"Providing Hometown Reliability"
The Board of Public Works convened in 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; Charles 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. Bryant, seconded by Mr. Fricke.
Electric Production Director Jim Johnson reported to the Board the batteries for Unit #6 have reached their life expectancy of 18 - 20 years and need to be replaced. In addition to new batteries, the budget includes a spill containment system around the new batteries and holding rack for the battery units if they are a different size from the current ones. On a motion made by Mr. Bryant, seconded by Mr. Fricke, the Board approved the recommendation to request bids to replace the Unit #6 batteries and optional equipment, if needed.
Underground Facilities Director Monty Chase updated the Board on several projects they are working on. The Manhole Rehab continues. The CMA water line relocation has started but is making slow progress due to wet weather. The CMA natural gas line relocation is moving along well. Plans are to shut the gas off on Tuesday, July 21, hoping to have it back in service on Wednesday, July 22.
Electric Distribution Director Jeff Bergstrom updated the Board on the Re-conductor Feeder project. There has been approximately 8,000 feet of wire pulled in this past week. It is sagged in and crews are starting to tie in, with anticipation of getting it energized soon. Two linemen were sent to assist Independence MO, to restore electricity on Saturday, June 27, staying through Tuesday, June 30. Director Bergstrom then showed the board a sample of an LED area light he has received. The cost of the LED fixtures is the same as the sodium fixtures, but they consume 80% less watts. They will be tested in the field before making a final decision.
Environmental Services Director Ginny Ismay reviewed with the Board, a chart comparing the amount of water received at the wastewater treatment plant to the amount of water pumped at the water treatment plant through the months of May and June.
Administrative Services Director Ken Gieringer briefly discussed a problem that occurred when the department found two electrical meters at a multiple residence building had been mislabeled as to which meter controls which apartment. In the past 10 years, there has only been one other incident similar to this.
Employee Relations Manager Megan Baldridge reported as of July 15, it has been five years since the wastewater treatment plant staff has had a recordable injury.
General Manager Kyle Gibbs reported the change order from USDI to add additional pipe to reach the tie-in points for the CMA Natural Gas Line relocation has not been received, yet. MC Power is anxious to get started on construction of their Solar Project in Marshall. The Interconnect Agreement has been reviewed and has a few changes that need to be made. General Manager Gibbs stated once the changes are made, the Board will need to request the City Council to authorize the Mayor to sign the Interconnect Agreement. On a motion made by Mr. Bryant, seconded by Mr. Hird, the Board approved the request asking the City Council to authorize the Mayor to sign a contract with MC Power-Marshall, LLC to establish an Interconnection and Operating Agreement with MMU for their new Solar Farm, Project, subject to final approval from MMU's legal counsel.
On a motion by Mr. Fricke, seconded by Mr. Bryant, accounts payable were approved and warrants ordered issued from the following funds:
WATER OPERATING FUND $157,959.93 ELECTRIC OPERATING FUND $1,412,899.99 SEWER REVENUE FUND $150,681.70 INTERNET OPERATING FUND $29,366.77 NATURAL GAS OPERATING FUND $356.44 ELECTRIC CONSUMER DEPOSIT FUND $12,350.00
The next Board meeting will be Thursday, July 30, 2015.
On a motion by Mr. Hird, seconded by Mr. Bryant, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the regular meeting at 9:45 a.m.