"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, Spencer Fricke, Secretary; and Chuck Hird, member.
The agenda was approved as presented. Safety Specialist Daniel Morton reviewed the safety briefing. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as printed on a motion by Mr. Hird, seconded by Mr. Fricke.
Underground Facilities Director Monty Chase reported the six-inch clay pipe on North English, starting at Ohio Street and ending at High Street, continues to deteriorate and has many cracks and leaks. There is approximately 760 feet of sewer main in this area that needs to be replaced, along with two manholes. On a motion by Mr. Fricke, seconded by Mr. Hird, the Board approved replacing the sewer main on North English, from Ohio to High Street, with in-house labor and equipment at an approximate cost of $84,000.
Electric Distribution Director Jeff Bergstrom explained that there are 41 electric manholes and vaults in the MMU electric distribution system, most of which are considered confined spaces. Safety Equipment is needed to meet confined space entry requirements. On a motion by Mr. Hird, seconded by Mr. Heinzler, the Board approved the purchase of equipment for work in confined spaces, using quotes.
Environmental Services Director Ginny Ismay indicated a meeting is being set up with MMU’s wholesale customers to discuss the THM/HAA situation.
Director Ismay reported the new low pH dechlorinating tablets appear to be helping with the lagoon discharge issue.
Employee Relations Manager Megan Baldridge reported the position of Accounting Associate/Secretary in Administrative Services has been filled by Angie Winning (currently the Customer Service Supervisor). The Customer Service Supervisor position will now be posted in-house only.
Ms. Baldridge explained that the draft lockout/tagout policy was included in the packet for the Board’s review. On a motion by Mr. Fricke, seconded by Mr. Heinzler, the Board approved the lockout/tagout policy to go into effect February 1, 2015.
Administrative Services Director Ken Gieringer indicated copies of the fiscal year 2014 audit were distributed with the Board packets for the Board’s review.
General Manager Kyle Gibbs reported that among the items discussed at a recent MPUA meeting was an Integrated Resource Study being done by Leidos Engineering for MPUA. This study will be similar to a power supply study. Also discussed was the fact that Nebraska City 2 and Plum Point Power Plants are out of service until late winter.
General Manager Gibbs indicated that the comment period for the territory agreement between Central Missouri Electric and MMU, to service Missouri Valley College, will be up January 2, 2015. The agreement will then go to the Public Service Commission for a determination.
On a motion by Mr. Fricke, seconded by Mr. Hird, accounts payable were approved and warrants ordered issued from the following funds:
WATER OPERATING FUND $ 190,704.85 ELECTRIC OPERATING FUND $ 296,836.91 SEWER REVENUE FUND $ 140,664.37 INTERNET OPERATING FUND $ 31,894.64 NATURAL GAS OPERATING FUND $ 676.29 ELECTRIC CONSUMERS DEPOSIT FUND $ 10,275.00
The next Board meeting will be held Thursday, January 15, 2015.
On a motion by Mr. Hird, seconded by Mr. Fricke, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the regular meeting at 9:02 a.m. to go into executive session to discuss matters under Mo Rev. Stat. Section 610.021 [9] (Supp. 2009) concerning negotiations with employee groups.
Roll call vote:
Chuck Hird yes
Spencer Fricke yes
Ken Bryant yes
Jim Heinzler yes