"Providing Hometown Reliability"
The Board of Public Works convened in regular session at 2:00 p.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. Guest: Dave Hoy.
On a motion by Mr. Hird, seconded by Mr. Bryant, 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. Hird.
Employee Relations Director Megan Baldridge reviewed with the Board renewal options for the 2016 Employee Health Benefits. As discussed at the October 14 meeting, the best option was to renew with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City (BCBSKC). The recommendation is to offer a high deductable health plan with a health savings account option. Dave Hoy with Naught-Naught Agency was able to answer questions from the Board. On a motion from Mr. Hird, seconded by Mr. Fricke the Board approved the recommendation to renew medical insurance with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City, as presented, effective December 1, 2015.
Director Baldridge also updated the Board on the Ancillary Health Benefits. Director Baldridge recommended renewal with the current carriers. Dental and Vision will be with Principal with a December 1 renewal date. Disability, Life and EAP will be with Unum with a January 1 renewal date. On a motion from Mr. Bryant, seconded by Mr. Fricke the Board approved the recommendation to renew Ancillary Health Benefits as presented.
Director then updated the Board on the Section 125 Flex Plan Administration. Currently, Guardian administers this for us, but since we no longer have any insurance plans with them they have informed us this will be the last year they will do it for us. Director Baldridge recommended transferring the 125 Flex Plan Administration from Guardian to WageWorks, effective January 1, 2016. On a motion from Mr. Hird, seconded by Mr. Fricke the Board approved the recommendation to transfer the 125 Flex Plan Administration from Guardian to WageWorks, effective January 1, 2016.
Underground Facilities Director Monty Chase presented to the Board a request to replace the Trailer Mounted Sewer Jetter. The unit we have was purchased in 2006. There are problems with the water pump. On a motion from Mr. Bryant, seconded by Mr. Hird, the Board approved to send bid requests out to purchase a new trailer mounted sewer jetter and sell or trade-in the 2006 model. Director Chase informed the Board that sewer main repair has begun on English Street.
Electric Distribution Director Jeff Bergstrom updated the Board on the Re-conductor Feeder 14 project from Miami Substation to the Industrial Park one set of jumpers needs to be installed and it will be complete. The Overhead to Underground conversion was interrupted to work on the Re-Conductor Feeder 14 project. MC Power is on site working on surveying and flagging for the post locations.
Environmental Services Director Ginny Ismay updated the Board on the THM reduction project. There has been a conference call with the project engineer, SKW, answering questions. Terracon has finished the core drillings. The wells have four air relief valves that need replaced.
Electric Production Director Jim Johnson updated the Board on Units #10 and #11 the inspection of the catalyst elements and gaskets. Unit #10 looked good, but the gasket seals on Unit #11 looked suspect, even though there was no evidence of leakage. They plan to re-fabricate the metal channels that the gasket sits in to provide a better seal.
Administrative Services Director Ken Gieringer reminded the Board that the 2015-2016 Budget included a 10% increase in revenue in the Water Department will be effective January 1, 2016. The Internet Services are being considered to change the maximum speed for the second and third tiers. Director Gieringer then stated that the annual audit will be conducted next week.
General Manager Kyle Gibbs informed the Board of a service and rates meeting is scheduled for November 13, to discuss capacity payments to members with generators. General Manager Gibbs then invited the Board to the Grand Opening of MC Power's solar facility in Trenton, MO. It is scheduled for November 10, at 10:00 a.m.
WATER OPERATING FUND $ 111,198.49 ELECTRIC OPERATING FUND $ 233,386.20 SEWER REVENUE FUND $ 64,899.28 INTERNET OPERATING FUND $ 25,783.13 NATURAL GAS OPERATING FUND $ 21,115.87 Total $ 456,382.97
The next Board meeting will be Thursday, November 12, 2015.
On a motion by Mr. Bryant, seconded by Mr. Hird, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the regular meeting at 3:00 p.m.