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SPEAKER_09: Oh good now, do you wear contacts? No
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SPEAKER_17: Congratulations, and thank you very much once again
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SPEAKER_17: Thank you, mr. Rush
SPEAKER_17: Excuse me our next speaker is Josh air heart
SPEAKER_17: My name is Josh air heart Lyman at smud and I'm speaking on behalf of IBW represented employees at smud
SPEAKER_13: The ongoing discussions have extended beyond what is typically encountered in standard contract negotiations
SPEAKER_13: It is damaging the foundation of the relationship between smud and the workforce that makes this utility function every day
Unknown: For decades IBW employees believe that they were part of smud not just employed here
SPEAKER_13: But respected as partners in its mission that belief is now being eroded
Unknown: When the employees compensation whose operate maintain restore smud system falls behind comparable employee groups within smud
SPEAKER_13: It sends a clear and troubling message their work is not valued equally
SPEAKER_13: That message is tearing at the fabric trust pride and partnership between IBW and smud labor or smud and IBW labor
Unknown: These are the employees who keep the lights on who respond in emergencies and who will be rep
SPEAKER_13: Lied upon to deliver smud zero carbon plan
Unknown: Yet there is not that's not what's happening smud is sending a message to them that they are considered replaceable rather than essential
Unknown: This has real consequences employees no longer feel like they belong at smud over 400 employees signed an open letter to CEO expressing this concern
Unknown: Which I will leave a copy or you have it already
Unknown: Morale is declining the sense of shared purpose that once defined this organization is breaking down
Unknown: This is not sustainable. You cannot expect
SPEAKER_13: Commitment excellence and accountability from workforce that feels marginalized by its own employer. Thank you
Unknown: Thank you, mr. Earhart our next speaker is Pat Gellin is Pat here
Unknown: That louder than so you can hear me I'm Pat Galen I live in Gold River, California
SPEAKER_08: Mrs. Thompson, I think you're my rep
SPEAKER_08: I'm here to talk to you because I have an issue
Unknown: That affects my neighborhood quite a bit. We have a
SPEAKER_08: Nightlight that
SPEAKER_08: Street light that has not worked to this is this April will be the third year that it hasn't worked and you know, we're
Unknown: We need those lights. It's a safety factor for us
SPEAKER_08: many of us are elders out in that community and I've gone through quite of
Unknown: Trying to find someone to help me and I thought this I read about you on the internet
SPEAKER_08: And I'm coming down to ask you for your help. Maybe you can find out what is stopping this
Unknown: We finally got there was a missing number on it that was confusing at first
SPEAKER_08: But that's been put on the pole the standard and there's no reason that I can see that that hasn't been
SPEAKER_08: Replaced or fixed at least get a light in there. I
SPEAKER_08: Was coming home one night and I down the street from me
Unknown: On that note that I sent to you down at the bottom of the page
SPEAKER_08: There are three tail race sawmill and Hawk farm and I'll show you that one a hawk farm
SPEAKER_08: I noticed the light was blinking. So I let the person that
Unknown: As the neighborhood watch I call the person that lives closest to that light and
SPEAKER_08: Reminded him that it was blinking he called and three days later had his light fixed and I still am sitting there with no light
Unknown: The next one last this past Monday evening. We had our H.O.
SPEAKER_08: meeting and the president was going down the agenda and
SPEAKER_08: he called on me for the neighborhood watch report and
SPEAKER_08: What's been happening in the neighborhood I worked with the sheriff's department and the highway patrol and the
Unknown: Rancho cadaver police department through Rancho cadaver. So, you know, they're very helpful to us
SPEAKER_08: When it was my turn to speak I said I have no information on the streetlight
SPEAKER_08: I'm just really frustrated three years now and still not repaired or replaced
SPEAKER_08: And so a gentleman sitting in the front. He's a new member moved into our neighborhood about a couple of years ago
Unknown: He spoke up and he said well, I don't know why we just got a new pole and a new light and it's at the end
SPEAKER_08: of my alley and
SPEAKER_08: So I'm just getting skipped over on the street. And if you'll look on there, it's the one that's tail race
SPEAKER_08: And if you could do anything to help us, believe me
SPEAKER_08: We would really appreciate it and and somebody could get back to me
SPEAKER_08: I gave you my phone number and my as much information as I can
SPEAKER_08: I'd like to also say that you have wonderful employees
SPEAKER_08: They have been so kind and so sweet on the phone men and women
SPEAKER_08: I have their names and their phone numbers, but I you know, I won't get into that
SPEAKER_08: But I want you to know that they are good reps for you. They're trying they have they're as frustrated as I was
SPEAKER_08: I think every time they say well, we're putting you on the repair list
Unknown: Well, dang, I might you know, I'm getting up in years here. I hope to get that light fixed before I go
SPEAKER_08: So if you can help us, I would really think there is a unique situation. So we'll have someone reach out
Unknown: Yeah, thanks. I would say yeah, Tracy's running over so yeah, take care of it. Thank you
Unknown: Yeah, miss Galen would got a staff person to help you out there. So thank you very much for your comment
Unknown: So, all right. So then next speaker that I have here is Thomas Bernardo. Is he in the room?
SPEAKER_17: and then also
SPEAKER_17: Sophia Markowski
SPEAKER_17: And then David Wright, so if you're in the overflow room, please make your way over here. So
Unknown: Thomas Bernardo Sophia Markowska and David Wright
Unknown: We might say a few more since there's a probably 30-second delay between the overflow room in here
SPEAKER_00: Yeah, that's what I mentioned the next two. So
SPEAKER_17: So
SPEAKER_17: Mr. Bernardo, yes, sir. Okay. Yeah, please go ahead and get
Unknown: Good evening
Unknown: Tom Bernardo retired State Park Ranger and retired State Park Superintendent
Unknown: Today representing the California State Park Rangers Association
Unknown: Our members voted unanimously at our annual membership meeting in Sonora last September to oppose the Coyote Creek solar project
SPEAKER_14: by Desiree
Unknown: That letter of opposition detailing our concerns is on file. I have testified at County Planning
SPEAKER_14: County Board of Board of Supervisors meetings in opposition to the project as well as a recent SMUD meeting
Unknown: Appears to us that smud has suffered a huge hit on its reputation by initially approving the power purchase agreement with Desiree
Unknown: While smud has recently canceled that agreement and should receive credit
Unknown: It only came after three lawsuits were filed enormous public opposition four years of silence at public meetings
SPEAKER_14: including planning Commission and Board of Supervisors meetings and
SPEAKER_14: The late revelation that Desiree may not have represented itself with full honesty
SPEAKER_14: Four years of silence is simply nothing to applaud
Unknown: So what is next?
SPEAKER_14: Sacramento County Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors approved the Coyote Creek
SPEAKER_14: Project permits on the assumption smud's PPA was valid
Unknown: This is unfortunate and smud is at least partly to blame
SPEAKER_14: California State Parks has been negotiating with Desiree for mitigation for Prairie City SVRA
SPEAKER_14: agreed upon mitigation now to those
SPEAKER_14: 2.66 million dollars
SPEAKER_14: Mitigation is another way to say this project is going to seriously affect the views view shed
Unknown: the park operation as well as other factors and state parks is trying to get as much money as
SPEAKER_14: possible to blunt the damage
Unknown: It is obvious to me that state parks also looked at the smud PPA and decided whoa
Unknown: We better get on board this project is coming our way whether we want it or not
Unknown: My request to you is that smud board of directors and your staff communicate directly with California State Parks director Armando Contero
Unknown: Why you have had a sudden after four years of no action change of direction to cancel the PPA
Unknown: This is crucial for the state parks that is currently evaluating issuing an anise and easement to Desiree
Unknown: to cross onto state park lands for the tie-in
Unknown: Without that easement the project becomes much more difficult and less cost effective and maybe even impossible to complete in a timely manner
Unknown: word from inside state parks is that the easement is still in draft form and
SPEAKER_14: Meetings were desry to finalize the agreement have not yet been scheduled. So timing is crucial
Unknown: Thank you for the opportunity to address the board. I look forward to the day
Unknown: When I hear that smud has contacted state parks and state parks is denied to carry the creek solar project easement
Unknown: Thank you
Unknown: Thank You mr. Bernardo our next speaker is Sophia
SPEAKER_17: Markowska and then David Wright and after that Tim Washburn
Unknown: Good evening. My name is Sophia Markowska and I'm a smud customer located in Ward 6
SPEAKER_05: These comments are on behalf of Defenders of Wildlife, which is a national on-profit with more than 2 million members and supporters
SPEAKER_05: 311,000 of which reside in California
Unknown: Defenders is dedicated to the protection and restoration of imperiled species and their habitats
Unknown: First I want to sincerely thank the board for revoking the power purchase agreement for the coyote Creek solar project
SPEAKER_05: We appreciate that your decision
SPEAKER_05: explicitly cited environmental concerns
SPEAKER_05: Many of which this board has heard about directly from Defenders of Wildlife and our coalition partners over the course of multiple meetings
SPEAKER_05: That have spanned several years
Unknown: We are disappointed
SPEAKER_05: However, that took smud so long to recent recent the contract given that according to documents uncovered by the Sacramento Bee
SPEAKER_05: smud knew that the project proponent needed to change the terms of the contract and wanted more money a
Unknown: Smud had rescinded the contract before the board of supervisors meeting to approve the project
SPEAKER_05: It is likely that the board may have not moved forward with this approval
Unknown: In light of some of the concerns raised during due to this project
SPEAKER_05: We or urge the board's careful consideration of its governance responsibilities as a governing body
SPEAKER_05: It is important to recognize that the board holds fiduciary responsibility to oversee smud's direction and to ensure that major decisions and long-term
SPEAKER_05: commitments align with smud's
SPEAKER_05: Adopted policies Sacramento County's requirements and sound business judgment
Unknown: Oversight is a core function and responsibility of the board
Unknown: Looking ahead. We respectfully request that any proposed changes to a power purchase agreement be considered in a public forum
Unknown: Further when project when product future projects present the level concerns raised by stakeholders and tribes
SPEAKER_05: The board has a responsibility to allow for greater public engagement and to provide great greater oversight
SPEAKER_05: Transparency and ensures that customers and stakeholders understand
Unknown: What is being proposed and have an opportunity to provide meaningful input before decisions are finalized or to allow for?
SPEAKER_05: reconsideration of decisions
Unknown: This transparency ultimately strengthens public trust and results in better outcomes for smud and its rate payers
Unknown: Finally defenders of wildlife would welcome the opportunity to serve as a resource to the board
Unknown: Would be happy to walk through either at a public meeting or an individual meet briefings how we screen renewable energy projects for environmental risk and compatibility
Unknown: We have a responsibility to secure a clean energy future for our region and defenders has worked on renewable energy issues across the state for nearly
SPEAKER_05: Two decades as such our goal is to help ensure projects are cited appropriately to avoid unnecessary
SPEAKER_05: Conflict and litigation so that we are making progress on our clean energy goals. Thank you
Unknown: Thank you very much our next speaker is David Wright
Unknown: Good evening
Unknown: David Wright I am reading comments tonight from Shawn worth who's out of town. He is
SPEAKER_12: writing on behalf of ecos and habitat 2020. I have a longer version which I'll supply to the board
Unknown: There appears to be a large
SPEAKER_12: Reputational fallout from the way that smud dealt with the power purchase agreement for the coyote Creek agri-voltaic
SPEAKER_12: Project both in how it was initiated and then in how it was terminated
Unknown: Signing an agreement for such a project without site visits
SPEAKER_12: ecological and cultural pre-screening
Unknown: Or verification of assertions by the developer regarding environmental and cultural settings
SPEAKER_12: Violated basic common sense for utility that prides itself in environmental and cultural sensitivity
SPEAKER_12: canceling the PPA
Unknown: After growing public pressure
Unknown: after the Board of Supervisors
SPEAKER_12: Approval of the project and the three ensuing lawsuits missed multiple opportunities
SPEAKER_12: To effectively address smud's role in this controversial project
SPEAKER_12: After years of assertions from smud that the PPA could not be terminated
SPEAKER_12: We discovered that it could have been
Unknown: More than a year before the Board of Supervisors
SPEAKER_12: Hearing a hearing at which the claim that smud needed this project to meet its 2030 goals
SPEAKER_12: was key to approval had smud terminated the PPA when it could have and then appeared at the board meeting and
SPEAKER_12: Explained how and why the PPA got signed in the first place and why it was terminated. It seems likely that the project
Unknown: Would not have been approved and smud's mistakes could have been fully rectified
Unknown: The way that things actually unfolded
Unknown: Leaves many feeling a growing lack of confidence in smud and in smud's processes
Unknown: What can smud do to address this growing lack of confidence?
Unknown: Smud had already committed to the first crucial change which is that all third-party projects will now have to be pre-screened
Unknown: for potential environmental and cultural resource concerns
Unknown: but behind the scenes
SPEAKER_12: Prescreening screening with no nexus for public input hardly seems adequate to address the growing lack of confidence a public workshop or training that
SPEAKER_12: elucidates for smud board staff and customers what goes into an effective
SPEAKER_12: Prescreening for environmental and cultural concerns would be a good place to start in assuring customers that robust
SPEAKER_12: Prescreening processes are in place
Unknown: But other important changes that improve transparency and allow for public input are needed
Unknown: For project approvals for large solar projects. There should be a protocol that allows for public input
SPEAKER_12: Amendments to PPAs or substantial changes to projects should also be brought before the board
Unknown: Please take this opportunity to more fully engage smud with its customers in a way that improves confidence
SPEAKER_12: Through improved transparency and appropriate protocols to ensure that important concerns are addressed
SPEAKER_12: Thank you
SPEAKER_12: Thank you, mr. Wright. I don't have any other cards. Do we have any
Unknown: Any more? Yeah, I'm sorry Tim. Come on up. I
Unknown: Didn't try to exclude you on purpose
Unknown: President Tamayo members of the board. I'm Tim Washburn. I'm speaking tonight on behalf of third act Sacramento
SPEAKER_15: And like the prior three speakers, I'm going to offer a public comment on the Coyote Creek project. I
Unknown: Asked the board to clearly explain smud's reason for canceling the Coyote Creek PPA
Unknown: The termination letter states that the original project and its economics no longer exist and
Unknown: That the seller misrepresented support from key stakeholders including the Wilton Rancheria
Unknown: this language suggests that if the economics were more favorable and
SPEAKER_15: Tribal support had been secured
Unknown: The project might still have been acceptable to the board
Unknown: To restore public trust the board should make a clear and unequivocal statement
Unknown: That regardless of project economics or stakeholder positions
SPEAKER_15: development of a utility scale project at Barton Ranch is
SPEAKER_15: Inconsistent with smud's commitment to policy SD 7
Unknown: That policy requires smud to operate sustainably by minimizing environmental impacts
SPEAKER_15: respecting tribal and cultural resources
SPEAKER_15: conserving natural resources
SPEAKER_15: Enhancing biodiversity and promoting equity across smud's communities
Unknown: If smud makes this statement it will correct a misunderstanding
Unknown: Because smud did not attend the county board meeting
Unknown: Many people assumed that smud agreed with the county's decision in
Unknown: Particular they believe smud also viewed the harm to oak trees the scenic corridor and
SPEAKER_15: cultural resources as
Unknown: an acceptable trade-off for clean energy
Unknown: Smudge should clearly state that it does not share this view
Unknown: Thank you
Unknown: All right, thank you, mr. Washburn do we have any other cards or any I don't have any other cards there is a
SPEAKER_07: comment from a virtual attendee John
Unknown: All right, let's queue up John
Unknown: Hello, can you hear me?
Unknown: Yeah, we can hear you
Unknown: Alright, my name is John Weber good evening board of directors and
SPEAKER_19: Thank You director fishman for your excellent
SPEAKER_19: Meeting management over the last year or at least all the meetings that I've attended really appreciate it
SPEAKER_19: Also, I just wanted to say I attended the meeting last night and
SPEAKER_19: And I think I have an additional item that you might consider adding to the parking lot. I
SPEAKER_19: attended a meeting a
SPEAKER_19: Webinar today that was in New York State
SPEAKER_19: Regarding nuclear power and it was brought up that enhanced
SPEAKER_19: Geothermal is something a lot of people are considering now
SPEAKER_19: Because it can go from planning to actually operation within three years
SPEAKER_19: It can be cited anywhere and it has a very small footprint smaller than nuclear
SPEAKER_19: And so hopefully you can consider adding that to the parking lot for the next year and have a good evening. Thank you
Unknown: Do we have any other virtual commenters
Unknown: No, we do not all right, so
Unknown: All right. So thank you very much for those public comments
SPEAKER_17: We're now going to move on to our directors reports at this point. We provide the directors and an opportunity
SPEAKER_17: To report on smut activity will begin with a report from director Rose and word one and continue in ward order
SPEAKER_17: With the president's report as the final item
Unknown: All right, thank you president fishman and thank you for all of our participants in tonight's meeting
SPEAKER_00: I'll be brief with my report. I've had a series of meetings
SPEAKER_00: With our various finance staff and our external auditor as I as I take over the finance and audit committee as chair
SPEAKER_00: So we've been hard at work on that looking at some of the reports and brainstorming ways to maybe make them a little clearer
SPEAKER_00: And more user-friendly as well
SPEAKER_00: and the only other thing I would add had opportunity to get out in the mid-December to our
SPEAKER_00: Line worker graduation for our pre-prentice program. And so that would be my report. Thank you
Unknown: All right. Thank you
SPEAKER_17: Director Bowie Thompson. Thank you. I attended various fits, but I just wanted to highlight
SPEAKER_03: One I had the honor of being invited to chart Wells
SPEAKER_03: Be their keynote speaker at the EV leadership council, which can mean some of the
SPEAKER_03: largest
Unknown: EV programs in the country and also that they bring the leaders together to talk about issues talk about
SPEAKER_03: Winds losses of the previous year and look at future years
SPEAKER_03: I was able to present our zero carbon planet and also present our great EV programs
SPEAKER_03: Hopefully they can lean some interest and also replicate because it's always about
Unknown: Helping those in our industry that can they can also learn from our programs and hope to expand summer ones in their regions
Unknown: Thank
Unknown: You with the come up. Yep director fishman era a few things to mention
SPEAKER_16: I was able to represent smud and say a few words
SPEAKER_16: They actually presented us with an award the Iranian American cultural and educational center at their yalda gala
SPEAKER_16: Yalda is a cultural holiday that they celebrate amid a midwinter
SPEAKER_16: You know shortest night of the year kind of celebration. I learned a lot about their culture
SPEAKER_16: Given what's happening in Iran right now. It was especially poignant to be there
SPEAKER_16: although the worst of what's happening in Iran had not begun happening yet, but I
Unknown: there is a sizable Iranian population here in in Sacramento and
SPEAKER_16: Just want them to know that we're I am personally thinking about them and family and relatives that are going through strife in Iran
SPEAKER_16: Right now. I also got to speak at smud's line worker scholarship training program graduation
SPEAKER_16: We have a great cadre of people that went through this program
Unknown: I forget the numbers, but I want to say something like there was a thousand applicants
SPEAKER_16: they went it down to 300 then when are that back down to about 40 and the cream of the crop went through this program and
SPEAKER_16: you know, it's just something else that we're doing to
SPEAKER_16: Foster the right kind of
SPEAKER_16: folks coming into
SPEAKER_16: Our line workers program and then finally
SPEAKER_16: Director Tamayo and I both went to the Japanese American Citizens League
SPEAKER_16: 90th anniversary awards and installation luncheon last week
SPEAKER_16: and
SPEAKER_16: again
SPEAKER_16: just to draw parallel that the they're always concerned about the
SPEAKER_16: The
SPEAKER_16: Imprisonment of Japanese citizens during World War two and
SPEAKER_16: When we see some of what's happening in our country right now, it is evocative of those times and it's
SPEAKER_16: Terribly distressing to see us repeating those same mistakes
SPEAKER_16: so
SPEAKER_16: Congratulations to the JCL for standing up for civil rights throughout the ages. Thank you
Unknown: All right, director Herbert
Unknown: Thank You mr. President
SPEAKER_06: I'm gonna keep mine pretty short tonight. I
SPEAKER_06: Had the most fun in
SPEAKER_06: Elk Grove at the rise women in business
SPEAKER_06: Christmas pajama party
SPEAKER_06: What it really was though is they spent the evening talking to women
SPEAKER_06: Entrepreneurs about what they can do to market their products
SPEAKER_06: so very impressed with the women who attended and
SPEAKER_06: They have some great food that they that they sell
SPEAKER_06: also wanted to just mention a thank you to
SPEAKER_06: Rhonda Staley Brooks and Jose for
SPEAKER_06: helping
SPEAKER_06: with
SPEAKER_06: the dream it be at workshop that I was involved in
SPEAKER_06: Basically teenage young women trying to figure out what their careers will be
Unknown: whoo, oh
SPEAKER_06: Somebody
Unknown: Somebody there we go. Okay. Wow. I thought I had more power than I do I guess
SPEAKER_06: We got some linemen in the room. Yeah
Unknown: That's right keeping the lights on and then last but not least I just wanna
SPEAKER_06: Say that the Sacramento History Alliance
SPEAKER_06: board received a proclamation
SPEAKER_06: From the City Council and I'm on that board and smud will be
SPEAKER_06: Working with the museum on a
Unknown: On an exhibit about baseball so that's something to look forward to and that's mainly it
SPEAKER_06: All right
SPEAKER_17: Vice president Kurz
Unknown: Thank you
Unknown: So I just want to item I want to highlight that with the holidays and all and that was attended yesterday along with president
SPEAKER_18: Tamayo the Hispanics in the energy
SPEAKER_18: California energy summit where we met with really industry and
SPEAKER_18: policymakers and innovators from throughout the California area really from throughout throughout the nation to talk about
SPEAKER_18: developments in the energy world and
SPEAKER_18: You know where we stand and what the next new items are
SPEAKER_18: I had the privilege of being one of the speakers there and while we were supposed to talk about
SPEAKER_18: Technological improvements and things that we were looking forward to in the future
SPEAKER_18: it it actually became a discussion on the importance of partnerships and whether it's community partnerships or industry partnerships or
SPEAKER_18: Really it created a concurrence among almost everyone there that in the energy world
SPEAKER_18: We don't make progress without all our partners. And so with that
Unknown: Back to you
Unknown: All right director Sanborn
Unknown: Thank you present smile just two things. I want to highlight also the line worker scholarship graduation
SPEAKER_09: It's really heartwarming to see smiles like halfway across somebody's face
SPEAKER_09: They were so proud those graduates that they were able to get through that program and climb those poles and get their boots and
SPEAKER_09: Be ready to go out and compete for those incredible positions
Unknown: And I want to thank our incredible line workers that train the next generation
Unknown: It is incredible work that is done out in the field as was said earlier
SPEAKER_09: And so I'm always just thrilled that we're doing the outreach and getting the next generation ready
Unknown: To climb those poles and do the work to keep the power on
SPEAKER_09: and then I did meet with Warville Thomas over at Cal start Cal epic and
SPEAKER_09: That is where we're working to really evolve
SPEAKER_09: transportation research and development and I was thrilled to see that we're doing a partnership with Rivian over there and
SPEAKER_09: Rivian is
SPEAKER_09: training and paying for people to young people to get trained in
SPEAKER_09: Repairing the Rivian vehicles and they're getting jobs if they pass the program
SPEAKER_09: They're literally getting placed in jobs all over the country. So I'm here
SPEAKER_09: For Rivian, it's automatic. So what a wonderful program and they're outgrowing the space
SPEAKER_09: So it looks like they're going to need more space to train more people and do more good work
SPEAKER_09: And I also saw electric boats. So I was connecting the gentleman who's working on electric boats
SPEAKER_09: With folks up in the Tahoe region that I know and they're working to get electric boats on Lake Tahoe
SPEAKER_09: So we can get the oil boats off the lake. So it was a wonderful day. Thank you
Unknown: Thank You director Sanborn, all right, so I'll proceed with my president's report as
Unknown: I also attended the Iranian American Cultural and Educational Center gala, which was you know
SPEAKER_17: that was a great event but subsequent to that I the organizers of the event also operate a
SPEAKER_17: Radio station that reaches out to the Farsi speaking community learn more about all the different programs that they're doing to help people
SPEAKER_17: You know get settled and really get it get get on their feet here in this country
SPEAKER_17: Including, you know workforce development navigating, you know American bureaucracy and they put a lot of energy
SPEAKER_17: Into that and I'm glad that we're one of their one of their sponsors and help them
SPEAKER_17: They're one of our partners actually in helping deliver information about a number of programs that we have
SPEAKER_17: To help our customers. I also attended the Western Service Workers Association partner appreciation
SPEAKER_17: And they're very active in my ward and other parts of North Sacramento
SPEAKER_17: And they they do a lot of work out in the community
SPEAKER_17: helping once again helping people figure out how to solve some a lot of people have
SPEAKER_17: economic troubles in their household troubles paying their bills helping them understand that that
SPEAKER_17: That they can call smud and work something out
SPEAKER_17: But also exposing them to a lot of the other programs that can on an ongoing basis help them save money on their on their
SPEAKER_17: energy bills I
SPEAKER_17: Attended the line workers scholarship graduation
SPEAKER_17: That's just such a joyful event and thank you very much to all the young people who
SPEAKER_17: Perseverated through that course and also to our staff who provided
SPEAKER_17: Apparently very excellent training and really the the young people seem to really appreciate
SPEAKER_17: the effort that that our workers put into
SPEAKER_17: Helping them gain those skills. I
SPEAKER_17: Also attended the floor in JACL
SPEAKER_17: I would like to add that not only do they call attention to what's happened to the Japanese Americans in
SPEAKER_17: in the 40s
SPEAKER_17: but also a long history of defending civil rights for all members of our society and and really standing up with
SPEAKER_17: with everybody whose
SPEAKER_17: Civil rights are being abused
Unknown: So I want to thank them for their ongoing dedication to that and then also I attended the Hispanics in energy
SPEAKER_17: Summit and like to commend
SPEAKER_17: Director Kurt for his panel participation and and then also was actually really well organized some really
Unknown: really great people they're doing good things to
SPEAKER_17: Really improve the industry and then improve the access and ability
SPEAKER_17: For the industry to not only include people in its workforce and provide economic opportunities
SPEAKER_17: But also to help people in their communities be better represented
SPEAKER_17: at to the utility so the utilities throughout the country served those
SPEAKER_17: populations better and I think it seemed like a great organization and finally I will end with I was received a very
SPEAKER_17: disappointing call from our from our
SPEAKER_17: CEO Paul Lau like I think two days into my being president of the board and you know
SPEAKER_17: He informed me that he intended to retire in six months. I actually
SPEAKER_17: was kind of
SPEAKER_17: Have to say I was disappointed for you know, because I just really value
SPEAKER_17: Working with you. I value all your contributions for the entire 45 years, but what I've seen as you as CEO
SPEAKER_17: It's been absolutely amazing. I know you're not leaving that we're still stuck with you for another six months
SPEAKER_17: But I did inform him that you know, I don't think the board's going to accept your retirement
SPEAKER_17: So so maybe it'll be more than six months, but you know
SPEAKER_17: disappointed but I also you know really a sense of appreciation of how much value and
SPEAKER_17: energy and heart and just
SPEAKER_17: All your contributions as CEO, so I just wanted to end with thanking you for that
SPEAKER_17: Despite my disappointment. I really owe you a debt of gratitude for
SPEAKER_17: Everything that you've done. So, thank you
Unknown: I will hand it over to you for your CEOs report. So
SPEAKER_11: Thank you very much in a present tomorrow. So thank you to the board for the kind words about my retirement this summer
SPEAKER_11: I really want to thank the board for your support during my time as CEO
Unknown: It really has been an honor of a lifetime to serve a community as my CEO and an absolute privilege
SPEAKER_11: To have been here for smart for almost 45 years
SPEAKER_11: So the board leadership and partnership has been instrumental in helping us achieve so much as you know
SPEAKER_11: I'm fully committed to stay on until the board select my successor and I'll be here to support a smooth and successful transitions
SPEAKER_11: I'm proud of the work that we do every single day and I'm confident that
SPEAKER_11: Smut will continue to be a cutting-edge utility that provide value to our customers community
SPEAKER_11: Day in and day out and continue to be one of the best utility in the US. So for that, I want to say thank you
Unknown: So now with tonight's commendations, I'd like to thank again
SPEAKER_11: Really? Thank you. I'll go in president, you know president fishman. You work for smart over the past year has been incredible
SPEAKER_11: I agree with director Sam born. I think I see you everywhere in the community
SPEAKER_11: I lost track of how many community meetings you go to and you speak so eloquently represents plan so well
SPEAKER_11: You know, but all about all this though greatness that actually spus much stands with communities. Thank you so much now
SPEAKER_11: I also sincerely appreciate how deeply supported community and champion to 2030 clean energy vision a
SPEAKER_11: dozen of community and industry events and your commitment and dedication has been tireless nights and weekends, too
SPEAKER_11: I also appreciate your leadership and the support of your mission and staff every day
SPEAKER_11: And we also want to extend a warm welcome to this year's president Dave tomorrow and and vice president, you know
SPEAKER_11: Rob Kurth and we're thankful for your leadership, you know
SPEAKER_11: For this coming year. Thank you so much
Unknown: And so finally tonight's video looks back on smuts many accomplishment during 2025
SPEAKER_11: It was a year filled with achievements from our operations to our community our progress toward our zero carbon goals and so much more
SPEAKER_11: Now, let's take a look
Unknown: in
Unknown: Smud is your community owned electric utility
Unknown: We're here to make life better for you and everyone in our neighborhoods in
SPEAKER_02: 2025 we didn't just keep the lights on we lit the way to a cleaner brighter tomorrow
Unknown: We were steadfast in our commitment to safety
SPEAKER_02: Reliability and continuing to keep our rates among the lowest in California
SPEAKER_02: All while making big strides toward our ambitious 2030 zero carbon goal
Unknown: This year we invested in smart infrastructure upgrades to keep your light shining bright today
SPEAKER_02: while preparing for the needs of tomorrow
Unknown: Through it all keeping our customers employees and community safe and healthy remained a top priority
Unknown: Our journey towards zero carbon accelerated in 2025
SPEAKER_02: We brought new renewable projects online and moved other clean energy projects forward to increase our portfolio of carbon-free energy
Unknown: By making our existing infrastructure even more efficient. We're boosting reliability and saving millions
SPEAKER_02: helping keep rates low
SPEAKER_02: Environmental leadership also means working with local businesses to help drive down energy use cut costs and power
SPEAKER_02: Smarter operations it means electrifying homes and under-resourced neighborhoods to improve air quality
SPEAKER_02: lower utility bills and ease financial stress and
Unknown: It means offering programs and load flexibility options to support shifting energy usage when it's needed most
Unknown: When it comes to electric transportation, we're leading by example with a fleet. That's more electric than ever
SPEAKER_02: Electric vehicle options and resources from smud are putting more customers in the EV driver seat every year
Unknown: This year we focused on meeting customers needs through outreach education and service
Unknown: With high customer satisfaction ratings. We continued meeting our customers where they're at connecting hundreds to vital support and building stronger
SPEAKER_02: partnerships across the Sacramento region
Unknown: Our employees open their hearts
SPEAKER_02: Generously giving their time and dollars to help those who need it most
Unknown: We stood with local businesses and nonprofits
SPEAKER_02: Demonstrating that economic success and community well-being go hand-in-hand
Unknown: Our marketing and outreach work expanded into even more languages
Unknown: Helping to bring more people closer to programs and services aimed at making their lives easier simpler and more connected
Unknown: We also showed up in classrooms workplaces and communities to ensure that everyone can benefit from the clean energy transition
Unknown: Keeping energy affordable matters more than ever
Unknown: We continue to keep our rates among the lowest in California
Unknown: Today our rates are 50% lower than our neighboring investor owned utility which kept one point nine billion dollars in our
SPEAKER_02: customers pockets in 2025 alone
Unknown: Our financial health remains strong and we continue to secure funding focus on operational
SPEAKER_02: Excellent savings and develop innovative solutions to offset costs and accelerate key projects
Unknown: We're proud to be a workplace that values employees and supports opportunities for everyone to shine
Unknown: Across smud employees came together to build stronger relationships
SPEAKER_02: foster understanding and deepen connections
Unknown: Through partnering with dozens of community groups
Unknown: We supported the workforce of the future and helped place people into sustainable career pathways
Unknown: Smud is embracing the power of AI and emerging technologies
SPEAKER_02: Equipping our employees with smarter tools
SPEAKER_02: Faster insights and the innovation needed to thrive amid rapidly changing technology in 2025
SPEAKER_02: We made great strides toward a carbon-free future cutting emissions while delivering safe
SPEAKER_02: reliable and affordable energy
Unknown: For more than 75 years. We focused on one thing
Unknown: Delivering real value for the people we serve every day
Unknown: And that concludes my report and back to you president a mile
SPEAKER_11: All right, so
Unknown: Chief legal officer. Do we have any summary to note for the record? No, we do not. All right. Thank you
Unknown: And
Unknown: Have we received any request to speak on the closed session item?
Unknown: No, we have not. All right
SPEAKER_07: So the board will now enter into closed session to discuss the recruitment process for our new CEO
SPEAKER_17: Pursuant to section 5 4 9 5 7 b 1 of the government code
SPEAKER_17: So thank you all very much for attending tonight and have a good evening. So