"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 Spencer Fricke, President; Chuck Hird, Vice President; Ken Bryant, Secretary and Jim Heinzler, Member. Also attending were Councilman Gabe Ramsey, Rachel Miles, Jody, and Brian Brizendine.
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 Board heard from guests Rachel Miles, Jody Malan, and Brian Brizendine asking what it would take to have MMU provide a reliable internet service to their homes. They would like to have MMU's internet service extended from the hospital to their residential area on YY Highway, which is just outside of the city limits. The Board asked Administrative Services Director Ken Gieringer what the ramifications of achieving their request would be. Director Gieringer replied that we currently focus on servicing customers in the city limits and there are currently two areas in the city limits that do not have internet services available and they would like to focus on getting services available city-wide first. Other prohibitors are cost issues and pending state legislation that may prevent municipalities in offering new services that private companies provide. The Board thanked everyone for coming and told him they would discuss the problem further and have Director Gieringer do some further investigating and should have some information within the next month.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as printed on a motion by Mr. Hird, seconded by Mr. Bryant.
Administrative Services Director presented the Board a resolution to open bank accounts at Exchange Bank. The resolution authorizes the Mayor and City Clerk to sign checks on the accounts and for General Manager, Kyle Gibbs and Administrative Services Director, Ken Gieringer, to make investments out of the same accounts. On a motion made by Mr. Bryant, seconded by Mr. Hird, the Board approved the resolution as presented. Director Gieringer informed the Board that due to the cold weather, there have not been any utility "shut-offs".
Underground Facilities Director Monty Chase updated the Board on the Mixers for the Tower and Reservoirs. Only one bid was received, so it was not opened. Director Chase will be meeting with SKW to discuss other options and will provide an update at the next meeting.
Electric Production Director Jim Johnson informed the Board the Part 70 operating permit has been received, which is good for five years.
Employee Relations Manager Megan Baldridge discussed the Calendar Year Safety Review. She pointed out that sprains & strains account for most of the work related injuries. Ms. Baldridge also stated the position of Safety Specialist has been re-advertised and she has been receiving applications.
General Manager Kyle Gibbs informed the Board he is planning to attend the hearing on Senate Bill 946 & House Bill 2078 on February 3, pertaining to municipalities providing internet. General Manager Gibbs participated in a portion of a conference call with the MoPEP Service & Rates Committee. The discussion was about including three additional Solar Farms to the MoPEP Pool, and Capacity Credits for municipal generation.
On a motion by Mr. Hird, seconded by Mr. Bryant, accounts payable were approved and warrants ordered issued from the following funds:
WATER OPERATING FUND $ 12,958.73 ELECTRIC OPERATING FUND $ 264,578.12 SEWER REVENUE FUND $ 90,415.24 INTERNET OPERATING FUND $ 25,233.11 NATURAL GAS OPERATING FUND $ 369.77 Total $ 493,554.97
The next Board meeting will be Thursday, February 11, 2016.
The Board voted unanimously to adjourn the regular meeting at 9:17 a.m. to go into executive session to discuss matters under RSMo Section 610.021(Supp. 2009) concerning legal, confidential or privileged information [1].
Roll call vote: Mr. Hird, yes
Mr. Bryant, yes
Mr. Heinzler, yes
Mr. Fricke, yes