Marshall Municipal Utilities

Board Meeting Minutes

April 10, 2007

The Board of Public Works convened the regular session at 8:30 a.m. at the Marshall Municipal Utilities Business Office. Present were Jim Heinzler, President; Spencer Fricke, Vice President; Charles Hird, Secretary; and Mike Mills member.

The agenda was approved as presented.

Mr. Heinzler presented Ken Gieringer, Administrative Services Director, with a plaque honoring his 30 years of service to MMU.

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as printed on a motion by Mr. Mills, seconded by Mr. Fricke.

Electric Distribution Director Jeff Bergstrom reported the electric line located on South Drive between Benton and English Streets needs to be rebuilt. On a motion by Mr. Mills, seconded by Mr. Hird, the board approved proceeding with this project.

Director Bergstrom reported one bid was received for the repairs to the ground source heating and cooling system at the Electric Distribution building. This bid will be evaluated and a recommendation made at a future meeting.

Director Bergstrom indicated the last pole is being set today for the street lighting at the Highway 65 and Drake Road intersection.

Underground Facilities Director Monty Chase reported there are many brick manholes in the collection system that have deteriorated and need to be fixed. On a motion by Mr. Mills, seconded by Mr. Fricke, the Board approved proceeding with a rehabilitation project on approximately 40 manholes.

Director Chase reported water services are being changed over to the new main on Rea Street. The five-year small water meter change-out program has been completed. Approximately 2,000 5/8” meters were changed out, which is about half of the 5/8” water meters in service.

Employee Relations Manager Megan Baldridge reported three recordable injuries occurred during the second quarter of fiscal year 2007, bringing the total for the year to four. Employees are doing a better job of reporting minor incidents, which can prove helpful in preventing recurrence and potentially more serious injury.

Interviews for the Chief Operator position at the Water Treatment Plant will be scheduled soon.

General Manager Kyle Gibbs asked for the Board’s decision on the request made by Rick and Kim Whitlock at the March 13, 2007, Board meeting. The Whitlock’s asked for compensation for repairs and replacement of a furnace after a water main break in January of this year caused flooding in the crawl space under a rental house that the Whitlock’s own. It was the consensus of the Board to abide by the insurance company’s decision, which was to deny the claim.

Electric Production Director Jim Johnson reported the old electronic controls have been removed from Unit #11 and the new controls are being installed. Refractory repairs are being done on Unit #5. The new grates for Unit #4 were returned due to a manufacturer’s defect.

Administrative Services Director Ken Gieringer reported the old boom truck in Underground Facilities will be put on an auction May 12.

Director Gieringer reported some Water Department reserves are being transferred for use in the Water Operating account due in part to some recent large expenditures.

Director Gieringer outlined the proposed electric rate increases and asked that the Board take them under consideration for action at a future meeting.

Director Bergstrom and Director Gieringer are evaluating procedures for the financial justification for requests for new electric services or line extensions.

General Manager Gibbs reported a preconstruction meeting for the South Odell sewer project will be held April 19.

General Manager Gibbs asked that the Board consider a request by MSDC Director Roy Hunter for volunteers to make a short presentation at a one-day retreat for the MSDC board on May 11.

On a motion by Mr. Fricke, seconded by Mr. Hird, accounts payable were approved and warrants ordered issued from the following funds:

	WATER OPERATING FUND		$	147,375.62
	ELECTRIC OPERATING FUND		$	949,425.46
	SEWER REVENUE FUND		$	 62,859.27
	INTERNET OPERATING FUND		$	 34,148.50
	NATURAL GAS OPERATING FUND	$	     16.43
	ELECTRIC CONSUMERS DEPOSIT FUND	$	  4,750.00

On a motion by Mr. Hird, seconded by Mr. Mills, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the regular meeting at 9:00 a.m.