Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority

1 Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority MINUTES March 10, 2026, 5:30 p.m. GRU Administration Building 301 SE 4th Avenue Gainesville, FL 32601 Members Present: Vice-Chair Haslam, Jack Jacobs, Chair Lawson Members Absent: Robert Skinner _____________________________________________________________________ A. CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order at 5:30pm B. ROLL CALL Vice-Chair Haslam joined the meeting at 5:28 pm. Jack Jacobs joined the meeting at 5:28 pm. Chair Lawson joined the meeting at 5:28 pm. C. INVOCATION Given by Vice Chair Haslam. D. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE E. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA No Public Comment Moved by Vice-Chair Haslam Seconded by Jack Jacobs Approved F. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2 No Public Comment Moved by Vice-Chair Haslam Seconded by Jack Jacobs Approved 1. Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority Approve the Minutes from the February 18, 2026 Meeting (B) Recommendation: The Authority approve the minutes from the February 18, 2026 meeting. G. CHAIR COMMENTS Chair Lawson had no opening comments. H. DIRECTOR COMMENTS Vice Chair Haslam thanked the BFA department for their work during the recent audit. I. CONSENT AGENDA No Public Comment Moved by Vice-Chair Haslam Seconded by Jack Jacobs Approved 1. 2026-184 State of the Utility, January 2026 (B) 2. 2026-186 FY2027 Budget Calendar Recommendation: The GRU Authority approve the proposed dates and topics. 3. 2026-187 FY26 First Quarter Budget vs Actuals Recommendation: The GRU Authority receive the first quarter of FY26 budget vs actual report. 4. 2026-188 Approval of Code of Business Conduct for the Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority (B) 3 Recommendation: The GRU Authority adopt its code of business conduct. J. CEO COMMENTS CEO Bielarski provided the Authority with a comprehensive presentation outlining recent developments and key updates at GRU. Chair Lawson stated that during his one-on one meetings with Ed, he had asked him to explore looking at the policy for fuel adjustments. Bielarski stated he thought it was a good idea for the customers to see the ebb and flow of fuel adjustments. Jacobs said that a citizen had asked him about the price of natural gas when it comes to the situation in Iran. Bielarski stated that gas is not impacted, the US is the biggest exporter of natural gas, however oil is impacted by the conflict. K. ATTORNEY COMMENTS Kiersten Ballou of Folds Walker gave an update on the legal process between GRU/GRUA and the City of Gainesville. Derek Perry had no further comments on the legal process. He stated that he was very proud of the GRU staff for their work during the recent ice storm that affected a lot of the states north of Florida and GRU staff went out to help other utilities. L. BUSINESS DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. 2026-189 Gainesville Regional Utilities’ Annual Investment Report for Fiscal Year 2025 Mark Benton, shared a presentation with the Authority about the FY25 Annual Investments. CEO Bielarski asked Mark Benton to explain the process of GRU's investment when it comes to Bonds. Claudia Rasnick, Chief Financial Officer, clarified. Jacobs commented that a citizen stated investment income was less than 50% than previous year, he asked for Mark to explain. Mark explained. Recommendation: The GRU Authority receives and accepts the Gainesville Regional Utilities’ Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Investment Report. Heard 4 2. 2026-190 GRU FY25 Audited Financial Statements, Independent Auditor Reports, and Governance Communications (B) Claudia Rasnick, Chief Financial Officer, gave an explanation regarding the annual auditing process at GRU. Haslam stated that he had read the report and thanked the staff for their work. Public Comment: Jim Konish Chair Lawson responded to comments made during public comment. He invited Mr. Konish to email him about any particular SLAs that he had concerns with. Haslam responded to comments made during public comment. Ms. Rasnick responded to a question from Vice Chair Haslam regarding the credentials of Baker Tilly. CEO Bielarski expanded on the comments made by Ms. Rasnick and how GRU operates under HB1645, for example how the IT and HR departments run, the City is setting up their own IT department and GRU is taking over their own HR processes. Recommendation: The GRU Authority receive and accept the Gainesville Regional Utilities Fiscal Year 2025 audited financial statements and independent auditor’s report along with the required communication from Baker Tilly, US LLP to the Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority. Moved by Vice-Chair Haslam Seconded by Jack Jacobs Approved 3. 2026-191 Audit and Finance Committee or Process (B) CEO Bielarski shared a presentation with the Authority regarding the auditing and finance process. Lawson explained that he previously discussed this topic with Mr. Bielarski. At this time, he does not believe it is practical to form a committee, as the board currently has only four members. He feels the idea should be revisited once the board returns to a five‑ member structure. 5 He also noted that any committee meeting would be a public meeting and would take place prior to the Authority meeting. He does not believe any action is needed tonight and recommends revisiting the matter at a later date. Jacobs and Haslam agreed. Bielarski agreed that finance matters should be shared by the CFO rather than just him. Recommendation: The GRU Authority discuss and provide direction regarding how Audit and Finance issues will be presented to the Board as a whole or through a committee. Discussed 4. 2026-194 Stormwater and Solid Waste Billing (B) The CEO shared an update on recent discussions with the City of Gainesville regarding Stormwater and Solid Waste billing and requested the Board’s approval to execute the agreement. He noted that, in the future, these charges could be placed on a separate bill once electronic billing is implemented, as some customers are concerned about the optics of higher GRU bills. Haslam agreed, stating that he also does not like the appearance of higher GRU bills and noted that this arrangement brings in nearly a million dollars for GRU. Jacobs remained opposed, expressing that he believes GRU should further separate itself from the City. He added that he frequently receives complaints about high bills. Because only three members were present and Director Jacobs indicated he would not second a motion, the agreement will be tabled until next month’s meeting. Moved by Vice-Chair Haslam Recommendation: The GRU Authority approve and authorize its CEO to execute the agreement. Died for lack of second M. RESOLUTIONS (Roll Call Required) N. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT 6 Public Comment: Jim Konish, Nancy Deren The following left a Public Comment Card but did not wish to speak: Bobby Mermer, Abigail Trachtenberg, Jack Calder, Katelyn Ulbrich, Ace McLain, Ana Ferreira, Alissa Brady Vice Chair Haslam offered remarks in response to statements made during public comment. Chair Lawson also addressed points raised during public comment. CEO Bielarski provided additional clarification and expanded on both the public comments and Chair Lawson’s remarks. Director Jacobs added further comments regarding issues raised during public comment. All Public Comment Cards submitted by individuals who did not speak will be scanned, distributed to the Directors, and maintained as part of the public record. O. DIRECTOR COMMENTS Vice Chair Haslam addressed Ms. Deren and noted that if her concerns were not fully addressed during the meeting, she was encouraged to email the Board for further follow‑ up. P. ADJOURNMENT Adjourned at 6:39pm. _________________________ Kunti Nesbitt, GRUA Staff Liaison