HomeMy WebLinkAbout7-26-22 Board of Water and Light
Approved by the Board of Commissioners 09-27-22
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
LANSING BOARD OF WATER AND LIGHT
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July 26, 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, July
26, 2022.
Chairperson David Price called the meeting to order at 5:30p.m.
Chairperson Price welcomed new Commissioner Maggie Sanders representing Lansing Charter
Township as an Advisory Commissioner.
The Corporate Secretary, LaVella J. Todd, 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: Maggie
Sanders (Lansing Charter Township).
Absent: Non-Voting Commissioner Douglas Jester (East Lansing) and Larry Merrill (Delta
Township).
Corporate Secretary Todd declared a quorum.
Commissioner Price led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS FY 2022-2023
Nominating Committee Chairperson Tony Mullen presented the July 12, 2022, Nominating
Committee Report. The proposed slate of officers for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 is as such:
Commissioner Semone James serving as Chairperson; and Commissioner Sandra Zerkle serving
as Vice Chairperson. There were no further nominations for the officers’ positions from the
floor.
Motion by Commissioner Beth Graham, Seconded by Commissioner Tracy Thomas to close
nominations for officers’ positions.
Action: Motion Carried.
Motion by Commissioner Beth Graham, Seconded by Commissioner DeShon Leek to approve
the nominations of Commissioner Semone James to serve as the Chairperson and
Commissioner Sandra Zerkle to serve as the Vice Chairperson of the Board of Commissioners
for Fiscal Year 2022-2023.
Roll Call Vote called by Commissioner Tracy Thomas.
Roll Call Vote:
Yeas: Commissioners David Price, Beth Graham, Dusty Horwitt, Semone James, DeShon Leek,
Tracy Thomas and Sandra Zerkle.
Nays: Commissioner Tony Mullen.
Action: Motion Carried.
Commissioner David Price congratulated new officers for FY 2022-2023, and then passed the
gavel to new Chairperson, Semone James.
Chair James thanks fellow board-members for their support, acknowledged Commissioner Price
for his years of service as Chair and requested applause in his behalf.
Chair James tabled nomination for board member for Executive Committee until the September
Committee of the Whole Meeting after reciting a section related to Executive Committee from
Rules of Procedures.
Chair James stated committee assignments will be assigned next week and she will be reaching
out to board members regarding their preferences.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion by Commissioner David Price, Seconded by Commissioner Beth Graham, to approve the
Regular Board Meeting minutes of May 24, 2022.
Action: Motion Carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS
There were no public comments on agenda items.
COMMUNICATIONS
Electronic mail received from M. Denise Griffin regarding Employment Concerns - Referred to
Management. Received and Placed on File.
Electronic mail received from Elaine Dierwa Fischhoff regarding LBWL Amended Rules of
Procedure - Referred to Management. Received and Placed on File.
Electronic mail received from Derek Davis regarding Fallen Tree on Power Lines - Referred to
Management. Received and Placed on File.
Electronic mail received from Craig McDaniel regarding Residential Account - Referred to
Management. Received and Placed on File.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Human Resources Committee Chairperson Tracy Thomas presented the Human Resources
Committee Report:
HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE
Meeting Minutes
June 21, 2022
Human Resources Committee: Tracy Thomas, Committee Chairperson; Commissioners: Dusty
Horwitt, DeShon Leek, David Price; Sandra Zerkle (Alternate).
The Human Resources Committee 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, at 5:30 p.m. on
Tuesday, June 21, 2022.
Human Resources (HR) Committee Chairperson Tracy Thomas called the meeting to order at 5:30
p.m. and asked the Corporate Secretary to call the roll. The following members were present:
Commissioners Tracy Thomas, Dusty Horwitt, DeShon Leek, and David Price. Also present:
Commissioners Sandra Zerkle (Alternate) and Tony Mullen; Commissioner Semone James
attended the meeting via conference phone.
Absent: None.
Public Comments
None.
1. Approval of Minutes
Motion by Commissioner David Price, Seconded by Commissioner DeShon Leek, to approve
the Human Resources Committee meeting minutes of April 26, 2022.
Action: Motion Carried.
2. FY 2023 Board Appointee Performance Review – General Manager
HR Committee Chairperson Thomas opened the floor for the Board Appointee Performance
Review.
General Manager Richard Peffley requested a closed session for the purpose of receiving his
contractual year-end performance evaluation as permitted by the Open Meetings Act
exemption MCL 15.268(a).
Motion by Commissioner David Price, Seconded by Commissioner DeShon Leek, to enter into
closed session to discuss the contractual year-end performance evaluation of General
Manager, Richard Peffley.
Roll Call Vote:
Yeas: Commissioners Tracy Thomas, Dusty Horwitt, DeShon Leek, and David Price.
Nays: None.
Action: Motion Carried.
The Human Resources Committee went into closed session at 5:37 p.m.
Motion by Commissioner David Price, Seconded by Commissioner Dusty Horwitt, to
reconvene into open session.
Roll Call Vote:
Yeas: Commissioners Tracy Thomas, Dusty Horwitt, DeShon Leek, and David Price.
Nays: None.
Action: Motion Carried.
The Human Resources Committee reconvened to open session at 6:10 p.m.
3. General Manager Reappointment Resolution
At the start of open session, the following motion was offered:
Motion by Commissioner David Price, Seconded by Commissioner Dusty Horwitt, to forward
the resolution reappointing Richard (Dick) Peffley to the Charter position of General Manager
for FY23 to the full Board for consideration at its July 2022 Meeting.
Action: Motion Carried.
The purpose of the revised contacts for the recently hired Internal Auditor and Corporate
Secretary (Agenda Item 4) is:
• To align the contracts with the Board’s Rules of Procedure for annual review and
appointment of its three employees at the end each fiscal year ending June 30: “the
Board at its first regular board meeting following July 1 of each year or as soon as
practical thereafter, shall appoint a Director of Internal Audit and a Corporate
Secretary.”
• The original contract could not conform with this Procedure because the City Charter
prohibits contracts in excess of 12 months and both new employees started their
employment on May 9, 2022, creating a gap between May 9, 2023 and June 30, 2023.
• With the revised contracts a new term is established that conforms with the Board’s
own Procedure and the City Charter and eliminates the gap by appointing both
employees for a new 12-month period commencing July 1, 2022 and ending June 30,
2023.
4. Revised Employment Contract for Corporate Secretary and Internal Auditor
Revised Employment Contract for Corporate Secretary
Motion by Commissioner David Price, Seconded by Commissioner DeShon Leek, to forward
the resolution to revise the appointment of Corporate Secretary LaVella J. Todd from July 1,
2022 to June 30, 2023 to the full Board for consideration at its July 2022 Meeting.
Action: Motion Carried.
Revised Employment Contract for Internal Auditor
Motion by Commissioner David Price, Seconded by Commissioner DeShon Leek, to forward the
resolution to revise the appointment of Internal Auditor Frank Macciocca from July 1, 2022 to
June 30, 2023 to the full Board for consideration at its July 2022 Meeting.
Action: Motion Carried.
Other
There was no other business.
Adjourn
Human Resources (HR) Committee Chairperson Thomas adjourned the meeting at 6:16 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Tracy Thomas, Chairperson
Human Resources Committee
Chair James commended Commissioner Thomas for his service as HR Committee Chairperson.
Commissioner Tony Mullen presented the Nominating Committee Report:
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Meeting Minutes
July 12, 2022
The Nominating Committee of the Lansing Board of Water and Light met at the BWL
Headquarters-REO Town Depot located at 1201 S. Washington Ave., Lansing, MI, at 5:00 p.m. on
Tuesday, July 12, 2022.
Nominating Committee Chairperson, Tony Mullen, called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. and
asked the Corporate Secretary to call the roll. The following committee members were present:
Commissioners Tony Mullen, Beth Graham, DeShon Leek, and Tracy Thomas.
Absent: None
Public Comments
There were no public comments.
Approval of Minutes
Motion by Commissioner Thomas, Seconded by Commissioner Graham to approve the
Nominating Committee meeting minutes of June 15, 2021.
Action: Motion Carried.
Officer & Committee Survey Results & Officer & Committee Survey Memorandum
Nominating Committee Chairperson Tony Mullen stated that the Officer Committee Survey
Results Forms and Committee Survey Memorandum were included in the Nominating
Committee meeting packet for review and asked if there were any questions regarding the
documents. There were no questions.
Nomination of Board Officer Candidates for Fiscal Year 2022-2023
Chairperson and Vice Chairperson
Nominating Committee Chairperson Mullen opened the floor for nominations for the
Chairperson for the 2022-2023 fiscal year and for the Vice Chairperson for the 2022-2023 fiscal
year.
Motion by Commissioner Leek, Seconded by Commissioner Thomas to nominate Commissioner
James to serve as Chairperson of the Board of Commissioners for the 2022-2023 fiscal year.
Roll Call Vote:
Yeas: Commissioners DeShon Leek, Tracy Thomas
Nays: Commissioners Beth Graham, Tony Mullen
Action: Motion failed.
Motion by Commissioner Graham, Seconded by Commissioner Mullen to nominate
Commissioner Price to serve as Chairperson of the Board of Commissioners for the 2022-2023
fiscal year.
Commissioner Thomas commented that the position of Chairperson should be rotated.
Roll Call Vote:
Yeas: Commissioners Beth Graham, Tony Mullen
Nays: Commissioners DeShon Leek, Tracy Thomas
Action: Motion failed.
Motion by Commissioner Mullen, Seconded by Commissioner Leek to nominate Commissioner
Zerkle to serve as Chairperson of the Board of Commissioners for the 2022-2023 fiscal year.
Roll Call Vote:
Yeas: Commissioners DeShon Leek, Tony Mullen
Nays: Commissioners Beth Graham, Tracy Thomas
Action: Motion failed.
Commissioner Graham commented that the Chairperson position should be filled by someone
who has served as Vice-Chairperson. Commissioner Thomas commented that Commissioner
James had served as Chairperson in a previous appointment and Commissioner James confirmed
that was correct.
A second motion was made to nominate Commissioner James to serve as Chairperson for the
2022-2023 fiscal year.
Motion by Commissioner Thomas, Seconded by Commissioner Graham to nominate
Commissioner James to serve as the Chairperson for the 2022-2023 fiscal year.
Roll Call Vote:
Yeas: Commissioners Beth Graham, DeShon Leek and Tracy Thomas
Nays: Commissioner Tony Mullen
Action: Motion carried.
Motion by Commissioner Leek, Seconded by Commissioner Mullen to nominate Commissioner
Zerkle to serve as Vice-Chairperson of the Board of Commissioners for the 2022-2023 fiscal year.
Roll Call Vote:
Yeas: Commissioners DeShon Leek, Tony Mullen
Nays: Commissioners Beth Graham, Tracy Thomas
Action: Motion failed.
Motion by Commissioner Leek to nominate Commissioner Thomas to serve as Vice-Chairperson
of the Board of Commissioners for the 2022-2023 fiscal year.
Commissioner Price made a point of order that a member of the Nominating Committee could
not be nominated for an officer position. Commissioner Leek withdrew his motion.
A second motion was made to nominate Commissioner Zerkle to serve as Vice-Chairperson for
the 2022-2023 fiscal year.
Motion by Commissioner Thomas, Seconded by Commissioner Mullen to nominate
Commissioner Zerkle to serve as the Vice-Chairperson for the 2022-2023 fiscal year.
Roll Call Vote:
Yeas: Commissioners Beth Graham, DeShon Leek, Tony Mullen and Tracy Thomas
Nays: None
Action: Motion carried.
Motion by Commissioner Leek, Seconded by Commissioner Thomas to present the slate of
Officers for 2022-2023 to the full Board for consideration as follows:
Chairperson: Semone James
Vice Chairperson: Sandra Zerkle
Roll Call Vote:
Yeas: Commissioners Beth Graham, DeShon Leek, Tony Mullen and Tracy Thomas
Nays: None
Action: Motion carried.
Nominating Committee Chairperson Mullen stated that the recommended slate will be
presented to the full Board for consideration and nominations will be taken from the floor at the
July 26th Regular Board/Annual Organizational meeting.
Adjourn
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:21 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Tony Mullen, Chairperson
Nominating Committee
Vice Chairperson Sandra Zerkle presented the Committee of the Whole Report:
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Meeting Minutes
July 12, 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, July
12, 2022.
Committee of the Whole Chairperson Sandra Zerkle called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. and
asked the Corporate Secretary to call the roll.
Present: Commissioners Sandra Zerkle, Beth Graham, Dusty Horwitt, Semone James, DeShon
Leek, Tony Mullen, David Price and Tracy Thomas, and Non-Voting Members: Douglas Jester
(East Lansing) and Larry Merrill (Delta Township)
Absent: Commissioner Maggie Sanders (Lansing Township)
The Corporate Secretary declared a quorum.
Public Comments
There were no public comments.
Approval of Minutes
Motion by Commissioner Graham, Seconded by Commissioner Mullen, to approve the
Committee of the Whole Meeting minutes of May 10, 2022 with corrections.
Commissioner Horwitt requested that the minutes be corrected in Commissioner Jester’s
comment to the higher price of energy on the grid is driven by natural gas prices.
Commissioner James requested that the minutes be corrected to Commissioner James making
the motion for the Resolution for the Amendment to the Return on Equity and Commissioner
Price seconding the motion.
Action: Motion carried. The minutes were approved with corrections.
Energy Waste Reduction and Renewable Energy Annual Update
Environmental Services Manager Lori Myott presented the energy waste reduction and
renewable energy update and provided information on the energy saving and budget goals,
pandemic impacts, residential programs, low-income programs, business programs and
renewable energy. Ms. Myott added that BWL has increased savings goals of 1.25% in 2022,
1.35% in 2023 and 1.5% for 2024-2026.
Amendment to Appointment to MPPA - Resolution
Dave Bolan, Chief Operations Officer, requested approval of the resolution for the Amendment
to Appointment to MPPA in which James Mitchell, Market Operations Supervisor of Bulk Power
Trading, was stepping down and Lynn McKinstry, Operations Process Support Director, was being
appointed in his stead.
Motion by Commissioner James, Seconded by Commissioner Graham to forward the resolution
to Amend the Appointment to Michigan Public Power Agency to the full Board for consideration.
Action: Motion Carried
Blackout Coordination Meeting
GM Peffley spoke about the MISO footprint. MISO is an energy governing agency that sent out
a notification that a capacity shortage is expected for July and energy load would need to be
shed. A meeting was held for city and county officials to inform them what that would involve.
Chairperson Zerkle asked if BWL had the ability to choose what time of day when the blackout
would occur and would information be distributed to customers to be prepared. GM Peffley
responded that BWL would get about a 20-minute notice and load would not be shed for essential
services such as hospitals. GM Peffley added that an initial circuit would be shut off and then a
second circuit would be shut off and the first circuit could be turned back on and this would be
done in a variety of areas.
Environmental Updates
GM Peffley responded to questions read by Corporate Secretary LaVella Todd that were
submitted by the Commissioners that included regulatory communications with the Board of
Commissioners; public health and safety impacts; renewable energy; reducing energy
consumption; carbon neutrality goals; and groundwater testing at Erickson.
Excused Absence
Motion by Commissioner James, Seconded by Commissioner Graham, to excuse Commissioner
Maggie Sanders from tonight’s meeting.
Action: Motion Carried.
Other
Commissioner Zerkle commented about Rules and Procedures communications received and
stated that the Board would follow up on any edits to the Rules and Procedure after it was
reviewed by the City Council.
Adjourn
Motion by Commissioner Price, Seconded by Commissioner Horwitt, to adjourn the meeting.
Action: Motion Carried.
Chairperson Zerkle adjourned the meeting at 6:26 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sandra Zerkle, Chairperson
Committee of the Whole
Chair James commended Commissioner Zerkle for her service as Committee of the Whole
Committee Chairperson.
Finance Committee Chairperson Tony Mullen presented the Finance Committee Report:
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Meeting Minutes
July 12, 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, July 12, 2022.
Finance Committee Chairperson Tony Mullen called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. and asked
the Corporate Secretary to call the roll.
Present: Commissioners Tony Mullen, Beth Graham, Semone James, David Price and Sandra
Zerkle.
Absent: None
The Corporate Secretary declared a quorum.
Public Comments
There were no public comments.
Approval of Minutes
Motion by Commissioner Graham, Seconded by Commissioner James to approve the Finance
Committee meeting minutes of May 10, 2022.
Action: Motion Carried.
May YTD Financial Summary
CFO Heather Shawa presented the May YTD Financial Summary and Capital Project Summary. In
response to Chairperson Mullen, Ms. Shawa reported that owed debt has been reduced to $7-8
million from $11 million and will include this in the next monthly report.
Electric Annuals Capital Project Exceedance – Resolution
CFO Shawa requested approval for the projected spending for Capital Project AE – Electric
Annuals which has an exceedance of $3.3 million. The increases are due to more line extensions
and cable upgrades than were expected, and some due to customer growth.
Commissioner Zerkle asked if any of the First STEP interns could be recruited for linemen
positions. GM Peffley responded that BWL is working with Vegetation Management to expand
their training as they are already comfortable working in a bucket.
Motion by Commissioner Price, Seconded by Commissioner Graham, to forward the Resolution
for the Capital Project Exceedance: AE – Electric Annuals to the full Board for approval.
Action: Motion Carried.
Retirement Plan Committee (RPC) Update and 401 (a) DC Plan 2 Restatement
CFO Shawa reported that there were no updates to the Defined Contribution and Deferred
Compensation Plans. The restated 401(a) plan documents for DC Plan 1 have already been
executed by the RPC and because authority for DC Plan 2 document changes has been retained
by the Board, the restated plan documents for DC Plan 2 are being brought forward for
execution by the Board for submission by the July 31, 2022, deadline.
Motion by Commissioner Graham, Seconded by Commissioner Zerkle to forward the Restated
DC Plan 2 Resolution to the full Board for consideration.
Action: Motion carried.
Bi-Annual Internal Audit Open Management Responses Update
Senior Internal Control Analyst Elisha Franco presented the Internal Audit Open Management
Responses update.
Internal Audit Department Update
Internal Auditor Frank Macciocca presented the Internal Audit Department update. Interviews
were conducted and an applicant selected for an Executive Administrative Assistant in the
Internal Audit Department.
Rate Presentation
CFO Shawa stated that a public hearing and Special Board Meeting would be held in September
regarding rate increases in November.
Corporate Planning Manager Paul Eory introduced Mark Beauchamp, President of Utility
Financial Solutions, who presented rate design trends and impacts to the distribution system for
demand charges, time of use pricing and energy incentives. Mr. Eory presented rate design
recommendations and costs of services. BWL will file the recommendations with the City Clerk
on August 5, 2022, send out a notice on September 6, 2022, for a Public Rate Hearing to be held
at a Special Board meeting on September 20, 2022, and submit for approval at the September
27, 2022, Regular Board meeting. On November 1, 2022, year one changes will be implemented
and on November 1, 2023, year two changes will be implemented.
Commissioner Zerkle requested a booklet or pamphlet be made to distribute to customers in
order for them to be informed and select what will be their most beneficial rates. GM Peffley
responded that BWL Communications Department is working on a plan to educate customers in
order for them to select what fits them best in order to reap benefits. Commissioner Zerkle
requested that BWL work with community organizations to distribute the information.
CFO Shawa responded that a tentative communication plan and meetings to be scheduled will
be presented in the July Monthly Update and requested that specific questions be brought to the
Finance Committee Chairperson. Commissioner Zerkle requested that the information be
provided in the monthly Executive Highlights instead of in the Committee Meetings.
Upon Commissioner Jester’s request for information on differentiated pricing and solar
customers outflow billing rate, a follow up meeting regarding rate strategy will be scheduled for
Commissioner Jester with BWL staff.
PA 95
Executive Director of Customer Experience Stephen Serkaian and his team, Customer Service
Manager Deanna Sparks, Community Relations Manager Breina Pugh, and Customer Experience
Manager Bob Perialas recommended a change in policy to opt into PA 95. Opting into the PA
95 rate strategy would assist low-income households through the Michigan Public Service
Commission by charging up to one dollar for every residential and commercial customer. If
BWL opts into the PA 95 program, eligible customers facing shutoff will receive assistance with
their bill. No resolution is necessary, and no Board action was required at this meeting.
Commissioner Zerkle commented that Commissioners have fought against opting into PA 95 as
there was no guarantee that state assistance would be provided in the geographic area from
which funds were received. Mr. Serkaian handed out a list of utilities opting into and out of PA
95, plus the MSPC statutory requirement to direct funds to the geographic area from which
they were received to the extent possible.
Commissioner Merrill inquired why the request to opt into PA 95 was for 2023-2024 season
after a year through another winter. Mr. Serkaian responded that since opting into PA 95 is a
rate increase and a public hearing would need to be held, it is requested for the 2023-2024
season and is being added to the upcoming rate increase hearing.
Other
There was no other business.
Adjourn
Chairperson Tony Mullen adjourned the meeting at 8:33 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Tony Mullen, Chairperson
Finance Committee
Chair James commended Commissioner Mullen for his service as Finance Committee
Chairperson.
MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATIONS
There were no Manager’s Recommendations.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
There was no unfinished business.
NEW BUSINESS
There was no new business.
RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION 2022-07-01
Appointment of the Charter Position of Corporate Secretary
WHEREAS, the Board’s Rules of Procedure specify that the Board is to appoint a Director and
General Manager, Internal Auditor, and Corporate Secretary, respectively at its first regular
meeting following July 1st of each year or as soon thereafter as may be appropriate; and
WHEREAS, at the Special Board meeting on April 26, 2022, the Board approved extending an offer
of employment effective May 9, 2022 to May 8, 2023 for the position of Corporate Secretary to
LaVella J. Todd prior to July 1st and to conform with its Rules of Procedure, the Board anticipated
a reappointment after July 1st; and
WHEREAS, the Board desires to appoint LaVella J. Todd for a new 12-month period commencing
July 1, 2022 and ending June 30, 2023 to align the employment contract with the Rules of
Procedure for annual review and appointment of its three employees at the end of each fiscal
year ending June 30.
RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners hereby appoints LaVella J. Todd to the Charter
position of Corporate Secretary for a one-year term.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that LaVella J. Todd shall be extended an employment contract which shall
be effective from July 1, 2022, and expire on June 30, 2023, or until such new date as may be set
forth in an amended contract or a successor is appointed, whichever later occurs.
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Motion by Commissioner David Price, Seconded by Commissioner Tony Mullen, to approve the
appointment of the Corporate Secretary for the Fiscal Year 2022-2023.
Action: Motion Carried.
RESOLUTION 2022-07-02
Appointment of the Charter Position of Internal Auditor
WHEREAS, the Board’s Rules of Procedure specify that the Board is to appoint a Director and
General Manager, Internal Auditor, and Corporate Secretary, respectively at its first regular
meeting following July 1st of each year or as soon thereafter as may be appropriate; and
WHEREAS, at the Special Board meeting on May 3, 2022, the Board approved extending an offer
of employment effective May 9, 2022 to May 8, 2023 for the position of Internal Auditor to Frank
J. Macciocca prior to July 1st and to conform with its Rules of Procedure, the Board anticipated a
reappointment after July 1st; and
WHEREAS, the Board desires to appoint Frank L. Macciocca for a new 12-month period
commencing July 1, 2022 and ending June 30, 2023 to align the employment contract with the
Rules of Procedure for annual review and appointment of its three employees at the end of each
fiscal year ending June 30.
RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners hereby appoints Frank J. Macciocca to the Charter
position of Internal Auditor for a one year term.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that Frank J. Macciocca shall be extended an employment contract which
shall be effective from July 1, 2022, and expire on June 30, 2023, or until such new date as may
be set forth in an amended contract or a successor is appointed, whichever later occurs.
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Motion by Commissioner Tracy Thomas, Seconded by Commissioner Beth Graham, to approve
the appointment of the Internal Auditor for the Fiscal Year 2022-2023.
Action: Motion Carried.
RESOLUTION 2022-07-03
Appointment of the Charter Position of Director and General Manager
The Board’s Rules of Administrative Procedures specify that the Board is to appoint a Director
and General Manager, Internal Auditor, and Corporate Secretary, at its first regular meeting
following July 1st of each year or as soon as practicable thereafter.
RESOLVED, That the Board of Commissioners hereby appoints the following individual to the
Charter position of Director and General Manager for fiscal year 2022-2023 or until a successor
is appointed, whichever last occurs:
Richard R. Peffley, Director and General Manager
FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Chair of the Board of Commissioners is authorized to execute any
and all contractual amendment documents which reflect merit adjustments recommended by
the Human Resources Committee for FY 2022’s performance.
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Motion by Commissioner David Price, Seconded by Commissioner Dusty Horwitt, to approve the
reappointment of the Director and General Manager for the Fiscal Year 2022-2023.
Action: Motion Carried.
RESOLUTION 2022-07-04
Amendment to Appointment to MPPA Resolution
WHEREAS, Dave Bolan is the Michigan Public Power Agency (MPPA) Commissioner on behalf of
the Lansing Board of Water & Light (BWL), along with James Mitchell and Constance Carantza,
who serve as First and Second Alternate Commissioners, respectively; and
WHEREAS, Lynn McKinstry serves as the BWL’s Director of Operations’ Process Support; and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate and in the best interest of the BWL to name a replacement for the
BWL’s First Alternate on behalf of the BWL.
NOW, BE IT RESOLVED, that Dave Bolan will remain as the MPPA Commissioner on behalf of the
BWL.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that Constance Carantza will remain as the Second Alternate Commissioner.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that Lynn McKinstry is named as BWL’s First Alternate MPPA Commissioner.
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Motion by Commissioner Sandra Zerkle, Seconded by Commissioner Tony Mullen to approve
the resolution for the Amendment to Appointment to MPPA Resolution.
Action: Motion Carried.
RESOLUTION 2022-07-05
Electric Annuals Capital Project Exceedance Resolution
WHEREAS, Lansing Board of Water & Light’s (BWL) Policy F1-13, entitled Capital Project
Exceedance Approval, requires BWL Board of Commissioners approval for specific capital projects
that are expected to exceed their previously approved designed budget amount by both 15% and
$200,000 prior to completion of the project; and
WHEREAS, the previously approved budget for Capital Project AE – Electric Annuals was
$15,692,000; and
WHEREAS, the projected final total cost for Capital Project AE – Electric Annuals is $19,000,000,
should the project be completed; and
WHEREAS, BWL staff and management reviewed the project cost in detail, which includes but is
not limited to the rationale and circumstances for the increased budget projection; and
WHEREAS, BWL staff and management recommends that the Capital Project AE – Electric Annuals
projected spending be approved; and
RESOLVED, the BWL Board of Commissioners approve projected spending for Capital Project AE
– Electric Annuals with a projected final total cost of $19,000,000.
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Motion by Commissioner Tony Mullen, Seconded by Commissioner David Price, to approve the
resolution for the Electric Annuals Capital Project Exceedance.
Action: Motion Carried.
RESOLUTION 2022-07-06
401 (a) DC Plan 2 Restatement Resolution
WHEREAS, the Lansing Board of Water & Light (the “Board”) maintains the Lansing Board of
Water and Light Defined Contribution Plan and Trust 2 (the “DC Plan 2”); and
WHEREAS, the Board uses the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) preapproved prototype plan
documents of Nationwide Retirement Solutions (“Nationwide”), the third party administrator for
the DC Plan 2; and
WHEREAS, Nationwide has amended and restated its prototype plan documents to comply with
the IRS’s requirement that preapproved plan documents be restated every 6 years to incorporate
all legislative and regulatory changes in the law; and
WHEREAS, the Board desires to amend and restate the DC Plan 2; and
WHEREAS, the Board has received and reviewed copies of the proposed DC Plan 2 and
Summary of Plan Provisions; and
WHEREAS, the Board desires to approve and adopt the restated DC Plan 2 and Summary of
Plan Provisions.
NOW THEREFORE, it is:
RESOLVED, that the restated DC Plan 2 is hereby approved and adopted, effective as set forth
therein;
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Summary of Plan Provisions is hereby approved and adopted,
effective as set forth therein;
FURTHER RESOLVED, that any member of the Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the Board,
is authorized to execute the restated DC Plan 2 and any other documents that are necessary
to implement the foregoing resolutions.
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Motion by Commissioner Tony Mullen, Seconded by Commissioner Tracy Thomas, to approve
and adopt the Restatement of the 401 (a) DC Plan 2.
Action: Motion Carried.
MANAGER’S REMARKS
General Manager Peffley shared remarks regarding BWL staff’s stellar response to restore service
to customers who lost power due to Lansing area storm on July 24, 2022, shared appreciation to
Commissions for attending the State of the BWL and invited Commissioners to the Eckert Station
Time-capsule Opening on August 5, 2022. In addition, GM Peffley announced the BWL Charity
Golf Outing on August 19, 2022, and Delta Energy Plant celebration on August 23, 2022.
COMMISSIONERS’ REMARKS
Chair James thanked General Manager Peffley for the service response to the community during
the July 24, 2022 storm.
Commissioner Mullen enquired if the July 24, 2022 storm was expected - GM Peffley provided
details regarding storm preparation.
Vice-Chair Zerkle thanked Commissioner Price for service over the years as Board Chair; GM
Peffley for presenting the State of the BWL event as a moral boost to employees.
Commissioner Thomas shared appreciation to GM Peffley for State of the BWL event with
employees and for his reappointment to position of General Manager; recognized Corporate
Secretary, LaVella Todd and Internal Auditor Frank Macciocca for the impressive work they have
done in their initial 90-days and recognized Commissioner Price for the eight years of leadership
service to the Board of Commissioners. In addition, Commissioner Thomas stated he is looking
forward to assisting Chair James and Vice-Chair Zerkle during FY 2022-2023 and appreciated
Commissioner Mullen for his work with the Finance Committee.
Chair James recognized and welcomed new Advisory Commissioner Maggie Sanders to the Board
of Commissioners; shared desire to all work together as all board members have a vote.
EXCUSED ABSENCE
Motion by Commissioner David Price, Seconded by Commissioner Dusty Horwitt, to excuse
Commissioner Douglas Jester and Commissioner Larry Merrill from tonight’s meeting.
Action: Motion Carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public Comments
There were no public comments.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Commissioner Tracy Thomas, seconded by Commissioner Sandra Zerkle to adjourn
the meeting at 5:58 p.m.
LaVella J. Todd, Corporate Secretary
Preliminary Minutes filed (electronically) with Lansing City Clerk 08-05-22
Approved by the Board of Commissioners: 09-27-22
Official Minutes filed (electronically) with Lansing City Clerk: 09-28 -22