President Ron Felten called the meeting to order.

Moved by Jeanne Sheehan, seconded by Paul Johnson, to approve the agenda.  Approved unanimously.

Moved by Paul Johnson, seconded by Jim Schroeder, to approve the regular/reorganization meeting minutes of January12, 2010.  Approved unanimously.

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

Craig Jones, Southern Minnesota Internet Group, presented information to the Board on the Wi-Fi project from the projects conception to present. After the presentation, Jerry McCarthy, General Manager, requested and the Board concurred to remove the Wi-Fi update from the Agenda and place it under Matters in Hand with quarterly updates. 

Sandy Forstner, Exec. Director of Austin Chamber of Commerce was welcomed by President Felten. Mr. Forstner stated on behalf of the Chamber’s Board and Festival Committee he thanked the Austin Utilities for the financial support for 2009 Freedom Fest. The committee is again requesting a donation of $10,000 for Freedom Fest 2010 which will be the 25th anniversary celebration of the festival.

Moved by Thomas C. Baudler, seconded by Jeanne Sheehan, to approve the request to contribute $10,000 to the Austin Chamber of Commerce for Freedom Fest 2010.  Approved unanimously.

Jerry McCarthy, General Manager, presented a retirement letter from Dave Grant, Operations Supervisor, and a resignation letter from Cindy Fisher, Plant Operator.

Moved by Thomas C. Baudler, seconded by Jim Schroeder, to accept with regret the retirement letter Dave Grant, Operations Supervisor.  Approved unanimously.

Moved by Paul Johnson, seconded by Jeanne Sheehan, to accept with regret the resignation letter from Cindy Fisher, Plant Operator. Approved unanimously.

Jerry McCarthy, General Manager, updated the Board on the Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency Meeting.

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

Ron Felten complimented staff on the Large Customer Meeting. He felt it was well attended and very informative information.

Jeanne Sheehan and Tom Baudler, Personnel Committee, updated the Board on the General Manager search.  The Committee felt after reviewing Mycoff & Associates proposal, they would like staff to advertise locally and with professional organizations affiliated with Austin Utilities.  The Board discussed the process and indicated the Board as a whole would like to review the applications and set a timeline of May 1st for interviews.

The next Regular Board meeting was established for March 16, 2010.

Moved by Thomas C. Baudler, seconded by Paul Johnson, to adjourn.  Approved unanimously.