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November 15, 2001
Minutes

  1. Call to Order - Mark Miller, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m.

    Present, constituting a quorum were Allan Gorsuch, Charles Connolly, Robin Landgraf, Gary McCabe , Faye Miller, Mark Miller, John Pfister, Sandy Smith, and Erin Thornton.

    Also present was David Downes.

  2. Agenda approved with deletion of Item VII. Legal Services Issues.
  3. Approval of Minutes - October 11, 2001 minutes approved.
  4. RFP Update - David Downes handed out RFP Update information dated November 14, 2001 along with "Comparison of Selected LMP Prices When Constrained," dated 10/8/01. A question and answer session ensued regarding this information; the fluctuation in pricing (bid offer system and transmission congestion pricing), and results of impact on schools.
  5. On Line Auction - EnergyWindow - Meeting with EnergyWindow is scheduled for Friday, December 14th 10:00 a.m. at the ESMEC office. Mark Miller, David Downes and Allan Gorsuch to be present.
  6. Consultant Services - Cost Overruns - Allan Gorsuch opened discussion explaining the "flurry of activity" experienced by Downes and Associates' staff and shared with the Trust David Downes' letter of November 1, 2001 along with an attachment of "Possible Actions to Address the Current Budget Overages." After considerable conversation and expression of gratitude and satisfaction extended to Downes Associates and vice versa, a motion was made by Gary McCabe that 5% of total projected savings from the September 2001 RFP be put into a reserve to be identified as Reserve for Additional Consultant Services. Seconded by John Pfister and unanimously approved.

    This issue will be addressed again at January 2002 meeting.

    Upon a motion by Gary McCabe, seconded by Charles Connolly, the Board voted unanimously that the invoice for the 5% be paid in 60 days.

    Upon a motion by Faye Miller, seconded by Charles Connolly, the Board voted unanimously to amend Attachment 4 by deleting items 7 and 8 from the scope of work to be completed and to accept the 5% discount offered by Downes Associates, Inc.

    New applicant and participant fees were reviewed and David Downes deemed these fees adequate to cover the costs associated with new Trust Participants.

  7. New Applicants - None since last meeting.
  8. Marketing Reports - News Release was briefly discussed. Mark Miller has been approached by Harry H. Bain, CPPO, C.P.M., Coordinator, Baltimore Regional Cooperative Purchasing Committee, with interest and expressed they were in their 2nd RFP process.

    Meeting has been scheduled with municipalities at Annie's Steakhouse on January 29, 2002 to share information on the ESMEC Energy Trust.

    A draft brochure was handed out for suggestions and comments before proceeding.

    An article on Electric Deregulation was shared by John Pfister.

  9. Revised FY 2002 Budget - Will be addressed at January 10, 2002 meeting.

    Sandy Smith asked for estimated assessment for FY03 Budget. Dr. Gorsuch will work with David Downes on this and send something out if it is available before the January meeting.

  10. Revised Consultant Agreement - Discussion ensued regarding a contact from Michael Payne, Director Accounts Services at Affiliates Power Purchasers, Inc. (located in the same building as Downes Associates, Inc.) regarding the telecommunications market. This is being handled much like the Energy Trust. Mr. Payne would like to select a county for review and make recommendations as to what their cost savings would be. Dr. Gorsuch believes there are potential savings here and recommended Queen Anne's County. If Queen Anne's accepts, they will be a pilot at no cost to them.
  11. Other - Dr. Gorsuch will review proxies as to when they are to be used.

    The meeting adjourned at 12:25 p.m.

    The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 10, 2002 at 10:00 a.m.

  Respectfully submitted,
R. Allan Gorsuch, Ed.D.
Manager
ESMEC Energy Trust