"Providing Hometown Reliability"
The Board of Public Works convened the regular session at 8:30 a.m. at the Marshall Municipal Utilities Business Office. Board members present were Ken Bryant, President; Jim Heinzler, Vice President; and Spencer Fricke, Secretary. Chuck Hird, member, was absent. Also present was Councilman Ron Duvall.
The agenda was approved as presented. General Manager Kyle Gibbs reviewed the safety briefing. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as printed on a motion by Mr. Fricke, seconded by Mr. Heinzler.
Administrative Services Director Ken Gieringer explained that MMU has recently increased the bandwidth received from our provider. This will allow us to offer increased speed for internet service. On a motion by Mr. Fricke, seconded by Mr. Heinzler, the Board approved the following internet rates, effective June 1, 2014.
FIBER OPTIC INTERNET SERVICES: Maximum Speed Monthly Charge Addresses Extra Addresses 10.0 Mbps Download $5 each; 5.0 Mbps Upload $30 1 dynamic address dynamic or static 40.0 Mbps Download $5 each; 20.0 Mbps Upload $45 1 dynamic or static dynamic or static 80.0 Mbps Download $5 each; 40.0 Mbps Upload $70 1 dynamic or static dynamic or static
In addition, a few minor services listed in the rate schedule will be removed from availability to new customers as they are not worth the effort to provide.
Electric Distribution Director Jeff Bergstrom reported the two proposals received on May 14, 2014, for the 161 breaker maintenance project have been evaluated. Currently, MMU has breakers manufactured by both bidders, Alstom Grid Service and ABB High Voltage Service. Director Bergstrom explained that since the project was budgeted, some leak issues have been identified in the ABB breakers, and ABB has given an estimate of the cost. Director Bergstrom recommended that part of the proposals from both Alstom and ABB be accepted. On a motion by Mr. Fricke, seconded by Mr. Heinzler, the Board accepted the bid from Alstom Grid Service for $13,948 (to service 3 Alstom breakers), and also the bid from ABB High Voltage Service (to repair 2 ABB breakers) for an estimated cost of $33,928 for time and material to fix the leaking breakers.
Environmental Services Director Ginny Ismay reported the painting contractor is ready to start on the painting at the Wastewater Treatment Plant next week.
Electric Production Director Jim Johnson reported that Asbestos Removal Services (subcontractor) has started removing the asbestos from the stacks and ductwork on Units #1 and #2. Septagon is working on a schedule to outline the demolition of equipment on the Power Plant roof.
Director Johnson explained that discussions have been held with MoPEP concerning getting Unit #5 priced into the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) based upon operating on coal. This unit is currently in the SPP based upon operating on natural gas. We are in the process of stockpiling 2,000 tons of coal in anticipation of this taking place.
There are two gas metering systems at the Power Plant, one for pilot gas and one for generation. These meters have had some issues with the core processors. Director Johnson indicated Controls, Devices and Instrumentation (CDI) is working on discovering the cause and finding a solution. Three core processors have been replaced since January, at no cost to MMU.
Chief Engineering Technician Joe Trapp reported Spray Com Utilities is finishing up a section of sewer main and will be back to complete the rehab (CIPP) project in June when they receive the proper materials.
The annual fire hydrant flushing will begin on Sunday, June 1, 2014, and will run through Thursday, June 5. The sewer main replacement project on Lafayette will be temporarily delayed during this time.
General Manager Kyle Gibbs explained that the company MMU had been working with, Dawn Fiber, regarding using MMU’s internet to provide TV, phone and internet in Marshall, has gone out of business. Kennis Mann, former CEO and President of Dawn Fiber, has formed a new broadband company, PowerCom Broadband, and is interested in providing the same services as Dawn Fiber was offering. At this point, MMU is just listening to what they have to say.
On a motion by Mr. Heinzler, seconded by Mr. Fricke, accounts payable were approved and warrants ordered issued from the following funds:
WATER OPERATING FUND $ 136,666.11 ELECTRIC OPERATING FUND $ 293,413.72 SEWER REVENUE FUND $ 73,535.16 INTERNET OPERATING FUND $ 21,151.20 NATURAL GAS OPERATING FUND $ 1,153.24 ELECTRIC CONSUMERS DEPOSIT FUND $ 5,350.00
The next Board meeting will be held Thursday, June 12, 2014.
On a motion by Mr. Heinzler, seconded by Mr. Fricke, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the regular meeting at 9:11 a.m. to go into executive session to discuss matters under Mo Rev. Stat. Section 610.021 [1]; [3] (Supp. 2009) concerning legal, confidential or privileged information and personnel actions. Roll call vote:
Spencer Fricke yes
Jim Heinzler yes
Ken Bryant yes