being assessed but it
is expected to be over a million dollars. Commissioner Horwitt asked if any litigation was being
contemplated by BWL or by those affected. GM Peffley responded that there is no known litigation at this
time and that BWL is required by policy to notify the Board of any litigation and referred the question to
General Counsel Mark Matus. Mr. Matus responded that significant milestones in pending litigation is
provided to the Board. Commissioner Price responded that the information is provided in the monthly
updates.
Executive Director of Human Resources & Labor Relations, Michael Flowers provided an update on the HR
Hiring Consultant, Global Business Resource Group (GBRG). A contract has been made with the consultant
and position descriptions and pay grade information has been sent to their offices. Mr. Flowers has
scheduled an initial meeting with Mr. Bill Brewer of GBRG for next steps and to schedule an HR Committee
meeting. Mr. Brewer will post the vacant positions on his platform by the end of this week. A current list
of applicants for both positions will be shared with him. Timelines to effectively and efficiently move
forward with the process will be discussed.
Commissioner Thomas asked that the HR Committee be notified when any important actions are taken.
Chair Zerkle asked to be notified of how long the positions will be posted and when they will be closed in
order to know when the interview process will begin. Mr. Flowers responded that those items will be
discussed in the initial HR Committee meeting.
Commissioner Horwitt asked for a synopsis to be sent to the HR Committee of what Mr. Flowers just stated
and Mr. Flowers responded he would send it. Commissioner Horwitt asked when the meeting with Mr.
Brewer is expected to be held. Mr. Flowers responded that he expected it to be scheduled next week.
A discussion followed on how the decision was made for the Board’s Corporate Secretary contact person
after the resignation of the Corporate Secretary. A suggestion was made that Chair Zerkle work with both
the Executive Assistant, Smiljana Williams, and the Assistant to the Corporate Secretary, Maria
Koutsoukos, until the Corporate Secretary position was filled. The Commissioners were informed that a
decision to change the Board’s Corporate Secretary contact person could be made at this meeting.
Commissioner Horwitt asked if documents, to include the Governance Policy, Administrative Rules of
Procedure, and a list of delegation decisions, could be sent to the Commissioners to review prior to the
Governance Training meeting on February 4th. The Commissioners would provide their comments and
suggested revisions and return them to Ms. Koutsoukos by Monday, January 24th. Ms. Koutsoukos will
compile the responses and return them to the Commissioners by Friday, January 28th.
GM Peffley asked who the Board would like to be the Acting Corporate Secretary in order for him to
prepare a Resolution for the next Board Meeting. Commissioner James supported appointing Ms.
Koutsoukos as the Acting Corporate Secretary and the primary contact. Commissioner Leek asked if there
was a pay increase with the appointment and GM Peffley responded that a 12.5% increase was given to
his employees but as a Board appointee it is the Board’s decision. A discussion followed. Chair Zerkle will
meet with Ms. Koutsoukos to discuss the position of Acting Corporate Secretary.
Motion by Commissioner Thomas, Seconded by Commissioner Graham, to excuse Commissioners Tony
Mullen, Douglas Jester and Brian Ross from tonight’s meeting.
Action: Motion Carried
Adjourn
Chair Zerkle adjourned the meeting at 7:16 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted
Sandra Zerkle, Chair
Committee of the Whole
Chair David Price presented the Finance Committee Report:
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Meeting Minutes
January 11, 2022
The Finance Committee of the Board of Water and Light (BWL) met at the BWL Headquarters – REO Town
Depot, located at 1201 S. Washington Ave., Lansing, MI on Tuesday, January 11, 2022.
Finance Committee Acting Chair David Price called the meeting to order at 7:24 p.m. and asked the Acting
Corporate Secretary to call the roll.
Present: Commissioners Beth Graham, Semone James, David Price and Sandra Zerkle. Also, present:
Commissioners Dusty Horwitt, DeShon Leek, Tracy Thomas and Non-Voting Commissioner Larry Merrill
(Delta Township)
Absent: Commissioner Tony Mullen
The Acting Corporate Secretary declared a quorum.
Public Comments
There were no public comments.
Approval of Minutes
Motion by Commissioner James, Seconded by Commissioner Graham to approve the Finance Committee
meeting minutes of November 9, 2022.
Action: Motion Carried.
November YTD Financial Summary
Finance Manager, Scott Taylor gave a review of the November 2021 Year-to-date Financial Summary. Mr.
Taylor reported that the Cash position is still strong. With the pandemic and bringing the new plant online,
a conservative position is being maintained. The restricted construction fund will be decreasing and cash
will be deployed for capital infrastructure when some items have been completed. Debt service coverage
is above budget and retail sales for both commercial and residential are strong. An outage in the Erickson
plant affected the wholesale numbers. Operating expenses and budget are down due to the new plant
not being online and there is some impact from illnesses. Capital budget is under budget due to some
delay in the supply chain. Three of the five ratios are above target. Debt to Total Assets is driven by the
debt incurred with the Delta Energy Plant. Days Sales Outstanding is being affected by challenges
customers have had making payments during the pandemic. Employee count and payroll data are
consistent with previous data. Benefit costs have increased a little with an increase in claims but are offset
with a decrease in prescription costs.
Commissioner Zerkle asked if the bad debt was decreasing toward normal levels. Mr. Taylor responded
that bad debt was nearing former values from before the pandemic.
Bi-annual Internal Audit Open Management Response
Senior Internal Control Analyst, Elisha Franco, presented the bi-annual Internal Audit Open Management
Response. Ms. Franco reported that mandatory training for P-Card holders is estimated to be completed
by the end of January and Cyber Maturity is the only open action item under cyber security. Ms. Franco
stated that the following closed action items were completed: revising and updating the P-Card manual
and program on December 17, 2021 and December 21, 2021 respectively; implementing formal and
written procedures for MPPA/MISO billings on August 18, 2021; and implementing a formal user access
security review process for the OATI System on July 1, 2021.
Commissioner Zerkle thanked Ms. Franco for her clear, concise presentation.
Retirement Plan Committee (RPC) Updates
CFO Heather Shawa presented the Retirement Plan Committee (RPC) investment and administrative
activity updates. Quarterly meetings were held with advisor ACG for the DB and VEBA Plans and with
CapTrust and Nationwide for the Defined Contribution and Deferred Compensation Plans. The quarterly
pension reports were emailed to the Board on December 17, 2021 and the final transition of assets from
MissionSquare (ICMA-RC) to Nationwide was completed on December 21, 2021. A new account will be
opened at Bank of America to handle the disbursement of pension payments for the DB Plan.
The Administrative Services Agreement for the VEBA Plan became effective January 1, 2022. A section
will be added to the March 31, 2022 Quarterly Pension Report showing benefits paid on behalf of the
Trust and, if applicable, the amount reimbursed from the Trust to the BWL operating account. An
Approval of Plan Document Amendment was made to align with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services standards, and to clarify coverage eligibility for participants.
The Voluntary Correction Program response was filed in January 2021 to the IRS examiner for the October
29th follow-up request for the Defined Contribution & Deferred Compensation Plans. There is one item
that remains for approval and acceptance of correction. The Miners Act and SECURE Act optional
provisions recommended and adopted by the Board are reducing in-service distribution age from 70 ½ to
59 ½ for 457 (b) participants and allowing withdrawal of $5,000 following birth or adoption without a 10%
early withdrawal penalty.
Commissioner James asked how the amounts were selected for the optional provisions in the two acts.
CFO Shawa responded that in the review meetings with the advisors, the optional provisions were
determined to be an advantage to participants. Commissioner James asked if any other options were
considered. CFO Shawa responded that those were the only two brought forward for the plan but the
Board may suggest additional options they would like considered.
Internal Auditor Status Report
Acting Chair Price requested that the Internal Audit Status Report be postponed until the Regular Board
meeting.
Other
Finance Committee Chair Tony Mullen provided by email the Commissioners with a proposed resolution
to appoint BWL Principal Auditor Brian Schimke as the Interim Internal Auditor. The resolution submitted
in the November 9, 2021 Finance Committee Meeting was removed from the agenda due to concerns
raised by legal counsel. Legal counsel’s concerns will be addressed by the BWL Human Resources
Department administering this position through its normal process for interim positions.
Motion by Commissioner Graham, Seconded by Commissioner Zerkle to forward the resolution as
amended to appoint BWL Principal Auditor Brian Schimke as the Interim Internal Auditor until
the Charter Appointed position of (Director) Internal Auditor is filled by the Board of Commissioners to
the full Board for consideration.
Commissioner James asked what the Interim Internal Auditor would be expected to produce for the Board
during the interim period. Chair Price responded that Mr. Schimke will be producing the revised audit
plan as it has been proposed. Commissioner James asked if the five-year peer review would be completed
by the Interim Internal Auditor. Chair Price stated he did not have that information and requested that
questions regarding the Interim Internal Auditor role be postponed until the full Board meeting.
Commissioner Zerkle asked if General Counsel Mark Matus could elaborate on why the wording in one of
the Interim Internal Auditor documents included that BWL had the right to eliminate the position when
the position is appointed by the Board. Mr. Matus responded that it is standard language for contracts
for interim positions.
Commissioner Thomas requested further clarification on management having the right to eliminate the
position when it is a Board position. He requested that the resolution be amended to the Board having
the right to eliminate the position. Mr. Matus responded that the resolution can be amended for the
Board to have the discretion to eliminate the position.
Action: Motion Carried.
Adjourn
Chair David Price adjourned the meeting at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
David Price, Acting Chair
Finance Committee
Commissioner Mullen stated that Principal Auditor, Brian Schimke would give a brief presentation of the
Internal Auditor Status Report this evening. Commissioner Mullen added that a Finance Committee
meeting would be scheduled for a full presentation of the Audit Report if the Commissioners requested
one.
Chair David Price presented the Human Resources Committee Report:
HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE
Committee Report
January 20, 2022
The Human Resources Committee met on January 20, 2022.
The Committee met for the purpose of:
• Introducing Mr. Bill Brewer, CEO of Global Business Resource Group.
• Discussion of Director, Internal Audit and Corporate Secretary job description survey results.
• Setting of a timeline for the hiring process for the two appointed positions.
• Discuss next steps in the hiring process.
The Committee engaged in dialogue, and suggested language and edits to the Director, Internal Audit and
Corporate Secretary job descriptions. Motions were made to amend the job descriptions. These
amendments are on the agenda for consideration this evening.
Thank you and that concludes my Report.
David Price, HR Chair
01-20-22
MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATIONS
There were no Manager’s Recommendations.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Principal Auditor Brian Schimke gave a brief presentation of the Internal Auditor Status Report.
NEW BUSINESS
Chair Price brought forth the recommended amendments to the Internal Auditor and Corporate
Secretary job descriptions. After reviewing the job description for the Internal Auditor, it was suggested
to change the requirement for the amount of time to obtain the Certified Information Systems Auditor
and Certified Management Accountant designations from six months to one year. When the original job
description was written, remote work was not as prevalent and a suggestion was made to add a hybrid
work environment of in-office and remote work expectations under Working Conditions. After
reviewing the job description for the Corporate Secretary, it was suggested to change having a
bachelor’s degree in Business required to having a bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred. It was also
suggested to add that qualified candidates will have relevant education and experience necessary to
perform the essential functions and meet the performance expectations for the position.
Commissioner Zerkle commented that the reasons for applying section was added to the Corporate
Secretary job description as it was in the Internal Auditor job description.
Motion by Commissioner Zerkle, Seconded by Commissioner Leek, to approve the Amendments to the
Director, Internal Auditor and Corporate Secretary job descriptions.
Action: Motion Carried.
RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION 2022-01-01
Appointment of Interim Internal Auditor
WHEREAS, on November 9, 2021, the Finance Committee recommended that BWL Principal Auditor
Brian Schimke serve as the Interim Internal Auditor reporting directly to the Board of Commissioners
until a permanent Internal Auditor has been appointed and approved by the Board of Commissioners;
WHEREAS, at the regular Board meeting on November 16, 2021, the resolution to appoint an interim
internal auditor was removed from the agenda following concerns raised by Legal Counsel; and
WHEREAS, Legal Counsel’s concerns will be addressed by means of the BWL Human Resources
Department administering this interim position through its normal process for interim positions and
making a written offer to Mr. Schimke containing the terms of the interim position,
RESOLVED, that Brian Schimke will serve as the Interim Internal Auditor while remaining a BWL at-will
employee though reporting directly to the Board of Commissioners until the permanent Charter
Appointed position of (Director) Internal Auditor is approved by the Board of Commissioners.
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Motion by Commissioner Mullen, Seconded by Commissioner Graham, to approve the Resolution for the
Appointment of Interim Internal Auditor.
Action: Motion Carried.
RESOLUTION 2022-01-02
Appointment of Interim Corporate Secretary
WHEREAS, on January 7, 2022, the Charter Appointed position of Corporate Secretary was vacated;
WHEREAS, on January 11, 2022, the Committee of the Whole recommended that BWL employee, Maria
Koutsoukos, serve as the Interim Corporate Secretary, effective January 10, 2022, until a permanent
Corporate Secretary has been appointed by the Board of Commissioners;
WHEREAS, the BWL Human Resources Department will administer this interim position through its
normal process for interim positions and make a written offer to Maria Koutsoukos containing the terms
of the interim position.
RESOLVED, that Maria Koutsoukos will serve as the Interim Corporate Secretary effective January 10,
2022, while remaining a BWL at-will employee though reporting to the Board of Commissioners in her
interim capacity until a permanent Corporate Secretary has been appointed by the Board of
Commissioners.
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Motion by Commissioner James, Seconded by Commissioner Zerkle, to approve the Resolution for the
Appointment of Interim Corporate Secretary.
Action: Motion Carried.
MANAGER’S REMARKS
General Manager Richard Peffley provided information on the following items:
1. BWL’s First STEP program that was ceased during the COVID-19 pandemic has been reactivated.
GM Peffley stated there are ten students in the program and encouraged attendance at the
graduation event which will be announced at a later time.
2. There was an article regarding the Erickson fly ash pond in the media. The City Pulse story included
factual inaccuracies, our drinking water has not been contaminated and BWL has made a
commitment to protect drinking water. Proactively, additional wells are being drilled for sampling
purposes and updates will be provided. The two elements for which tests are being run are
naturally occurring and samples will be taken to determine whether BWL is adding to it.
Commissioner Zerkle asked whether it was correct that water for the city was checked three times a day
for pollutants or problems. GM Peffley responded that the water is checked continually. Commissioner
Zerkle asked if customers with wells could bring in samples to be tested. GM Peffley responded that BWL
can check the samples and that BWL manages the aquifer and where groundwater flows to keep the water
clean.
Commissioner Horwitt thanked GM Peffley for his commitment to keeping the water safe and asked
whether BWL had any wells near the Erickson plant or where there may be contaminates and if a potential
issue would be with private wells. GM Peffley responded that BWL had three wells in the vicinity that are
no longer in use and that the private water wells have been converted to the Delta Township system and
are not used for drinking water. Commissioner Horwitt asked about disagreements BWL had with the EPA
and asked for the Commissioners to be provided with any comments that BWL will submit to the EPA. He
also asked for a diagram of the location of the ash ponds and the proximity of the wells. GM Peffley
responded he would provide the Commissioners with the comments submitted and that he would provide
a map to the Commissioners. Commissioner Merrill asked that the information also be provided to Delta
Township officials and GM Peffley responded he would share that with them.
3. BWL has acquired a contract for 120 MW of service with a 20-year agreement. A normal service
request for an assembly plant is for 23 MW. BWL will build a substation and $33 million has been
granted by the State of Michigan. A reduced rate has been negotiated in the agreement due to
the work and efforts of the employees at BWL.
COMMISSIONERS’ REMARKS
Commissioner Leek thanked and congratulated GM Peffley and his staff for approving the reduced energy
rate and asked when ground would be broken for the substation. GM Peffley responded that BWL is
expecting to break ground in six weeks.
EXCUSED ABSENCE
Motion by Commissioner Mullen, Seconded by Commissioner Zerkle, to excuse Commissioner Jester from
tonight’s meeting.
Action: Motion Carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Price adjourned the meeting at 6:01 p.m.
Maria Koutsoukos, Interim Corporate Secretary
Preliminary Minutes filed (electronically) with Lansing City Clerk 01-27-22
Approved by the Board of Commissioners: 03-22-22
Official Minutes filed (electronically) with Lansing City Clerk: 03-23-22