"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; Steve Mills, Member. Also attending were Council Members Kirk Arends, Charlie Guthrey, and Ron Ott.
The Agenda was approved as presented. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as printed on a motion by Mr. Bryant, seconded by Mr. Hird. Mr. Mills inquired how many in-house electricians were employed and asked if they would be available for the North English Lift Station Improvements. Director Bergstrom replied that we have four in-house electricians and they could possibly help when not busy with their regularly scheduled jobs. General Manager Gibbs added that due to time constraints placed on these types of projects it isn't always feasible to use in-house labor.
Environmental Services Director Ginny Ismay reported to the Board the comment letter from DNR on the THM reduction project was received and the project engineer is drafting a response. The discharge permit application is complete and has been sent to DNR.
Electric Distribution Director Jeff Bergstrom updated the Board on the Re-conductoring of Feeder 16. Crews installed the new conductor on Miami Avenue, north of Arrow Street to Vest Street. Plans are to remove the old wire next week.
Underground Facilities Director Grant Piper informed the Board the bid opening for the North English Lift Station Improvements is this afternoon. A recommendation will be presented at a future Board meeting. The 2016 CIPP Project seems to be running smoothly and should be complete by May 20th.
Electric Production Director Jim Johnson reported the NESHAP RICE emission testing was done on the diesel engine gensets at the water and waste water plants; all units passed with good results.
Administrative Services Director Ken Gieringer discussed the possibility of expanding internet services to outside city limits. It is not financially feasible to bury lines on the State's right-of-way. Director Gieringer feels that when the growth in existing areas slows, expansion is possible if certain conditions are met.
Manager Baldridge then updated the Board on current vacancies; Safety Specialist - hope to start next week, Underground Facilities GIS/Records Associate - interviews are being scheduled, Underground Facilities Fleet Mechanic - interviews are being scheduled.
General Manager Kyle Gibbs presented the Board a draft of the MoPEP green wholesale energy rate that could be offered to interested industrial customers. General Manager Gibbs then updated the Board on Broadband Bill SB946. The house version was attached to SB765. At the MoPEP meeting 16mw of new solar power projects were approved, a new capacity payment methodology was set for all peaking units in the pool, and support for the Grain Belt Express DC line was approved.
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 $ 167,987.39 ELECTRIC OPERATING FUND $ 1,014,036.66 SEWER REVENUE FUND $ 158,944.31 INTERNET OPERATING FUND $ 35,199.96 NATURAL GAS OPERATING FUND $ 2,276.10 ELECTRIC CONSUMER DEPOSIT FUND $ 7,950.00 Total $ 1,386,394.42
The next Board meeting will be Thursday, June 2, 2016.
On a motion by Mr. Hird, seconded by Mr. Bryant, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the regular meeting at 9:13 a.m.