President Baudler called the meeting to order.

Moved by Jeanne Sheehan, seconded by Ron Felten, to approve the agenda.  Approved unanimously.

Moved by Ron Felten, seconded by Larry Pfeil, to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of February 12, 2008  Approved unanimously.

Moved by Ron Felten, seconded by Jeanne Sheehan, to approve the vendor’s payable list, additional bills and expenses, and authorize warrants to be drawn for their payment.  Approved unanimously.

Darwin Viker of Larson, Allen, reviewed the Financial Statements and supplementary information along with the Independent Auditor’s Report for the years ending December 31, 2007 and 2006. He indicated the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of an enterprise fund of the City of Austin, State of Minnesota, as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  The management’s discussion and analysis is not a required part of the basic financial statements but is supplementary information required by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board.

The Board thanked Darwin Viker of Larson Allen for his report.

Moved by Ron Felten, seconded by Larry Pfeil, to receive and place on file the 2007 Annual Audit and Internal Annual Report and forward to the Austin City Council.  Approved unanimously.

Jerry McCarthy, General Manager, presented Depository Services Resolution for Governmental Entities. The Resolution designates U.S. Bank National Association as a depository.

Moved by Jeanne Sheehan, seconded by Larry Pfeil, adopting the Depository Services Resolution for Governmental Entities. Approved unanimously.

Kim Duncomb, Support Services Director, presented information on Health Care Savings Plan. The Health Care Savings Plan (HCSP) is an employer-sponsored program that allows employees to set aside money to cover the ever-increasing costs of health insurance and out-of-pocket expenses after termination of public service.  Under the HCSP, amounts contributed are tax-free and no taxes are paid on amounts to pay health, dental and long-term care insurance premiums, as well as, out-of-pocket medical expenses.

Moved by Paul Johnson, seconded by Ron Felten, approving the Health Care Savings Plan for non-contract employees.  Approved unanimously.

Kim Duncomb, Support Services Director, presented information on 2008 temporary summer employee program.

Moved by Paul Johnson, seconded by Jeanne Sheehan, to authorize the hiring of temporary summer employees for 2008 as presented.  Approved unanimously

Todd Jorgenson, Gas/Water/Engineering Operations Director, presented information on gas service line installation charges. The proposed change would be $500 for residential customers and $1,000 for commercial and industrial customers. Current charges are $300 for residential customers and $400 for commercial and industrial customers.  The board discussed the proposed changes and the difference in load between a small commercial and a large commercial customer. They concurred to approve the proposed change and requested staff brings back a small commercial customer charge.

Moved by Paul Johnson, seconded by Ron Felten, to approve the gas service line installation charges of $500 for residential customers and $1,000 per service plus $1.50 per foot for any footage exceeding three hundred feet for commercial and industrial customers. Approved unanimously. 

Todd Jorgenson, Gas/Water/Engineering Operations Director, presented Gas Main, Water Main, and Electric Distribution Line Extensions for Menards Addition. 

Moved by Larry Pfeil, seconded by Paul Johnson, to approve the Gas Main, Water Main, and Electric Distribution Line Extensions for Menards Addition as presented.  Approved unanimously.

Pat Lunn, Power & Water Production Director, presented information on Contract Rate of Delivery (CROD) election with Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency and plant resource evaluation. Information presented included assumptions, forecasted load, avoided costs and other responsibilities.  After discussion, the Board concurred to consult with a power supply consultant for an analysis and present the information to the Board.

Ron Felten was excused from the meeting. 5:55 pm

Pat Lunn, Power & 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 was established for April 8, 2008.

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

Adjourned 6:00 p.m.