1 00:00:01,260 --> 00:00:10,520 Let's go ahead and start this meeting. I want to welcome everyone to our March 4th, 2026 MLDW commission meeting. 2 00:00:12,220 --> 00:00:21,580 We've got a short agenda but some interesting comments from the chief. So let's go ahead and get started and start with the. 3 00:00:23,180 --> 00:00:24,440 How do you, Tanya? 4 00:00:24,440 --> 00:00:24,620 How do you, Tanya? 5 00:00:25,180 --> 00:00:28,420 You'd like to see things you've prepared in two or three. 6 00:00:28,580 --> 00:00:30,000 Probably, for wish of six annies. 7 00:00:30,300 --> 00:00:34,580 One nation under the visible with liberty and justice. 8 00:00:42,920 --> 00:00:44,380 OK, roll call. 9 00:00:44,640 --> 00:00:45,620 Please, sir. 10 00:00:45,740 --> 00:00:46,380 Roll call. 11 00:00:46,480 --> 00:00:47,600 Commissioner Dickson. 12 00:00:48,060 --> 00:00:48,900 Commissioner Peshie. 13 00:00:49,600 --> 00:00:50,320 Commissioner Woods. 14 00:00:50,680 --> 00:00:50,820 Pierre. 15 00:00:51,060 --> 00:00:51,900 Vice chair person. 16 00:00:52,800 --> 00:00:54,640 You're, Commissioner Luellen. 17 00:00:55,220 --> 00:00:56,020 And Commissioner Butler. 18 00:00:56,020 --> 00:00:58,780 President, let the record show a Commissioner Dixon, absent. 19 00:01:00,520 --> 00:01:06,000 Okay, can I get a motion for approval in minutes from our February 18th meeting. 20 00:01:06,260 --> 00:01:07,840 So, I'm both. Second. 21 00:01:09,560 --> 00:01:14,180 The new discussion. All in favor. Yeah. Hi. What's opposed? 22 00:01:16,020 --> 00:01:22,920 Um, city council acknowledgements. Yes, sir. I acknowledge you seated certified copies of city council 23 00:01:22,920 --> 00:01:30,160 Resolution's date of February 24th, 2026, items 8 through 15 with say night and then it's approved for item number 15. 24 00:01:30,320 --> 00:01:31,060 There you go. 25 00:01:31,400 --> 00:01:32,180 There you go. 26 00:01:32,820 --> 00:01:33,900 No presentations. 27 00:01:34,640 --> 00:01:35,280 Yes, sir. 28 00:01:35,280 --> 00:01:36,120 Very good. 29 00:01:36,620 --> 00:01:38,080 General statements from the public. 30 00:01:38,420 --> 00:01:38,880 Got none. 31 00:01:38,900 --> 00:01:39,680 No cards. 32 00:01:40,060 --> 00:01:40,720 Here we go. 33 00:01:41,120 --> 00:01:41,680 Back to you. 34 00:01:41,740 --> 00:01:42,320 Chief and go. 35 00:01:43,520 --> 00:01:43,940 All right. 36 00:01:45,320 --> 00:01:49,920 I will begin with the consent agenda item starting with item number one. 37 00:01:51,900 --> 00:01:58,800 Sorry, ma'am, sorry with item number one, a word of a 24 month purchase order for Flora 38 00:01:58,800 --> 00:02:04,620 Sillic Acid to Univar Solutions in the amount of $810,000 dollars. 39 00:02:06,280 --> 00:02:11,980 Item two is a word of a 36 month purchase order for sodium hypochlorite to Hawkins Incorporated 40 00:02:11,980 --> 00:02:21,060 and the amount of $4,592,000 dollars. Item three is approval of a change order to contract number 41 00:02:21,060 --> 00:02:29,860 1,2,2,8, for gas matrix utility landscaping to enlightenment incorporated, doing business as APS facility maintenance, 42 00:02:30,640 --> 00:02:39,860 to ratify increase and renew the current contract in the fund of amount of 814,113 dollars and 48 cents. 43 00:02:40,140 --> 00:02:41,380 Okay, okay. 44 00:02:42,920 --> 00:02:45,980 Item number four, a word of a perks order for mini-diggered 45 00:02:45,980 --> 00:02:50,180 darrisx with trailers to all tech industries incorporated in the amount of 46 00:02:50,180 --> 00:02:58,280 580,192 dollars. Item five, approval of a change order to contract number 47 00:02:58,280 --> 00:03:02,800 one, two, six, one, nine for UPS preventative maintenance to electric 48 00:03:02,800 --> 00:03:07,480 electronic power systems incorporated to expand the scope and increase the 49 00:03:07,480 --> 00:03:15,500 contract in the funded amount of 34,310 dollars and item six approval of an annual 50 00:03:15,500 --> 00:03:20,380 salary for a new higher position of vice president and chief human resource officer in the 51 00:03:20,380 --> 00:03:28,460 amount of 234,769 dollars and 60 cents. So did your comments that concludes the consent agenda items 52 00:03:28,460 --> 00:03:33,760 Mr. Chair? And I do believe there were some cards that came across the desk here just a moment ago. 53 00:03:33,760 --> 00:03:36,660 So let's have it a procedure, pauses, as you like. 54 00:03:37,780 --> 00:03:43,380 Let's go ahead and make a motion to prove these and then we'll go back. 55 00:03:43,780 --> 00:03:47,700 Listen, let's just try to make a motion that we'll prove the consent agenda as to that. 56 00:03:47,980 --> 00:03:57,140 Second, before we get in to any discussions, let me open up the, we've got some cards that 57 00:03:57,140 --> 00:04:00,900 it in like we're here but like getting to to the front desk. 58 00:04:03,220 --> 00:04:04,920 Let me remind all those 59 00:04:04,920 --> 00:04:08,780 speaking that the MLGW Board of Commissioners meeting will be conducted in an 60 00:04:08,780 --> 00:04:13,980 orderly manner to ensure the public has an opportunity to be heard in the 61 00:04:13,980 --> 00:04:19,100 process of the Board is maintained at all time. Members of the public may offer 62 00:04:19,100 --> 00:04:25,460 public comments by submitting a comment card before the meeting begins at 830. We'll 63 00:04:25,460 --> 00:04:30,840 better at getting those delivered up here. As chair, I will only recognize those who are present 64 00:04:30,840 --> 00:04:36,040 and have submitted a comment card in the timely manner. Persons are dressing the board. 65 00:04:36,780 --> 00:04:41,420 We will not be permitted to engage in gossip, make personal attacks or use the 66 00:04:41,420 --> 00:04:47,500 timetorous lander of abusive or vulgar language. Favorite act in accordance with the rules, 67 00:04:47,660 --> 00:04:52,900 may result in a removal of the meeting. Our person will submit a comment card or 68 00:04:52,900 --> 00:04:57,000 required to state their name, how on the dress for the record, if you represent an organization, 69 00:04:57,400 --> 00:05:04,240 you must disclose that name and business, address of the organization, and each first 70 00:05:04,240 --> 00:05:06,000 will have three minutes. 71 00:05:07,220 --> 00:05:10,480 That being said, we'll start with Mr. Glenda Hicks, 72 00:05:34,390 --> 00:05:35,250 good morning, Ms. Hicks. 73 00:05:35,450 --> 00:05:43,530 Good morning. So I'm here today, Glenda Hicks, 6 L-8 Gilles, co-founder 21st Century 74 00:05:43,530 --> 00:05:52,670 Memphis are bust. I'm here today because of grave concern with in particular two programs. 75 00:05:52,990 --> 00:06:01,850 I've had citizens who have engaged with me as a community advocate regarding the specifics 76 00:06:01,850 --> 00:06:11,690 of the on-track program and also the formally pre-pay now power up program. The education to 77 00:06:11,690 --> 00:06:19,390 citizens is a grave concern. These individuals, one in particular said that she was introduced 78 00:06:19,390 --> 00:06:29,050 to the program, the webinar, and was not able to ask questions. I asked her if she had any 79 00:06:29,050 --> 00:06:37,370 physical documentation to reference that so that she could review and fully understand the program, 80 00:06:37,370 --> 00:06:47,830 And her response to me was that, and was, no, she had to sign up online, and she really did not fully understand the program. 81 00:06:48,310 --> 00:07:07,210 And now, of course, with the situation that many of our citizens find themselves in regarding the winter storm and the massive increase of the bills, she's in a situation that she really can't see herself being able to handle 82 00:07:07,210 --> 00:07:13,530 financially and based on her understanding of the contract program there isn't any out once you 83 00:07:13,530 --> 00:07:19,690 get in if you can't apply if you can't meet those obligations then you're out in whatever 84 00:07:19,690 --> 00:07:25,930 amount is the balance comes forward plus what your current bill is. So in essence she's at a 85 00:07:25,930 --> 00:07:32,830 basically a thousand dollars and she does not have that money to bring forward. The pre-pay program 86 00:07:32,830 --> 00:07:40,290 I understand that the unneeded services are basically on a purdium, and those are applied 87 00:07:40,290 --> 00:07:46,610 daily, and that amount is subtracting for whatever amount the individual paints. 88 00:07:47,430 --> 00:07:49,070 That wasn't fully understood. 89 00:07:49,350 --> 00:07:51,170 I've looked for specifics. 90 00:07:51,170 --> 00:07:54,770 I asked for the A through Z on the program. 91 00:07:54,770 --> 00:07:56,630 I cannot find it. 92 00:07:56,930 --> 00:08:00,630 They're like glorify points on the website, yes. 93 00:08:00,630 --> 00:08:06,430 But how specifically that program works from A to B, I cannot find. 94 00:08:06,830 --> 00:08:10,450 So the citizens are not fully educated. That's a concern. 95 00:08:10,830 --> 00:08:18,770 Like as a water needs to spend much more time on educating this public as to how billing works. 96 00:08:19,070 --> 00:08:29,450 So that it's fully understood. There are, yes, posts made in the media pamphlet that's put in the bill. 97 00:08:29,450 --> 00:08:36,410 But we understand what most of our citizens are dealing with and we have to be empathetic to the situation. 98 00:08:36,870 --> 00:08:39,310 This is a publicly owned organization. 99 00:08:39,850 --> 00:08:41,750 So we need to act accordingly. 100 00:08:42,450 --> 00:08:42,910 Thank you. 101 00:08:43,070 --> 00:08:44,150 Very good. 102 00:08:44,270 --> 00:08:45,350 Thank you, Ms. Seeps. 103 00:08:51,990 --> 00:08:55,890 How about Mr. Lachanta? 104 00:08:56,970 --> 00:08:57,730 I think it's Rico. 105 00:09:01,950 --> 00:09:02,170 Good. 106 00:09:08,950 --> 00:09:09,150 Good. 107 00:09:09,150 --> 00:09:09,530 Good morning. 108 00:09:12,620 --> 00:09:12,940 Good morning. 109 00:09:13,640 --> 00:09:14,160 Good morning. 110 00:09:14,160 --> 00:09:15,020 On 111 00:09:20,820 --> 00:09:22,800 last week, I requested to- 112 00:09:22,800 --> 00:09:24,400 Can we get your name again in address? 113 00:09:24,880 --> 00:09:27,220 Okay, Lushantra Rudd, I live in District 4. 114 00:09:28,000 --> 00:09:30,360 My address is 1200 Davis Street. 115 00:09:31,900 --> 00:09:36,040 On last week, I requested to dispute my utility bill. 116 00:09:36,680 --> 00:09:40,300 I have been in a hotel right around the corner 117 00:09:40,300 --> 00:09:42,920 since December the 29th, okay? 118 00:09:43,280 --> 00:09:47,100 My hot water tank busted and my insurance company 119 00:09:47,100 --> 00:09:48,220 put me in a hotel. 120 00:09:48,960 --> 00:09:56,800 Now I do understand that there was going to be a spike with our bills due to the winter storm. 121 00:09:57,400 --> 00:10:05,120 There's no storm, no one was in my home and no utility was being used. 122 00:10:06,000 --> 00:10:11,760 I purposely turned off my HVAC system so that I wouldn't have to have this conversation. 123 00:10:13,520 --> 00:10:17,160 My bill is $1542. 124 00:10:18,120 --> 00:10:21,980 I live alone and there is no way that my bill could be that much. 125 00:10:22,700 --> 00:10:25,360 Again, I've been in a hotel and I have records. 126 00:10:25,420 --> 00:10:27,560 I have the receipts from home to sweets, 127 00:10:27,920 --> 00:10:32,820 Hilton, I'm a Hilton's member and there is no way my bill could be that much. 128 00:10:32,920 --> 00:10:40,180 I ran it to Doug on yesterday and I told him that I sent him an email and he said to me that 129 00:10:40,180 --> 00:10:44,380 you found a complaint against us with the better business bureau. 130 00:10:44,940 --> 00:10:48,500 I sure did, and I'm advising other customers to do the same. 131 00:10:48,820 --> 00:10:51,600 I am a great customer of MLGW. 132 00:10:51,960 --> 00:10:53,400 Have been for many, many years. 133 00:10:53,740 --> 00:10:55,860 May the fact, well over 20 years now. 134 00:10:56,260 --> 00:11:00,640 So, I want the bill corrected, not only that, 135 00:11:00,720 --> 00:11:05,020 purposely, overbilling your customers is a crime, 136 00:11:05,300 --> 00:11:08,200 and it's considered fraud. Thank you. 137 00:11:09,380 --> 00:11:10,360 Thank you, Ms. 138 00:11:12,710 --> 00:11:13,430 Rudd. 139 00:11:13,670 --> 00:11:14,390 Okay. 140 00:11:17,590 --> 00:11:18,850 Andrea Bell. 141 00:11:27,730 --> 00:11:30,050 Good morning, MLGW. 142 00:11:30,430 --> 00:11:33,310 And our esteemed constituents of Shelby County. 143 00:11:33,770 --> 00:11:39,230 My name is Andrea Bell with 21st century Memphis or Bust. 144 00:11:40,550 --> 00:11:45,290 This is my first time speaking in front of the MLGW Board. 145 00:11:45,670 --> 00:11:48,550 I had to rush to drop my children off this morning. 146 00:11:48,550 --> 00:11:52,190 So I had a very important message. 147 00:11:52,950 --> 00:11:57,610 We have to understand that affordability equals utilities. 148 00:11:59,290 --> 00:12:08,690 So I just want to say that I am here because I want to speak to the grit 149 00:12:08,690 --> 00:12:11,550 and grinders of Shelby County, Tennessee. 150 00:12:12,750 --> 00:12:19,890 I understand all too well that sometimes we have to make a choice 151 00:12:19,890 --> 00:12:25,190 of paying a full utility bill versus partial. 152 00:12:27,150 --> 00:12:36,230 Sometimes we have to make a choice of paying a full utility bill versus paying rents or mortgage. 153 00:12:38,190 --> 00:12:46,870 So I just want to tell you that the propaganda power pay program we are already on. 154 00:12:46,870 --> 00:12:50,570 we roll those bills from month to month. 155 00:12:51,610 --> 00:12:51,770 Okay. 156 00:12:53,450 --> 00:12:59,890 I just also want to make sure that I speak to those who make 100,000 or less. 157 00:13:00,370 --> 00:13:05,530 And matter of fact, I'm speaking to those wage owners who only make 40,000. 158 00:13:07,550 --> 00:13:14,310 We must understand that we have to have responsibility. 159 00:13:14,310 --> 00:13:20,590 In December, we, 21st century, Memphis or Bust, we came here before the board. 160 00:13:20,830 --> 00:13:25,350 We went before the council, and we asked for a 4% pause. 161 00:13:25,970 --> 00:13:31,110 Okay, yes, I know this was in the plan for three years, but due to the circumstances, 162 00:13:31,570 --> 00:13:34,950 we came to you guys, and we asked you for a 4% pause. 163 00:13:35,590 --> 00:13:42,390 Sometimes, as leaders, we have to deal with empathy versus facts. 164 00:13:45,560 --> 00:13:50,300 I just know that since we've been talking, I understand. 165 00:13:50,740 --> 00:13:56,060 So this is why I'm addressing the Memphis Great and Grinders of Shelby County, 166 00:13:56,300 --> 00:14:01,420 because we've been before the board. We've been before the Councils, and we've went on death 167 00:14:01,420 --> 00:14:09,160 year. We even reached out to our President hoping that empathy will help. 168 00:14:11,310 --> 00:14:17,910 I just want to say I'm here because I want to speak to our Memphis Great and Grinders, 169 00:14:17,910 --> 00:14:27,430 The people who go to work every day who try to pay their utility bills who try to pay their rent or who also try to feed their children. 170 00:14:28,550 --> 00:14:33,830 I'm talking to you today because we're here because we have a situation. 171 00:14:34,870 --> 00:14:44,750 We need to vote in 2026 and we need to vote independent because I will always put people over politics. 172 00:14:44,750 --> 00:14:46,410 Thank you. 173 00:14:46,650 --> 00:14:48,070 Thank you, Miss Phil. 174 00:14:48,530 --> 00:14:50,490 We'll put it. 175 00:14:50,890 --> 00:14:51,630 All right, 176 00:14:54,180 --> 00:14:55,160 so good comments. 177 00:14:55,820 --> 00:14:56,720 There are some concerns. 178 00:14:57,620 --> 00:14:58,320 We'll get to the bottom. 179 00:15:01,820 --> 00:15:04,280 Let's go ahead. We've got the 180 00:15:06,970 --> 00:15:14,430 motions been approved, ready for comments. Commissioner Lewellen? 181 00:15:17,360 --> 00:15:19,240 I had a couple of questions. 182 00:15:21,340 --> 00:15:29,680 on the purchase of sodium hot chloride it says up to 15% but then in the the actual prices 183 00:15:29,680 --> 00:15:37,240 it says 15% per year it is it does it fluctuate is it is it an index price or does 184 00:15:37,240 --> 00:15:43,320 it all my fling for 15% a year already you want to come and talk to that or should we go 185 00:15:43,320 --> 00:15:43,660 Andrew. 186 00:15:45,970 --> 00:15:46,990 Hey, good morning. 187 00:15:47,330 --> 00:15:47,470 Good morning. 188 00:15:47,710 --> 00:15:49,570 Andrew, crosser by President Gasolaw, and 189 00:15:49,570 --> 00:15:50,490 we're in engineering operations. 190 00:15:51,390 --> 00:15:53,110 I am going to ask you to move by as an 191 00:15:53,110 --> 00:15:53,390 into. 192 00:15:53,450 --> 00:15:55,150 He's a sick by the one of us. 193 00:15:55,370 --> 00:15:55,450 Yeah, sure. 194 00:15:55,870 --> 00:15:56,090 Question. 195 00:15:56,890 --> 00:15:57,370 I did. 196 00:15:57,510 --> 00:15:57,590 Jerby. 197 00:15:57,770 --> 00:15:58,350 I'm a sicker. 198 00:15:59,030 --> 00:15:59,830 I'm usually. 199 00:16:00,490 --> 00:16:01,310 Last few years. 200 00:16:01,890 --> 00:16:03,550 It's always an up to it does. 201 00:16:04,350 --> 00:16:06,070 It rarely goes to the up to. 202 00:16:06,070 --> 00:16:06,350 Okay. 203 00:16:06,410 --> 00:16:07,870 He's had it once when. 204 00:16:08,030 --> 00:16:08,430 Yeah. 205 00:16:08,770 --> 00:16:09,490 They got it out to. 206 00:16:09,550 --> 00:16:10,810 But usually it's not all the way up to 207 00:16:10,810 --> 00:16:11,470 the up to. 208 00:16:11,610 --> 00:16:13,750 Yeah, and you report you said up to and then 209 00:16:13,750 --> 00:16:19,270 was looking at prices and the prices were based on a 15-minute annual increase. I didn't know if it 210 00:16:19,270 --> 00:16:26,750 was already, only we're going to close you in an up to, okay, well that's good. The only other 211 00:16:26,750 --> 00:16:33,950 wait a minute, does the contract? It says a 15% increase. Is that what we're going to get? 212 00:16:34,550 --> 00:16:42,570 Regardless of what the market's bears, the contract is up to. It is up to, yes, it's not the way 213 00:16:42,570 --> 00:16:44,470 What the right up, Red, okay. 214 00:16:45,110 --> 00:16:46,010 All right. 215 00:16:47,430 --> 00:16:48,550 Thank you, okay. 216 00:16:48,910 --> 00:16:50,290 There's a question, Mr. President, 217 00:16:50,510 --> 00:16:53,830 is there's a long, the utility landscaping, 218 00:16:53,850 --> 00:16:56,130 the jumping prices on utility landscaping, 219 00:16:56,130 --> 00:16:57,830 that's project basis that, 220 00:16:57,830 --> 00:17:00,410 based on capital, will it go back down 221 00:17:00,410 --> 00:17:02,870 or is that gonna come in annual expense? 222 00:17:03,550 --> 00:17:04,870 Yeah, I have a volunteer team, 223 00:17:04,990 --> 00:17:06,850 we'll send you a good talk about that, so. 224 00:17:07,450 --> 00:17:11,470 So yes, we had several large projects that impacted 225 00:17:11,470 --> 00:17:16,890 the cost last year, we had the Bailey station job. I'm not sure if you remember that we're 226 00:17:16,890 --> 00:17:23,910 enlightening and struck the gas, man. We also have an increase in landscaping due to the 227 00:17:23,910 --> 00:17:28,090 steel tap coupling replacement program because a lot of that work is done behind the curve. 228 00:17:28,730 --> 00:17:35,150 We also had a huge job out on Democrat near the FedEx employee parking lot, which also 229 00:17:35,150 --> 00:17:42,710 So required a lot of remediation after our work was completed, what I always tell the employees 230 00:17:42,710 --> 00:17:47,650 is to leave the job better or at least the way you found it and customers are starting 231 00:17:47,650 --> 00:17:51,130 to expect that and so that explains the increase in this. 232 00:17:51,530 --> 00:17:57,950 What you'll see in a few months as well is that water construction will also be presenting 233 00:17:58,470 --> 00:18:01,370 a landscaping contract to you for approval. 234 00:18:01,930 --> 00:18:02,150 Okay. 235 00:18:03,870 --> 00:18:05,830 Those were all questions that I have this time. 236 00:18:05,970 --> 00:18:06,630 You're good. 237 00:18:06,970 --> 00:18:07,470 Mission Pesh. 238 00:18:08,630 --> 00:18:11,470 One comment on item number four. 239 00:18:11,970 --> 00:18:15,190 Just wanted to add some context to that. 240 00:18:16,090 --> 00:18:17,510 That these are two. 241 00:18:17,950 --> 00:18:18,530 The many. 242 00:18:19,090 --> 00:18:19,950 Diggered Derek. 243 00:18:21,450 --> 00:18:22,250 There are two of them. 244 00:18:22,470 --> 00:18:23,910 This is not the price for just one. 245 00:18:23,910 --> 00:18:25,770 Just wanted to add context to that. 246 00:18:27,710 --> 00:18:28,930 That's all I have. 247 00:18:29,090 --> 00:18:29,830 Very good. 248 00:18:30,050 --> 00:18:30,150 Mission. 249 00:18:30,150 --> 00:18:38,370 person. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Item's number 1 and 2 were answered on my concerns. I would 250 00:18:38,370 --> 00:18:44,750 just like for Chief McGowan just talked to us about Item number 6 and any other open 251 00:18:44,750 --> 00:18:50,770 position that we have, what are the expectations and the timeline on feeling those critical positions? 252 00:18:51,650 --> 00:18:57,950 Sure, so thank you for that question, Mr. Chair. Recently, we've had several positions that you all 253 00:18:57,950 --> 00:19:02,190 approved of hoping he'll approve this today, so I got to take it to City Council for approval. 254 00:19:03,530 --> 00:19:09,110 We've had several director positions, one in the billing and metering area that we just hired, 255 00:19:09,370 --> 00:19:14,010 or that we just concluded yesterday, and got approval from City Council for that position. 256 00:19:15,730 --> 00:19:23,230 Last morning, you all approved in the City Council approved last night of Vice President of Safety for us at the same level, 257 00:19:23,590 --> 00:19:26,130 and this is for a Vice President Chief Human Resource Officer. 258 00:19:26,130 --> 00:19:32,550 I do not forecast any other additional vice president salaries coming forward because our 259 00:19:32,550 --> 00:19:38,670 compliment is full. I do want to mention that since my arrival here I've reduced by two 260 00:19:38,670 --> 00:19:44,750 the number of vice presidents that we have. We've added a couple of directors in key areas 261 00:19:44,750 --> 00:19:51,530 there. This adds back one today. Actually the safety of vice president adds back one vice president. 262 00:19:51,530 --> 00:19:54,070 so we're still lower than we were when I got here. 263 00:19:54,350 --> 00:19:57,510 Having a leaner, executive suite is important to me 264 00:19:57,510 --> 00:19:59,750 to make sure we're getting value for our customers. 265 00:20:01,350 --> 00:20:04,530 So two things I mentioned, the significance 266 00:20:04,530 --> 00:20:06,350 of that Vice President of Corporate Safety 267 00:20:06,350 --> 00:20:08,970 since we were a very large construction company 268 00:20:09,650 --> 00:20:11,850 and with the approval last night from City Council 269 00:20:11,850 --> 00:20:13,790 will finalize and offer to a candidate. 270 00:20:14,630 --> 00:20:16,130 With your approval today, we will take 271 00:20:16,130 --> 00:20:18,850 at the next City Council meeting of the Vice President, 272 00:20:19,330 --> 00:20:20,310 Chief HR Officer. 273 00:20:20,310 --> 00:20:24,570 Now, I want to say for folks that are listening, I mentioned this to the City Council yesterday, 274 00:20:26,190 --> 00:20:30,410 that these salaries are based on what the market and the utility industry will bear. 275 00:20:30,930 --> 00:20:36,590 That is largely focused in our area of service, so it's in the mid-South area across the Tennessee Valley, 276 00:20:36,770 --> 00:20:38,870 so we're not comparing to California or New York. 277 00:20:39,670 --> 00:20:41,870 It's the comparable in our market. 278 00:20:42,670 --> 00:20:48,450 We need to be competitive in order to, and we've seen some of our folks go to some other places, 279 00:20:48,450 --> 00:20:51,070 because they're highly talented to be in recruited away 280 00:20:51,070 --> 00:20:54,170 and some of the utilities offer higher salary 281 00:20:54,170 --> 00:20:54,970 based on the we do. 282 00:20:55,090 --> 00:20:57,310 So we're very cognizant of this. 283 00:20:58,050 --> 00:20:59,410 I presented a city council yesterday, 284 00:20:59,730 --> 00:21:04,510 just some context that our MLDW remains an incredible value 285 00:21:04,510 --> 00:21:07,650 for our customers, not only because of the investments 286 00:21:07,650 --> 00:21:09,150 we're making the service we deliver 287 00:21:09,150 --> 00:21:11,090 and the rates that we have as you know 288 00:21:11,090 --> 00:21:12,670 through our rate survey every year, 289 00:21:14,410 --> 00:21:17,770 but a point of data that I delivered a city council yesterday 290 00:21:17,770 --> 00:21:24,850 that are executives as a percentage of the total revenues of this company, and when you 291 00:21:24,850 --> 00:21:30,690 add the revenues that we collect from all of our customers, for every $100 of revenue 292 00:21:30,690 --> 00:21:35,110 we collect, $18 goes to pay for our vice-presidence and above. 293 00:21:35,530 --> 00:21:40,890 Now, that doesn't mean much without some context, but we did a survey across the entire 294 00:21:40,890 --> 00:21:47,670 Tennessee Valley of just electric utilities, and the next closest lowest percentage is 295 00:21:48,850 --> 00:21:54,590 a utility company uses 40 cents and every $100 to pay for their executives. That's VPs and above. 296 00:21:55,070 --> 00:22:02,090 The average is around 65 to 80 cents for every $100 for their executive suite, and some of these 297 00:22:02,090 --> 00:22:08,810 go up to a dollar 60 for every 100 to pay for their presidents and vice presidents. That's a fair way of 298 00:22:08,810 --> 00:22:12,630 suggesting how the value of the VP's for the size of the organization. 299 00:22:12,910 --> 00:22:15,150 And again, that's just for electric utilities. 300 00:22:15,490 --> 00:22:22,390 It doesn't compare that we also have gas and water to manage here with our executive team. 301 00:22:23,270 --> 00:22:25,490 So it represents an incredible value. 302 00:22:25,590 --> 00:22:31,690 I'm very mindful of making sure we extract every ounce of value from the dollars that we collect from our customers. 303 00:22:32,390 --> 00:22:38,110 And I wanted to provide that context because when you see the value of the salary, 304 00:22:38,110 --> 00:22:44,310 people will immediately react about the high salary that they will relative to other folks in the 305 00:22:44,310 --> 00:22:50,730 area here. So we are significantly depressed compared to other utilities in the area and that's 306 00:22:51,330 --> 00:22:56,270 the environment in which we live. The last comment I'll make on the Chief of HR when we, 307 00:22:56,770 --> 00:23:02,170 we have an absent the HR chief since about the first of August. We have done a search, 308 00:23:02,170 --> 00:23:09,890 both nationally and locally, I'm glad that the most successful candidates who are finalists are from within this region. 309 00:23:10,510 --> 00:23:18,210 Some have lived in Memphis before and live in the area still, so with your successful approval, 310 00:23:18,330 --> 00:23:21,430 with your approval, this will give the successful candidate an offer here. 311 00:23:22,090 --> 00:23:27,750 When we did this search before, we were not as specific about what the salary range was, 312 00:23:27,750 --> 00:23:35,310 we had found candidates and made offers, we weren't even close. They needed the demand and more 313 00:23:35,310 --> 00:23:39,990 salary than we could even begin to offer. Like Charger, there's a provision that no one here 314 00:23:39,990 --> 00:23:44,610 can make more than the CEO does and all of the candidates that were finalists in the last time 315 00:23:44,610 --> 00:23:51,250 wanted significantly more than the CEO salary here, which I could not offer. And so we made it clear 316 00:23:51,250 --> 00:23:58,150 to the candidates this time. This is where we are. This is what we can do. And so we had that 317 00:23:58,150 --> 00:24:02,970 predicate going into those discussions. And so I'm very pleased we have really good finalists 318 00:24:02,970 --> 00:24:07,390 for this that are going to be very helpful to us. And they all understand the conditions under 319 00:24:07,930 --> 00:24:13,590 which the salaries are being offered here. So I just a little context for you. I don't have any 320 00:24:13,590 --> 00:24:19,050 others besides this that are coming forward at this level. And so it makes some other comments about 321 00:24:19,050 --> 00:24:29,410 In my comments at the end about recent city council actions with our authorities to make offers for hires as well as contracts. Hopefully that answers the question of the first. 322 00:24:29,810 --> 00:24:42,610 Yeah, thank you. Thank you for that and thank you for that content because it is so important that we stay on top of salaries and recruit to actually try to retain what we have right now and also recruit. 323 00:24:43,290 --> 00:24:45,630 and I'm very surprised that you're able to do this 324 00:24:45,630 --> 00:24:48,510 without a sign of bonus in a thing like that, 325 00:24:48,850 --> 00:24:51,150 but I sure we need to consider it down the road 326 00:24:51,150 --> 00:24:54,070 that it's going to be the norm on sign of bonus six, 327 00:24:54,210 --> 00:24:54,570 et cetera. 328 00:24:55,210 --> 00:24:58,350 And the other thing is I just add is I'm so glad to hear 329 00:24:58,350 --> 00:25:01,590 if you put an emphasis on safety with a VP of safety 330 00:25:01,590 --> 00:25:03,370 because we'll look at our school and cards. 331 00:25:04,210 --> 00:25:07,190 I think that it's monumental as far as having 332 00:25:07,190 --> 00:25:09,230 saved to be priority number one. 333 00:25:09,230 --> 00:25:19,550 And also, too, I think people is the best tool that we have and to have someone that's overseeing the HR is very critical to this organization. 334 00:25:19,750 --> 00:25:25,390 Something that we're able to feel that position. So I have this check. Very good. Let me, you talked about safety. 335 00:25:26,650 --> 00:25:34,710 The one and way approved, he will be over working hand and hand with the union. How are we integrating that? 336 00:25:34,710 --> 00:25:40,830 So, for the safety program, it matters not whether you're represented or not represented. 337 00:25:41,730 --> 00:25:46,650 We have a great collaborative working relationship, I'm not sure if Cory and Tommy are in here, but they're in here. 338 00:25:46,650 --> 00:25:48,650 Cory and Tommy are y'all back here. 339 00:25:49,730 --> 00:25:52,950 Okay, well, we work very collaboratively with those folks. 340 00:25:53,710 --> 00:25:56,210 They, on the safety thing, there is no disagreement. 341 00:25:56,870 --> 00:25:58,930 There is no space between us whatsoever. 342 00:25:59,490 --> 00:26:02,970 When we have a safety, I go to that force. 343 00:26:03,150 --> 00:26:07,090 We do have robust conversations about how we can, you know, 344 00:26:07,170 --> 00:26:12,410 hope folks accountable for safety behaviors are to have in a way that is going 345 00:26:12,410 --> 00:26:15,850 to, you know, disrupt the normal work flow. 346 00:26:17,050 --> 00:26:21,090 So, they have always been supportive of the safety protocols that we have here. 347 00:26:21,290 --> 00:26:23,950 They have brought suggestions forward as well. 348 00:26:25,250 --> 00:26:28,910 So, whether you're represented or not, 349 00:26:29,510 --> 00:26:36,450 Our equipment, our people, our important and so we're hopeful through this higher that we can add some more capacity, 350 00:26:40,790 --> 00:26:43,010 so we'll get some leading up there. 351 00:26:44,250 --> 00:26:50,330 It's also, first of all, on the safety cell, we responsible for compliance and preparedness. 352 00:26:51,070 --> 00:26:55,230 Give us a little extra coverage there as well. Preparedness is important. 353 00:26:56,030 --> 00:27:00,530 You know, it's in many utilities that pick up game and you do the vets you can, but 354 00:27:00,530 --> 00:27:05,710 well, somebody who has got to harmonize and make sure that we have covered all of the 355 00:27:05,710 --> 00:27:13,810 bases and training to emergency response plans to an effective response when things occur. 356 00:27:14,830 --> 00:27:19,170 So I'm very excited about that because that is an critically important component as we saw. 357 00:27:19,170 --> 00:27:19,610 I'll 358 00:27:22,070 --> 00:27:28,370 say spotty preparedness across utilities, so we're trying to set a very high bar. 359 00:27:28,710 --> 00:27:29,090 Very good. 360 00:27:29,670 --> 00:27:30,530 Thank you. 361 00:27:30,710 --> 00:27:32,670 Mr. Woods, no additional questions. 362 00:27:33,210 --> 00:27:33,730 Thank you Mr. Butler. 363 00:27:36,100 --> 00:27:37,040 Yes, I have won. 364 00:27:37,040 --> 00:27:42,300 I just wanted to acknowledge last week I had the opportunity to tour a couple of facilities 365 00:27:42,300 --> 00:27:43,980 with BP Rosser. 366 00:27:44,060 --> 00:27:50,040 Really had a chance to see the inner workings of both the liquefied natural gas plant, plus 367 00:27:50,040 --> 00:28:18,960 She and water treatment plant and just found it to be extremely rewarding. I do remember when I first got on the board a couple years ago that Commissioner Pesci recommended that I do that and the mistake I made I just didn't do it time enough. So I just want to encourage my fellow commissioners if you haven't had the opportunity to really see the production capabilities and the future of how enhanced capital projects will continue to create value for the customers that we serve. 368 00:28:18,960 --> 00:28:24,640 I think the Look Five Natural Gas Plan is just an amazing gym for us and I just wanted 369 00:28:24,640 --> 00:28:30,260 to highlight that and I had no idea how valuable an asset it was and just want to thank 370 00:28:30,260 --> 00:28:36,240 President McGowan for his leadership of thinking about what the future holds for us as a 371 00:28:36,240 --> 00:28:41,020 community with that asset and also thank B.P. Rosser for her investment and time and energy. 372 00:28:41,800 --> 00:28:48,400 Very good. Very good. Any other comments? Can we get a vote? 373 00:28:48,400 --> 00:28:52,500 Yes, sir. The thing to agenda items one through six. 374 00:28:53,000 --> 00:28:54,500 Commissioner Peshie. Yes. 375 00:28:54,900 --> 00:28:56,780 Mr. Woods. Yes. 376 00:28:57,660 --> 00:28:58,860 Vice Chair person. Yes. 377 00:28:59,080 --> 00:29:00,220 Chairman Polman. Yes. 378 00:29:00,620 --> 00:29:02,960 Do we have the concurrence of Commissioner Welling? Yes. 379 00:29:03,200 --> 00:29:05,560 And do we have the concurrence of Commissioner Butler? Yes. 380 00:29:06,400 --> 00:29:07,360 Those items pass. 381 00:29:08,680 --> 00:29:09,080 Good. 382 00:29:11,360 --> 00:29:11,960 President McGowan. 383 00:29:12,680 --> 00:29:14,100 Briefing. Yes, sir. 384 00:29:14,860 --> 00:29:17,020 So there are presentations about a few comments. 385 00:29:17,020 --> 00:29:22,020 So, I too appreciate the public coming down and talking to us and sharing their thoughts. 386 00:29:22,220 --> 00:29:28,040 It's always very helpful and we'll take action on those things we do have customer dispute process. 387 00:29:28,260 --> 00:29:31,400 I think it's going to be followed for our customer who had the dispute there. 388 00:29:31,520 --> 00:29:32,720 So, I think that's scheduled already. 389 00:29:33,560 --> 00:29:36,800 So, we'll be able to have a very detailed investigation and look into that. 390 00:29:38,200 --> 00:29:43,320 So, a couple of exciting things happened to our system in the last week. 391 00:29:43,320 --> 00:29:52,620 I think the news covered, we had a 24-inch water main break at the corner of Positoc and 4th Avenue in downtown. 392 00:29:53,440 --> 00:29:59,980 That is a early 1900s era water main that carries a significant. 393 00:30:00,000 --> 00:30:11,160 If it can amount of water, 24 inches is a very large water main. That burst spontaneously, you know, some a week or more after the storm caused a very large fracture in that plate. 394 00:30:11,640 --> 00:30:26,100 Our team was on the scene. In order to secure that, you have to figure out where the leaks coming from and they did a good job of turning, I think, about 60 valves to try to isolate that and to try to keep water on for as many customers as they possibly could. 395 00:30:26,100 --> 00:30:30,880 They got that isolated and relatively short order, although during the period of time there 396 00:30:30,880 --> 00:30:34,560 was a heck of a lot of water, it was pretty spectacular if you looked at the news coverage, 397 00:30:34,640 --> 00:30:37,520 watching that water flow down, the street there. 398 00:30:37,940 --> 00:30:42,140 I once they got that secured, though, we were able to continue with essentially normal operations 399 00:30:42,140 --> 00:30:42,700 downtown. 400 00:30:42,860 --> 00:30:46,500 We disrupted only a very small number of customers. 401 00:30:47,420 --> 00:30:50,380 The Grizzly's game was able to go forward that night at the FedEx form, though. 402 00:30:50,380 --> 00:30:54,180 This was right across the street, so it was critically important for our team. 403 00:30:54,180 --> 00:30:58,680 they worked very hard for the neighbors that were in convenience. We had a lot of trucks in that area. 404 00:30:58,820 --> 00:31:05,980 We had a lot of heavy equipment, but the team did a really good job of, in a very complex utility 405 00:31:05,980 --> 00:31:10,240 landscape, because there's also a 16-inch water main that's right above that. There's sewer 406 00:31:10,240 --> 00:31:14,800 mains, a lot of underground electric infrastructure there too. So it was a delicate operation. 407 00:31:15,100 --> 00:31:19,380 If you saw the pictures, it was pretty complex operation. So our water team, 408 00:31:19,380 --> 00:31:21,120 I'm very thankful for them. 409 00:31:21,180 --> 00:31:25,880 They responded quickly and got that handle in a really effective way. 410 00:31:27,700 --> 00:31:34,260 Over this weekend, we had a third party contractor working in the Fraser area, up in the 411 00:31:34,260 --> 00:31:40,280 Old Island Hawkins Mill Road area, and they struck a six-inch natural gas distribution 412 00:31:40,280 --> 00:31:46,360 main underground causing a leak, which our team had to secure an isolate that caused an 413 00:31:46,360 --> 00:31:50,340 impact to approximately 1,000 residents in that area. 414 00:31:52,420 --> 00:31:58,200 I want to thank the team because they did a great job of isolating that in a very safe fashion. 415 00:31:58,880 --> 00:32:03,800 And they also found alternate paths in order to bring gas back to the customers in those areas. 416 00:32:03,800 --> 00:32:07,180 So there was a small interruption where thankful that the temperature wasn't lower. 417 00:32:07,780 --> 00:32:10,740 And the customers in that area didn't have to worry about heat. 418 00:32:10,920 --> 00:32:16,220 It was really about the longevity of being how long you wouldn't have gas to cook or heat water with. 419 00:32:16,220 --> 00:32:23,360 But happened on Saturday and by Sunday, I'll call out again our gas team, you know, VP Ross 420 00:32:23,360 --> 00:32:27,880 around her whole team, but also Timothy Davis's customer service team, made an army 421 00:32:27,880 --> 00:32:31,200 of people from the meter shop to the customer service shop. 422 00:32:32,340 --> 00:32:36,960 You know, Jason Dunnvitt is our supervisor in that area, and he does a great job of managing 423 00:32:36,960 --> 00:32:38,680 this whole thing. 424 00:32:38,840 --> 00:32:44,160 He had an army of folks going door to door securing gas meters, and then also equally important 425 00:32:44,160 --> 00:32:49,420 when we purged the system and bring all those gas meters back online, many of those customers need 426 00:32:49,420 --> 00:32:56,600 a pilot light real light. And so they did Yolman's work, literally getting nearly everybody 427 00:32:56,600 --> 00:33:03,540 relit that Sunday in short order. So the last thing is that it really shows the power of our new 428 00:33:03,540 --> 00:33:14,140 conveys system communication system. We were able to geographically isolate the customers who were 429 00:33:14,140 --> 00:33:18,020 direct message to their email or text, letting them know what was happening. 430 00:33:18,960 --> 00:33:23,320 So I think, as you know, customers hate when things go wrong, but they really hate 431 00:33:23,320 --> 00:33:25,080 us when they don't know why or what's going to happen. 432 00:33:25,300 --> 00:33:29,600 And so in addition to the door to door efforts, the door hangers and our teams who are 433 00:33:29,600 --> 00:33:34,820 face to face this conveys system proved its mental during this period of time and sharing 434 00:33:34,820 --> 00:33:36,040 information with customers. 435 00:33:36,920 --> 00:33:40,560 So obviously we kept you all elected officials, the City Council and the Mayor informed 436 00:33:40,560 --> 00:33:44,600 as well, but I'm just glad that we were able to get that back 437 00:33:44,600 --> 00:33:47,400 on quickly and safely for everyone. 438 00:33:48,140 --> 00:33:50,140 So a great job by our team is you all know 439 00:33:50,140 --> 00:33:52,540 who've met those front line folks that do just a great job 440 00:33:52,540 --> 00:33:53,200 of coordination. 441 00:33:55,320 --> 00:33:58,560 I mentioned to you last time that there are always 442 00:33:58,560 --> 00:34:01,080 this is the legislative season up in Nashville. 443 00:34:01,360 --> 00:34:03,440 And so there's several bills that we are tracking 444 00:34:03,440 --> 00:34:07,520 and monitoring just to determine how 445 00:34:07,520 --> 00:34:10,860 or if they will affect MLGW in one way or another. 446 00:34:11,680 --> 00:34:13,520 The first is a data center bill. 447 00:34:13,680 --> 00:34:15,480 Now there were several data center bills. 448 00:34:16,120 --> 00:34:19,300 We heard the President speak about this at the state of the union, 449 00:34:19,660 --> 00:34:21,580 about allowing behind the meter generation. 450 00:34:22,560 --> 00:34:25,840 Largely, that's what's being codified here in Tennessee law. 451 00:34:26,320 --> 00:34:27,860 Also, with these proposed bills, 452 00:34:28,160 --> 00:34:30,100 also that customer should not bear the burden 453 00:34:30,100 --> 00:34:33,040 of infrastructure necessary to serve data centers. 454 00:34:33,980 --> 00:34:37,020 Now, from the versions that have been brought forward 455 00:34:37,020 --> 00:34:42,000 So for essentially aligns with exactly what we have been doing here with mandating the data 456 00:34:42,000 --> 00:34:46,780 centers, pay for all of the infrastructure necessary to serve them so that our customers 457 00:34:46,780 --> 00:34:47,700 are not impacted. 458 00:34:48,400 --> 00:34:53,920 Tennessee Valley Authority is changing the rate structure, such that it's not an incentive 459 00:34:53,920 --> 00:34:58,060 for manufacturing rate that are moving to more of a commercial rate for data centers. 460 00:34:58,620 --> 00:35:03,040 It largely because of the lack of jobs that come with them, but we realize there is 461 00:35:03,040 --> 00:35:03,860 other value. 462 00:35:03,860 --> 00:35:16,380 But, so there is some things happening that are consistent there, and we'll watch that to see if there's any recommended changes that could refine that and make it even better. 463 00:35:17,660 --> 00:35:29,420 There is a bill that just came forward in the last day or so, you all recall that we put into place a builder option where developers and builders could install some of the infrastructure necessary for their subdivisions. 464 00:35:29,420 --> 00:35:32,380 We have been underway for about the last year. 465 00:35:32,680 --> 00:35:34,700 It was implemented in July of last year. 466 00:35:34,920 --> 00:35:38,940 And so this bill would add some additional refinements to that. 467 00:35:39,080 --> 00:35:43,640 It would add some requirements on both the developers and the utilities, 468 00:35:43,840 --> 00:35:49,660 as far as timelines and consequences of what happens if you don't meet the timelines. 469 00:35:50,040 --> 00:35:53,680 So again, a lot to unpack there and we'll see where that one goes. 470 00:35:53,680 --> 00:36:05,540 But we've been moving forward earnestly with the builder option to work with our developer partners to determine how we can help them be more efficient in getting those infrastructure in the ground. 471 00:36:06,320 --> 00:36:13,440 Obviously, an infrastructure ultimately becomes ours, so there has to be some requirements that we put into place to accept that infrastructure. 472 00:36:15,900 --> 00:36:21,300 The last is that there is a bill that's really focused on municipal utility board representation. 473 00:36:22,140 --> 00:36:28,500 This is something that we have talked about here, especially for areas that are extraterritorial to the municipality that owns that utility. 474 00:36:29,800 --> 00:36:31,580 This has long been a conversation. 475 00:36:32,220 --> 00:36:39,320 You all know we've had it here recently, and you know, Commissioner Butler, Commissioner of the Well, and our part of the reason that we want to have that representation. 476 00:36:41,060 --> 00:36:52,540 But this is largely born of the storm, and as you all heard from some of the areas, this dialogue was brought up because of the response to the winter storm in some areas of the state. 477 00:36:53,660 --> 00:37:01,460 Any time you have a storm like that, people always wonder if they're getting the attention they deserve, and so I think that brings into discussion. 478 00:37:01,460 --> 00:37:08,820 the representation on a utility board. So we'll follow that one more, more to follow on that. 479 00:37:09,880 --> 00:37:15,460 Obviously with all of these, there are varying amendments that can happen throughout the day. 480 00:37:15,560 --> 00:37:20,640 There are various amendments. We've seen that multiple times a day in some cases and throughout the week. 481 00:37:21,340 --> 00:37:26,840 We are working with our utility organization, the Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Agency, 482 00:37:26,840 --> 00:37:33,620 who represents all municipal's, the TECA, who represents the cooperatives. Obviously, our representatives 483 00:37:33,620 --> 00:37:40,120 that we have in Nashville to keep us posted on things that are happening. And we speak as a 484 00:37:40,120 --> 00:37:44,920 big aid. Also, I was just there on Monday speaking with the largest utilities. And we share 485 00:37:44,920 --> 00:37:50,660 information to about how we might be able to provide feedback that's helpful and to provide 486 00:37:51,580 --> 00:37:56,460 information to avoid unintended consequences, you know, any time you do 487 00:37:56,460 --> 00:38:00,320 some things, there could be an unintended consequence. We just want to make sure everybody's 488 00:38:00,320 --> 00:38:04,520 making a most well informed decision. So as they move along, we'll let you know where those 489 00:38:04,520 --> 00:38:10,640 things stand, those are the three that that are, I would highlight is in particular could have 490 00:38:10,640 --> 00:38:15,920 some kind of an impact here, but as we, as they change a more full, let you know what that is. 491 00:38:16,360 --> 00:38:20,040 And when I say impact, I'm not necessarily suggesting negative impact or positive impact, 492 00:38:20,040 --> 00:38:23,760 be some kind of a change. So, 493 00:38:26,000 --> 00:38:31,280 lastly, I'll mention the city council action that was recently 494 00:38:31,280 --> 00:38:36,920 undertaken, I'm thankful for Councilor Chairwoman Swerge of Washington, as well as Council 495 00:38:36,920 --> 00:38:41,620 of McKinowley Councilman Spinoza, who, if you're listening, thank you and also to the Memphis City 496 00:38:41,620 --> 00:38:47,680 Council members who recently put an ordinance in place to change the contracting and hiring 497 00:38:48,760 --> 00:38:54,200 limits or methods like gas water as you know, they set those limits for us. 498 00:38:54,920 --> 00:38:58,940 Last night, they approved the minutes of the meeting that finalized the ordinance 499 00:38:58,940 --> 00:39:04,000 that set the new limits for a methods like gas and water, essentially capping the 500 00:39:04,000 --> 00:39:11,240 authority that we have at methods like gas and water at $500,000 for contracting or spending 501 00:39:11,240 --> 00:39:16,840 before we have to bring it to city council for approval and capping our hiring limits 502 00:39:16,840 --> 00:39:21,500 that $180,000 before we have to bring it to City Council for approval. 503 00:39:22,800 --> 00:39:30,040 Now I want to mention you all recall previously that limit was that $150,000 for spending 504 00:39:30,040 --> 00:39:37,520 at $120,000 for hiring after having been at the 580, about two years before that. 505 00:39:37,880 --> 00:39:39,780 So back up to that level. 506 00:39:40,240 --> 00:39:44,640 Now, practically what that means for us is that as the President, I have the opportunity 507 00:39:44,640 --> 00:39:50,700 to make decisions for hiring up $280,000 for having to bring it forward for new hires. 508 00:39:50,820 --> 00:39:53,980 And I also have the authority to bring up, and this will sound a little strange. 509 00:39:54,100 --> 00:40:01,120 I have the authority to approve spending and contracts up to $250,000 for that, having to 510 00:40:01,120 --> 00:40:01,840 bring it forward. 511 00:40:02,480 --> 00:40:06,500 Our current MLGW board limit is set at $250,000. 512 00:40:06,800 --> 00:40:11,880 So anything over that, at $250,000 in one dollar, I have to bring that forward to you all 513 00:40:11,880 --> 00:40:12,640 for approval. 514 00:40:13,660 --> 00:40:31,520 How it's structured now based on the ordinance is I have up to 250 anything between 250 and 500 you all can't approve without having to take the city council anything above 500,000 I have to bring to you and the city council. That's how we're structured today based on the ordinance that was passed. 515 00:40:31,520 --> 00:40:38,840 out. I'm not suggesting any change today. This is brand new and so we want to see how we 516 00:40:38,840 --> 00:40:43,660 settle out with this new approach, but the one thing I can say is nothing will change in our approach 517 00:40:43,660 --> 00:40:48,520 about how we present information to you. Nothing will change in our approach about how we present 518 00:40:48,520 --> 00:40:53,320 information to Memphis City Council. And as I made a commitment to the City Council persons, 519 00:40:53,460 --> 00:40:58,340 all of our records are subject to examination and I'll make regular reports to them about 520 00:40:58,340 --> 00:41:02,640 any contracts that we have that are below those limits so they can continue to see 521 00:41:03,220 --> 00:41:05,480 what we have been doing and 522 00:41:05,480 --> 00:41:11,340 I think there will be no surprises there because it's going to be the same things that we do purchasing cable and trucks and 523 00:41:12,000 --> 00:41:14,840 all of the necessary components to keep this utility running so 524 00:41:15,580 --> 00:41:19,500 I am again very thankful to the Memphis City Council and to their partnership 525 00:41:20,020 --> 00:41:24,760 They have been very supportive of this utility and what we have been doing to move forward 526 00:41:24,760 --> 00:41:27,720 to improve reliability for all of our customers 527 00:41:28,420 --> 00:41:31,160 And to make sure that we are ready for the challenges of tomorrow. 528 00:41:31,860 --> 00:41:37,480 So I think also been a lot of learning on the council from the information we've been providing. 529 00:41:37,700 --> 00:41:40,740 And so I think they have a more well informed basis for making decisions. 530 00:41:41,600 --> 00:41:43,080 And so I'm thankful for their attention. 531 00:41:43,900 --> 00:41:46,740 And just like you all, there is no lack of interaction. 532 00:41:46,940 --> 00:41:48,540 A communication when they have questions. 533 00:41:49,280 --> 00:41:51,960 We are there to answer and we engage with them regularly. 534 00:41:52,800 --> 00:41:54,660 One on one to share information. 535 00:41:54,660 --> 00:42:01,880 So I think that's one of the reasons that they have decided to make this move because they feel like they have good information at connection. 536 00:42:03,000 --> 00:42:04,660 So that's really it. 537 00:42:05,560 --> 00:42:10,080 Chairman, no additional actions required on your part at this point. 538 00:42:10,280 --> 00:42:16,200 But I want to share that report with you and I will keep you posted as things move forward up in Nashville. 539 00:42:16,420 --> 00:42:17,980 There's anything we need to report out. 540 00:42:17,980 --> 00:42:18,360 Perfect. 541 00:42:22,300 --> 00:42:34,800 I want to just make everyone aware that Councilwoman Pearl Walker is on board and we appreciate her support and focus or attention to this commission. 542 00:42:35,520 --> 00:42:44,360 Thank you Mr. Chair. She's our new chair at the Evel Jimmy committee and she's doing just a fantastic job of guiding us through this and so I appreciate her advocacy and leadership. 543 00:42:44,920 --> 00:42:46,560 Very good. 544 00:42:46,560 --> 00:42:47,980 Any other comments? 545 00:42:48,480 --> 00:42:57,560 I just wanted to say one of the reasons I believe the council is increasing our minimums 546 00:42:58,520 --> 00:43:00,360 is because of trust and transparency. 547 00:43:01,800 --> 00:43:08,500 And I appreciate that new, the procurement team, giving them good basis for what we're doing, 548 00:43:08,500 --> 00:43:13,840 being very clear, being very transparent about those 549 00:43:13,840 --> 00:43:15,660 hires, about the purchases. 550 00:43:17,200 --> 00:43:19,040 And that's the main reason. 551 00:43:20,800 --> 00:43:22,140 And that's what we wanted. 552 00:43:22,600 --> 00:43:25,420 That was one of the questions I was asked years ago, 553 00:43:25,780 --> 00:43:29,240 coming on the council as a commissioner, 554 00:43:30,760 --> 00:43:31,780 will I be transparent? 555 00:43:33,360 --> 00:43:36,220 And that's true for all of us as well. 556 00:43:36,220 --> 00:43:45,560 And they watched, and they've seen that, and we have trust now, but that transparency, I appreciate everyone for that. 557 00:43:45,920 --> 00:43:51,120 It's not just in the staff here, but it's also in this very thoughtful board. 558 00:43:51,900 --> 00:43:55,580 We ask good questions because I know they watch and listen to what the board asks. 559 00:43:55,980 --> 00:43:58,080 And so I think it's a great deal of confidence, and it's board. 560 00:43:58,800 --> 00:44:04,580 And the depth of understanding you all have in the detailed questions that you all have to before we bring things forward. 561 00:44:04,580 --> 00:44:12,500 I appreciate that. Good. Good. Have something. Um, two quick things. Number one, I will offer someone 562 00:44:12,500 --> 00:44:19,700 to address the right pair that came to the podium with the $1,500 deal and live in a hotel, 563 00:44:19,960 --> 00:44:26,560 etc. She has a hearing. I believe it's tomorrow. Okay. With our costs with our billing dispute team. 564 00:44:26,560 --> 00:44:31,960 So there will be a formal hearing tomorrow for something. Just make sure that we knew that in the 565 00:44:31,960 --> 00:44:37,120 thing is, you know, we get to wait time at the time, people come to the polling and they talk 566 00:44:37,660 --> 00:44:42,680 about bills and existence. Can you just go over them, maybe with them, somebody can just go 567 00:44:42,680 --> 00:44:48,620 over them. We're not cutting people all. They need to call us. We would try to make arrangements. 568 00:44:49,700 --> 00:44:54,680 Oh, can someone just kind of kind of re-interrate that, like, what is going on? What is the 569 00:44:54,680 --> 00:44:59,980 process for those people who may be struggling to pay their bills? Because we know last month that you 570 00:45:00,000 --> 00:45:07,440 Kind of game forecast of this month, the deals could be a spike because of the cost of gas, but at least just in 571 00:45:07,440 --> 00:45:15,240 form of public, just here again today as to what process they can take to avoid being cut off and what we are doing about 572 00:45:15,240 --> 00:45:15,800 those situation. 573 00:45:16,340 --> 00:45:21,840 Sure, I'm happy to start and the Timothy can fill in, but we do have many programs available to our 574 00:45:21,840 --> 00:45:26,680 customers with all starts with that versus conversation to come to the community office and 575 00:45:26,680 --> 00:45:33,800 to speak with a credit counselor or to call the call us and ask to speak with a customer 576 00:45:33,800 --> 00:45:39,780 credit counselor who can discuss with them their particular situation. For particularly 577 00:45:39,780 --> 00:45:46,480 sticky processes we do have a customer advocate team who can dig into the complex issues like 578 00:45:46,480 --> 00:45:53,680 the one you heard about here where there could be some circumstance besides just a high bill 579 00:45:53,680 --> 00:45:59,180 things working fine and I just can't afford it. But for our customers who are having that issue, 580 00:46:00,200 --> 00:46:04,300 the number one step is to get into contact whether in person or over the phone with MLGW, 581 00:46:04,400 --> 00:46:10,360 so we can begin to work on a process. As you know, we have several moratoriums that we have in 582 00:46:10,360 --> 00:46:15,920 the winter time, we have moratoriums when it's cold as we don't cut people off. During the period of 583 00:46:15,920 --> 00:46:20,520 that storm, we had two weeks when we didn't cut anybody off because the kids were all out of school, 584 00:46:20,520 --> 00:46:24,140 even though the temperatures were at a place where we could have done those 585 00:46:24,140 --> 00:46:29,900 cut-offs. We have raised additional money for utility assistance. We are 586 00:46:29,900 --> 00:46:35,960 working with the county on their CSA funding. So we have a number of paths that we 587 00:46:35,960 --> 00:46:41,880 can go down to keep people's lights on. We always hear about there's lack of 588 00:46:41,880 --> 00:46:45,180 information. We share as much information as we possibly came with customers 589 00:46:45,180 --> 00:46:50,160 individually. And so we get into the details with the customers about what their 590 00:46:50,160 --> 00:46:56,100 options are. So our team is, and I think Timothy will talk about these building and escalations 591 00:46:56,100 --> 00:47:02,640 desk that will give us some additional depth to provide detail information to our customer. 592 00:47:03,040 --> 00:47:09,160 So it starts with a call or a visit, and then our team that is then their DNA, it's find a way to 593 00:47:09,160 --> 00:47:16,580 help you keep the utilities on to get a plan there. So the thing that we cannot do is necessarily 594 00:47:16,580 --> 00:47:21,280 just forgive or forget about the charges that come in. We will always make sure that if 595 00:47:21,280 --> 00:47:26,220 there is a charge that is inappropriate, we will credit that back to you. If it's our fault, 596 00:47:27,280 --> 00:47:31,780 if the meter stop working or broke and we had to estimate and we'd figure out that it was wrong, 597 00:47:31,860 --> 00:47:38,000 we'll give you that credit back. But for the rest of the rate payers, we were paying in full and meeting 598 00:47:38,000 --> 00:47:43,520 their requirements, we can't just forgive or forget. So we have to work on a program to recover the 599 00:47:43,520 --> 00:47:49,260 for the benefit of the entire system, so we've had all the Timothy talk about how his team approaches 600 00:47:49,260 --> 00:47:54,860 in the culture that they have of trying to help customers. I'll put a finer point on President 601 00:47:54,860 --> 00:48:02,260 McGowan's comments. Timothy Davis, Chief Customer Officer at its highest level, we do very 602 00:48:02,260 --> 00:48:08,360 well in this regard, but we know we can always do better, right? Any one customer that has a problem 603 00:48:08,360 --> 00:48:13,640 is one too many. And we've creating a culture here where we put people first and we're meeting 604 00:48:13,640 --> 00:48:19,600 customers where they are. Let me give you some particulars. Kenneth Cop here, our director of 605 00:48:19,600 --> 00:48:27,710 call center, customer, care operations. His team takes roughly 1.4 million calls a year. 606 00:48:28,380 --> 00:48:32,810 Roughly 32 percent of those calls are for payment arrangements. That is, 607 00:48:32,810 --> 00:48:37,970 customers calling, which is what Commissioner Horson just alluded to, give us a call. 608 00:48:38,170 --> 00:48:38,990 We are here to help. 609 00:48:39,210 --> 00:48:46,770 So 32% of those calls, specifically for payment arrangements, and we work out opportunities 610 00:48:46,770 --> 00:48:47,430 for those. 611 00:48:47,690 --> 00:48:57,950 We have panoply, a huge amount of services that we provide to customers, and my 44 years of experience 612 00:48:57,950 --> 00:49:05,570 M-O-G-W offers more customer options and programs and any other utility I've ever been to. 613 00:49:06,050 --> 00:49:11,110 And those are utilities in four different states from California to here. 614 00:49:11,790 --> 00:49:16,610 In addition to that, as President McGowan alluded to, we have a number of more atoriums. 615 00:49:16,870 --> 00:49:24,350 During the last weather moratorium, we suspended disconnections. Over that four-day period, 616 00:49:24,350 --> 00:49:29,350 We had roughly 83 hundred customers that should have been disconnected for a non-payment. 617 00:49:30,090 --> 00:49:35,330 And again, that's President McGowan alluded to roughly 39 percent of our customers 618 00:49:35,330 --> 00:49:36,990 do not pay on time. 619 00:49:37,750 --> 00:49:43,470 Now, we've done a number of things to make improvements, so as I mentioned, those 83 hundred 620 00:49:43,470 --> 00:49:46,810 customers that should have been disconnected that weren't. 621 00:49:47,190 --> 00:49:52,970 We have implemented a new system as President McGowan alluded to call convey in partnership 622 00:49:52,970 --> 00:49:57,410 with our vice president, Q and communications, Ursula Madden. 623 00:49:58,130 --> 00:50:06,290 We specifically sent 83 hundred text messages to those customers to inform them. 624 00:50:06,330 --> 00:50:10,890 You are now subject to disconnection as the moratorium has ended. 625 00:50:11,650 --> 00:50:17,430 Roughly 52 hundred of those customers responded to make payment arrangements. 626 00:50:17,430 --> 00:50:24,510 Kenneth Colp, again, our director of customer care, typically takes around 5,000 calls a day. 627 00:50:24,770 --> 00:50:32,770 During that time, he took a 13,000 calls a day in support of helping those customers. 628 00:50:33,570 --> 00:50:46,350 In addition to that, in partnership with Ursula Madden, we have created, to my knowledge, the first of its kind in our nation, a power fund. 629 00:50:46,350 --> 00:50:48,910 that we're putting together. 630 00:50:49,210 --> 00:50:52,350 It's in its initials offerings right now, 631 00:50:52,770 --> 00:50:54,330 but for all intents and purposes, 632 00:50:55,010 --> 00:51:00,150 it's a fund that's a 501C3 that allows industry, 633 00:51:00,310 --> 00:51:02,550 partners, community partners to donate. 634 00:51:02,930 --> 00:51:06,710 We've already received $2 million in that fund from TVA, 635 00:51:07,350 --> 00:51:11,550 and myself, I am actively working along with the 636 00:51:11,550 --> 00:51:18,470 President McGowan and Vice President Madden to go out in the community and seek more money 637 00:51:18,470 --> 00:51:21,290 for that fund to create expanded offerings. 638 00:51:21,910 --> 00:51:27,810 In addition to that, we came before this council with support of our legal team to expand 639 00:51:27,810 --> 00:51:29,670 the offerings of share of the pennies. 640 00:51:31,050 --> 00:51:36,470 So it can meet the demands of the current needs of customers and even sandbox initiatives 641 00:51:36,470 --> 00:51:42,790 that we're working on to provide power to customers, back up batteries to our medically vulnerable 642 00:51:42,790 --> 00:51:51,830 customers for no cost. So I am extremely proud of where we are, what we're doing. And the 643 00:51:51,830 --> 00:51:57,810 culture we've created in our customers, it often goes unnoticed that many of our employees when 644 00:51:57,810 --> 00:52:02,450 they talk to these customers and understand they have issues, they take a collection amongst 645 00:52:02,450 --> 00:52:06,990 themselves. It just often doesn't go and they're going to be embarrassed that I bring this up. 646 00:52:07,090 --> 00:52:11,410 But they often take up a collection amongst themselves to help customers pay their bills. 647 00:52:12,710 --> 00:52:19,330 We're trying to expand our formally called prepay. Now we're calling it power pay to offer 648 00:52:19,330 --> 00:52:25,830 additional options to customers. But again, I'll start. I'll end as I begin. No matter how well we're 649 00:52:25,830 --> 00:52:30,450 doing, we know we have an opportunity to do better. I'm happy to answer any additional 650 00:52:30,450 --> 00:52:32,030 questions you have on the stop. 651 00:52:32,410 --> 00:52:33,250 No, thank you for that, Tim. 652 00:52:33,690 --> 00:52:35,810 And I really, and thank you, too, Chief of God. 653 00:52:36,030 --> 00:52:38,570 And I wanted to public and write papers to hear that. 654 00:52:38,910 --> 00:52:39,690 We do have plans. 655 00:52:39,890 --> 00:52:40,790 We'll do have processes. 656 00:52:41,910 --> 00:52:44,430 And what you just mentioned today, I think that was a pretty 657 00:52:44,430 --> 00:52:47,150 comprehensive overview of what we try to do. 658 00:52:47,370 --> 00:52:48,270 This is what I write players. 659 00:52:48,970 --> 00:52:51,190 So I want to public to totally understand 660 00:52:51,190 --> 00:52:52,230 that we hear of all of them. 661 00:52:52,450 --> 00:52:53,970 I just make a phone call. 662 00:52:54,610 --> 00:52:56,970 And you guys are doing whatever you can to work with them. 663 00:52:57,270 --> 00:52:58,010 Thank you. 664 00:52:58,250 --> 00:52:58,630 Very good. 665 00:52:58,630 --> 00:53:04,030 And in that address of some of the empathy questions about this, we are business, but we are 666 00:53:04,030 --> 00:53:09,730 very empathetic and have programs in where other rate payers are contributing in and helping 667 00:53:10,290 --> 00:53:10,810 out. 668 00:53:11,310 --> 00:53:13,030 Like we all should do. 669 00:53:13,590 --> 00:53:14,290 Any other comments? 670 00:53:14,390 --> 00:53:14,910 Questions? 671 00:53:18,000 --> 00:53:22,260 I'll ask one, particularly since you're about to onboard a new VP of HR. 672 00:53:22,640 --> 00:53:27,220 When you're talking about our gas team, I want to theme the great work that they've done 673 00:53:27,220 --> 00:53:32,940 in the ice storm, the work they were just doing over the weekend, I'm often thinking about the 674 00:53:32,940 --> 00:53:38,020 next pipeline, the next generation of talent. And if not today, Mr. President, due to time constraints, 675 00:53:38,620 --> 00:53:44,600 I would love to hear robust conversation around who's the next group of girls and guys that 676 00:53:44,600 --> 00:53:49,000 are going to be leading this amazing work. We often talk about the infrastructure investment that 677 00:53:49,000 --> 00:53:57,200 we're making, but I'm very interested in the people investment that we're making. Love when we 678 00:53:57,200 --> 00:54:05,220 one right here in Memphis because these are high paying jobs, critical jobs and I'm 679 00:54:05,220 --> 00:54:07,980 afraid of my kids can change a light bill by the time that they finish school. 680 00:54:08,420 --> 00:54:13,780 I love them dearly, but that workforce talent pipeline is critical to this work that you mentioned 681 00:54:13,780 --> 00:54:18,340 Mr. President that we are a construction company. I just wonder where those skills are coming from. 682 00:54:18,560 --> 00:54:22,940 Get deep question, but I'm sure there's some things you guys are thinking about all through. 683 00:54:23,300 --> 00:54:32,520 Well, we'd be happy to, you know, commissioner, one of the things that, you know, your peers have heard from us is, and we owe you another report as we go into the summer, I think. 684 00:54:32,980 --> 00:54:46,880 So if I, I'll give you a more detailed report as we go into the summer, but we do have what we had called boot camps for utility worker, lineman, mechanics, hundreds of kids who are participating in this many of whom we have hired. 685 00:54:47,420 --> 00:54:50,440 here to give them that inspiration and that technical training. 686 00:54:50,840 --> 00:54:56,200 I'm Mr. Davis, I'm just an article about his customer service academy, the Cs Academy 687 00:54:56,200 --> 00:55:01,560 where we have, we cut these young people in high school, gave them training over the summer 688 00:55:01,560 --> 00:55:06,320 and now they're working in our call center, taking many of these calls, finding a path. 689 00:55:06,660 --> 00:55:10,100 And the common theme is I never thought that I would be working until I didn't know what I was 690 00:55:10,100 --> 00:55:11,700 going to do, but now I have a purpose. 691 00:55:11,700 --> 00:55:16,460 And so we're expanding that this summer into the IT space as well. 692 00:55:17,380 --> 00:55:20,920 Ms. Fallon is going to have an academy for IT. 693 00:55:21,060 --> 00:55:26,600 So now we'll have utility worker Lyme and mechanic customer service and IT. 694 00:55:27,200 --> 00:55:31,700 But frankly, we think it's a model that other large companies should follow is to go out. 695 00:55:32,680 --> 00:55:35,560 You know, you can't just wait for the fish to jump in the boat. 696 00:55:36,260 --> 00:55:41,180 For the right one, you know, you got to go out and cultivate and you got to get out there and fish where 697 00:55:41,180 --> 00:55:47,280 those folks are that you want to attract. To use that analogy, you can't just wait for them, 698 00:55:47,500 --> 00:55:52,440 you got to get out there and cultivate that. So that's what we're doing, inspiring young people, 699 00:55:52,880 --> 00:55:58,580 so that there is a pool from which we can pull and to offer opportunities for young people here 700 00:55:58,580 --> 00:56:04,220 to, as you said, join this team and move on up. There is an opportunity here. One of the things 701 00:56:04,220 --> 00:56:09,000 we try to do is do some stories here and I've talked with that Chief Madden about this, 702 00:56:09,860 --> 00:56:16,300 telling the inspirational story about folks who started here, you know, a few years ago and 703 00:56:16,300 --> 00:56:20,980 look where they are today. Folks who thought they might not ever have the opportunity 704 00:56:20,980 --> 00:56:28,100 to be a supervisor or a manager or even a vice president. And so I'm very optimistic about 705 00:56:28,100 --> 00:56:33,020 the pool that we're doing. I think we're on the leading edge of showing how to cultivate talent 706 00:56:33,020 --> 00:56:37,880 and inspire young people and give them an actual opportunity immediately. Instead of just, you 707 00:56:37,880 --> 00:56:41,220 you know, hey, which you like to come and get familiar with, but we're actually offering those 708 00:56:41,220 --> 00:56:42,200 opportunities for folks. 709 00:56:42,380 --> 00:56:46,360 So we'll give you a full briefing on this as we get into the summer about what we're 710 00:56:46,360 --> 00:56:47,460 about to offer. 711 00:56:48,000 --> 00:56:50,680 So I'll call you in the next three or four board meetings. 712 00:56:50,820 --> 00:56:51,940 We'll get back to you on that. 713 00:56:52,620 --> 00:56:58,700 But this is something we are dedicated to hiring the right folks to make sure that all of 714 00:56:58,700 --> 00:57:01,380 these kids are coming from right here and she'll be counting. 715 00:57:02,460 --> 00:57:07,540 So, next, the comments, questions, can I get a motion? 716 00:57:08,640 --> 00:57:09,900 Some of you. 717 00:57:09,900 --> 00:57:10,260 Okay. 718 00:57:10,900 --> 00:57:11,680 What was that motion? 719 00:57:12,140 --> 00:57:12,200 Motion. 720 00:57:12,200 --> 00:57:12,920 Motion to adjourn. 721 00:57:13,200 --> 00:57:14,220 Thank you. 722 00:57:14,460 --> 00:57:15,260 Second, that motion. 723 00:57:15,600 --> 00:57:16,180 All in favor? 724 00:57:17,400 --> 00:57:18,380 You are adjourned. 725 00:57:18,500 --> 00:57:19,080 Thank you all.