"Providing Hometown Reliability"
The Board of Public Works convened in regular session at 8:35 a.m. at the Marshall Municipal Utilities Business Office. Board members present were Jim Heinzler, President; Spencer Fricke, Vice President; Chuck Hird, Secretary.
On a motion by Mr. Hird, seconded by Mr. Fricke, the Board approved the agenda as presented. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as printed on a motion by Mr. Hird, seconded by Mr. Fricke.
Environmental Services Director Ginny Ismay updated the Board on the THM reduction project. SKW's soil morphologist will be here November 12, to examine the soil at the water treatment plant. They will be digging to see how far down the water table is in order to determine the best option for new construction at the water treatment plant.
Electric Distribution Director Jeff Bergstrom informed the Board regarding LED Street and Area lighting. The department will gradually be working to switch over to LED lights, replacing the High Pressure Sodium lights as they fail. The fixtures chosen have a warranty of 10 years. Approximately 400 get replaced yearly. The total savings should be around $72,000 yearly when completely switched over, which shouldn't add to the budget. Director Bergstrom then updated the Board of the work on the MC Power Solar Farm. Their crew of about 50 is working six days a week. The expected completion date is December 16.
Underground Facilities Director Monty Chase reported to the Board on the Airport remodeling/renovation. Currently the facility is hooked up to a septic system which is being removed. At their request, his department is planning on installing a private lateral line that will connect to the airport building to the public main.
Electric Production Director Jim Johnson updated the Board on the Quarterly Unit Testing. The work on the catalyst elements and gaskets for Unit #11 is complete. Units #10 and #11 will be powered today. If all works well, the quarterly testing will be completed today. Director Johnson then went on to discuss Unit #6. The new batteries and ancillary equipment have arrived and plans are being made to decide when it can be taken out of service for removal of the old batteries and installation of the new ones. It will take approximately one week to complete this project.
Employee Relations Manager Megan Baldridge answered a question from Mr. Fricke on how the health benefits enrollment was going. She stated that it was too early to tell. She then announced that Jeremy Wilson has started as an Electric Lineman on October 26. Mr. Fricke requested to see a comparison of injuries and incidents for 2013/2014 vs. 2014/2015.
General Manager Kyle Gibbs informed the Board he attended the dedication of the Trenton Solar Farm on November 10. With the addition of the Trenton Solar Farm it made MoPEP the largest solar provider in the state. He will be attending the MoPEP "service and rates" meeting as well as a solar power meeting on November 13.
On a motion by Mr. Hird, seconded by Mr. Fricke, accounts payable were approved and warrants ordered issued from the following funds:
WATER OPERATING FUND $ 192,868.19 ELECTRIC OPERATING FUND $ 1,049,496.01 SEWER REVENUE FUND $ 168,748.24 INTERNET OPERATING FUND $ 27,605.84 NATURAL GAS OPERATING FUND $ 2,301.61 ELECTRIC CONSUMER DEPOSIT FUND $ 5,725.00 Total $ 1,446,744.89
The next Board meeting will be Thursday, December 3, 2015.
On a motion by Mr. Hird, seconded by Mr. Fricke, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:30 a.m.