Hansen questions cost of Cave B meeting

EPHRATA — The Grant County Public Utility District commission and about a dozen staff members scheduled a two-day retreat at Cave B Inn at SageCliffe, but one commissioner says he's concerned about ratepayers picking up the tab.

The retreat, dubbed a "planning session," starts Feb. 7 and is being held at Cave B to avoid interruptions, said PUD General Manager Tim Culbertson. It would be difficult to have the session at the PUD's Ephrata Headquarters Building because of distracting phone calls and disruptive messages trickling in, Culbertson said.

PUD Commissioner Greg Hansen says the commission's meeting room in Ephrata is a more appropriate location for the session. The PUD is paying for meals, lodging and a conference room at Cave B. Hansen said he's concerned about the expense of holding the meeting at a posh resort. He's also troubled because — unlike other commission meetings — the session is not being recorded.

"Is somebody going to say something they don't want recorded?" Hansen asked in an interview Monday.

According to Culbertson, an unrecorded meeting at Cave B gives them an opportunity to speak more openly, saying what they wouldn't be able to at other PUD meetings. PUD Commissioner Tom Flint said he agrees with Culbertson.

Despite his concerns, Hansen still plans to go, though he's not planning on staying overnight.

"Being a public utility, the general public should be able to come and listen if they want, instead of driving over to Cave B and watching us eat," he said. "Are we going so we can sit on a real comfortable chair, or couch and sit around drinking white wine?"

Commission President Randy Allred also declined to stay the night at the luxury resort.

Culbertson, Assistant General Manager Joe Lukas and Treasurer/Controller Nick Gerde are spending the night along with Commissioners Bob Bernd, Terry Brewer and Flint, said PUD spokesperson Rita Bjork.

Flint said holding the session at the resort allows them to focus 100 percent. Distractions pile up quickly at the Ephrata office, Flint said, making it difficult to work there.

"The staff negotiated a very good deal for using the facility (at Cave B). They'll make it a good option," Flint said in an interview.

At the session, they plan to discuss, possibly develop, a policy "roadmap" for the utility. The staff and commission plan to thrash out details for upcoming cost-of-service studies for the PUD's various rate classes, Culbertson said. The full agenda for the session is still being drafted.

Hansen said he wants to discuss electricity rate structures during the session. Hansen hopes to delve into new strategies for responsible build out of the PUD's fiber optic system, he said.

At the session, Flint said he wants to talk about the fiber optic network and the PUD's financial contribution for construction of the Washington Public Utility District Association's new office building in Olympia. He wants to discuss forming alliances with other utilities and trade organizations.

Flint said he hopes to look at possible changes to the PUD's Strategic Plan, adopted last year, which serves as the policy guide for the PUD's employees.

Bjork said the public is invited. An executive session is scheduled Feb. 7 from 9 a.m. to noon., she said. PUD Attorney Ray Foianini said Monday he's not attending either day of the session because of previously-scheduled vacation.

In other PUD business Monday:

? The commission OK'd the travel of a district employee to the Web design world 2007 conference and training classes in San Francisco on March 26 through March 28.

? The commission passed a motion approving travel for an employee to the 2007 super strategies audit and fraud conference in Las Vegas on April 22 through April 26.