President Jeanne Sheehan called the meeting to order.

Moved by Paul Johnson, seconded by Larry Pfeil, to approve the agenda.  Approved unanimously.

Moved by Larry Pfeil, seconded by Thomas C. Baudler, to approve the regular meeting minutes of December 11, 2007 and special meeting minutes of December 27, 2007.  Approved unanimously.

Moved by Thomas C. Baudler, seconded by Paul Johnson, to approve the vendor’s payable list, additional bills and expenses, and authorize warrants to be drawn for their payment.  Approved unanimously.

Sherry Lunt, Customer Services Supervisor, presented the 2007 fourth quarter charge-offs.

Moved by Thomas C. Baudler, seconded by Larry Pfeil, to approve the fourth quarter 2007 charge-offs in the amount of $58,327.84.  Approved unanimously.

Moved by Paul Johnson, seconded by Thomas C. Baudler, to adjourn the 2007 Board of Commissioners of the Austin Utilities Sine Die.  Approved unanimously.

The Secretary convened the 2008 Board of Commissioners of the Austin Utilities as follows:
Commissioner - Thomas C. Baudler
Commissioner – Larry Pfeil
Commissioner – Ron Felten 
Commissioner – Jeanne Sheehan
Commissioner – Paul Johnson   

Moved by Paul Johnson, seconded by Jeanne Sheehan, to nominate Thomas C. Baudler  as President in accordance with Chapter XI, Section I, Austin City Charter.  Approved unanimously.

Moved by Paul Johnson, seconded by Jeanne Sheehan, that the Secretary close the nomination for President and pass a unanimous vote for Thomas C. Baudler as President of the Commission.  Approved unanimously.

The Secretary stated Thomas C. Baudler has been unanimously appointed President of the Austin Utilities Board of Commissioners.

Moved by Paul Johnson, seconded by Jeanne Sheehan, to nominate Larry Pfeil as Vice President of the Commission. Approved unanimously.

Moved by Larry Pfeil, seconded by Paul Johnson, to appoint Jerry McCarthy, General Manager, as Secretary to the Board for the ensuing year in accordance with Chapter XI, Section 1, Austin City Charter.  Approved unanimously.

By Board consensus, the following are the 2008 Committees of the Austin Utilities Board:

Personnel Committee                                         Thomas C. Baudler & Jeanne Sheehan
Budget Committee                                             Paul Johnson & Ron Felten
Mower County Water Management                   Larry Pfeil  

Sandy Forstner, Exec. Director of Austin Chamber of Commerce, and Jeff Baldus, Austin Chamber of Commerce President, were welcomed by President Baudler. Mr. Forstner stated on behalf of the Chamber’s Board and Festival Committee he thanked the Austin Utilities for the financial support for 2007 Freedom Fest. The committee is again requesting a donation of $10,000 for the Freedom Fest 2008.

Moved by Jeanne Sheehan, seconded by Paul Johnson, authorizing a contribution of $10,000 to Austin Chamber of Commerce for Freedom Fest 2008.  Approved unanimously.

Jerry McCarthy, General Manager, presented year 2007 review (attached). Jerry thanked the Directors and Employees for 2007 accomplishments and also thanked the Board for help and support in regards to the Minnesota Municipal Gas Agency formation and support in taking the first steps toward the Natural Gas Pre-pay Contract.

Pat Lunn, Power & Water Production Director, presented financial information and comparison of financial impact of procuring energy resources from other sources and the variable cost of operation if a CROD were established with SMMPA.

Pat Lunn, Power and Water Production Director, updated the Board on the Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency Meeting.

Kim Duncomb, Support Services Director, updated the Board on safety.

The next Regular Board meeting is scheduled for February 12, 2008 but due to a conflict was established for February 5, 2008.

Thomas C. Baudler thanked Jeanne Sheehan for serving as President last year and stated she did an excellent job.

Moved by Paul Johnson, seconded by Larry Pfeil, to adjourn.  Approved unanimously.

Adjourned 5:10 p.m.