Commission approves minutes 6‑0; director’s report highlights council priorities, $16.5M federal gas‑pipeline grant and job postings

The Utilities Advisory Commission unanimously approved the previous meeting minutes and received the utilities director report covering City Council priorities, a federally funded pipeline grant and customer satisfaction findings.

Minutes approved: A motion to approve the minutes was made and carried 6‑0. The official roll call recorded Vice Chair Mater, Commissioner Metz, Commissioner Croft, Chair Scharf, Commissioner Phillips and Commissioner Gupta voting yes.

Council priorities and grant funding: Kylene Osei, Assistant City Manager, told commissioners that at its annual retreat the City Council established four priorities for 2025: implementing housing strategies for social and economic balance; climate action, adaptation and natural environment protection; economic development and retail vibrancy; and public safety, wellness and belonging. Osei also said council authorized staff to execute a $16,500,000 federal grant associated with replacing old gas pipelines under the “natural gas distribution infrastructure safety and modernization” program.

Staffing and outreach: Osei said two leadership positions — utilities director and assistant director for electric engineering — were posted and that staff will share recruitment information broadly. She also called attention to continuing weather and water system monitoring and to staff investigations into some reports of high utility bills; residents with billing concerns were urged to contact customer service.

Customer survey: Osei summarized the utility’s recent customer satisfaction survey of business and key account groups. She told commissioners the water utility scored strongly on customer satisfaction while electric service ratings showed some declines, particularly on rates and affordability and on trust metrics. Staff said action items include enhanced communication about rate programs, more outreach to support customer participation in efficiency programs, and work to improve trust through outreach and customer stories.

What commissioners noted: Commissioners thanked staff for the report and asked clarifying questions about the public engagement timeline for council priorities and about recruitment details for the posted positions.

Formal action recorded: Motion to approve minutes – outcome approved; vote: Vice Chair Mater (yes), Commissioner Metz (yes), Commissioner Croft (yes), Chair Scharf (yes), Commissioner Phillips (yes), Commissioner Gupta (yes).