"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 Jim Heinzler, President; Spencer Fricke, Vice President; Chuck Hird, Secretary; and Ken Bryant, member.
The Board approved the agenda 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. Hird, seconded by Mr. Bryant.
Environmental Services Director Ginny Ismay reported that she had attended MWEA/AWWA Joint Annual Conference. Discussion was held regarding sending a partial payment of $200,000 to JCI, this is included in the payments being approved.
Electric Distribution Director Jeff Bergstrom updated the Board that his crew was able to enter the west side of CMA project and get the wire pulled in on April 1. They will get it tied in and energized soon so work can be started east of the CMA project and back to the sub-station. Director Bergstrom also reported that the North Street Pump Station project was completed last week.
Underground Facilities Director, Monty Chase reported the Jefferson Street Sewer project has the main and manholes installed and is complete with the exception of clean-up in the street. Director Chase stated that Spray Com has started the Sewer Main Rehab using the Cured in Place Pipe (CIPP) and will here for several weeks. Director Chase updated the Board that the Water Main and Natural Gas Line Relocation is moving along. He is working with the Engineers on the material list and bid documents to provide to contractors.
Electric Production Director Jim Johnson updated the Board on Unit #6. Ethos Energy's field crews weren't able to make it back this week because RTD's on order for the stator haven't been received. They are scheduled to return next week. Their revised schedule shows a completion date for the rewind as May 1. They also have another week to finish the rotor repair due to issues with cracks in bolts that holds the pole blocks in. As soon as they fabricate them they will get it put back together and ship to us.
Administrative Services Director Ken Gieringer noted that the insurance company has sent a partial payment in the amount of $605,000 for Unit #6 repairs. Also, the quarterly update on all projects is included in the Board Letter. Director Gieringer reported that equipment has been purchased that allows MMU to provide up to 1,000 Mbps or 1 gigabit at select customer locations.
Employee Relations Manager, Megan Baldridge presented recommended changes to the Water and Wastewater Operator Classifications. With these changes there would be two classifications at each plant. Operator I would apply to entry level operators (those holding no certification or an entry level D certification). Operator II would be reserved for operators with intermediate (C) or higher classification. On a motion by Mr. Hird, seconded by Mr. Fricke the Board approved the new Operator I and II Classifications.
A discussion was held on the Annual Wage and Benefit Review. Based on the survey results, the recommended wage adjustments would increase current annual payroll by $85,215 (or 1.8%). On a motion by Mr. Hird, seconded by Mr. Bryant, the Board approved 1) an adjustment to the pay ranges for each position as indicated on the pay range charts presented. On a motion by Mr. Hird, seconded by Mr. Fricke, the Board approved 2) a corresponding adjustment to individual wages to maintain individual progress within the pay range except for those that have failed to sustain their performance would increase payroll by $56,244 (or 1.19%). On a motion by Mr. Fricke, seconded by Mr. Hird, the Board approved 3) merit based changes to wages and salaries in an amount not to exceed $28,971, each to become effective on March 22, 2015.
General Manager Kyle Gibbs reported to the Board on pending legislation that may have an adverse affect on municipalities. General Manager Gibbs stated that The Mutual Aid Program with MPUA is in the process of being updated. General Manager Gibbs informed the Board of a lawsuit filed between the City of Hermann and MJMEUC. The Commission's legal counsel considers the claims to be without legal merit. General Manager Gibbs reported to the Board that the MC Power project is looking positive with a start date scheduled for June.
On a motion by Mr. Bryant, seconded by Mr. Fricke, accounts payable were approved and warrants ordered issued from the following funds:
WATER OPERATING FUND $ 153,407.99 ELECTRIC OPERATING FUND $ 354,799.76 SEWER REVENUE FUND $ 301,831.84 INTERNET OPERATING FUND $ 43,138.26 NATURAL GAS OPERATING FUND $ 4,865.51 ELECTRIC CONSUMERS DEPOSIT FUND $ 4,150.00
The next Board meeting will be Thursday, April 16, 2015.
The Board voted unanimously to adjourn the regular meeting at 9:22 a.m. to go into executive session to discuss matters under Mo Rev. Stat. Section 610.021 [2] (Supp. 2009) lease, purchase or sale of real estate.
Roll call vote:
Mr. Hird, yes
Mr. Fricke, yes
Mr. Heinzler, yes
Mr. Bryant, yes