"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. Also present were Andrea Giger.
The Board approved the agenda as presented. General Manager Kyle Gibbs reviewed the safety briefing.
Ms. Giger addressed the Board with concerns regarding the mislabeling of the electrical meters at her previous residence and wanted to know how this could have happened. The result of the mislabeling caused a billing error for a period of 2 1/2 years, of which Ms. Giger was not being billed for the proper usage amount. Ms. Giger communicated with the Board that if they felt it was her responsibility she would pay what was owed, but that paying the total of $720, is a hardship for her. The Board listened to her complaint, thanked her for coming and let her know they would discuss her issue further and try to come up with a solution that would be fair to all parties.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as printed on a motion by Mr. Bryant, seconded by Mr. Fricke.
Administrative Services Director Ken Gieringer brought an agreement to the Board from Socket Telecom, LLC for a Master Service contract that will provide dark fiber and better guaranteed levels of services to local customers that MMU isn't able to offer. On a motion made by Mr. Hird, seconded by Mr. Fricke, the Board approved the Master Service Agreement with Socket Telecom, LLC.
Director Gieringer updated the Board on the insurance claim for Unit #6 at the Power Plant. Total damages incurred were $1,101,000. $851,000 has been paid by the insurance company. The remaining $250,000 to be billed.
Environmental Services Director Ginny Ismay requested from the Board approval to seek bids for replacement of a Wastewater Treatment Department Truck. This is a budgeted item. On a motion made by Mr. Bryant, seconded by Mr. Fricke, the Board approved to request bids for the purchase of a new 4X4, 1/2 ton pickup.
Director Ismay informed the Board that DNR had been on-site July 29, 2015 for inspection of the Wastewater Treatment Facility.
Underground Facilities Director Monty Chase updated the Board on the ongoing projects being done by his department. Fox Creek Villa has all the 12" connections completed. It is being flushed and disinfected today with installation of new services tentatively scheduled for the week of August 3. CMA Project have relocated, connected and have put in service the two 12' water lines. The 20" waterline installation has been started. The natural gas-line is back in service as of July 30.
Electric Distribution Assistant Director Doug Root answered questions from the Board regarding the rusted street light poles that have recently been replaced on Court Street.
Employee Relations Director Megan Baldridge answered questions from the Board regarding the Safety Specialist vacancy. The position will be difficult to find someone local with the needed credentials, but there have been a few applications received.
General Manager Kyle Gibbs brought a request from Missouri Valley College to the Board asking for 2" water service to their new rodeo practice facility. Since the facility is outside of city limits, the Board will need to approve their request. On a motion made by Mr. Bryant, seconded by Mr. Hird, the Board approved the request of Missouri Valley College to install a 2" water service to their new rodeo practice facility.
General Manager Gibbs updated the Board that the final Interconnection and Operating Agreement with MC Power is in place pending a one-line electrical drawing of the facility. There is a meeting scheduled for August 6, to review the drawing to ensure correct installation. Ground breaking ceremonies have been tentatively scheduled for August 27, 2015 at 10:00 am. The City's Lease Agreement is pending on the completion of the land survey and soil sampling.
General Manager Gibbs then informed the Board a letter has been received from DNR requesting additional information on the June 25, rain event at College Street and the two block area around Plaza Drive and Hillside Drive.
The annual APPA Conference will be September 16, and 17 in Branson MO. If any of the Board would like to attend let him know.
In other business, the Board discussed Ms. Giger's concerns. On a motion made by Mr. Bryant, seconded by Mr. Hird, the Board moved to request payment of $180, allowing Ms. Giger to set up a payment schedule that will not be a hardship for her and to forgive the remaining $540.
WATER OPERATING FUND $ 140,573.87 ELECTRIC OPERATING FUND $ 111,414.67 SEWER REVENUE FUND $ 9,028.00 INTERNET OPERATING FUND $ 25,755.78 NATURAL GAS OPERATING FUND $ 2,555.53 ELECTRIC CONSUMER DEPOSIT FUND $ 7,800.00
The next Board meeting will be Wednesday, August 12, 2015.
On a motion by Mr. Bryant, seconded by Mr. Fricke, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the regular meeting at 9:45 a.m.