Marshall Municipal Utilities

Board Meeting Minutes

July 31, 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; and Mike Mills, member. Charles Hird was absent.

The agenda was approved as presented. 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 differential protection is needed on the 161 kV bus at the West Substation. On a motion by Mr. Fricke, seconded by Mr. Mills, the Board approved this budgeted project and the agreement for design with Lutz, Daily & Brain. The material will be bid, and the installation will be done in-house.

Director Bergstrom reported the last transformer for the Feeder 43 conversion project should be delivered in a week or two. The pre-paint inspection has been completed for the new digger derrick truck and the unit should be delivered soon.

Employee Relations Manager Megan Baldridge reported there were eight responses (listed in the July 13, 2007, Board minutes) to the request for proposals for an agent/broker of record for MMU’s employee health benefits. On a motion by Mr. Mills, seconded by Mr. Fricke, the Board appointed Naught-Naught Agency the Agent of Record for MMU’s employee health benefits effective August 1, 2007.

Ms. Baldridge reported MMU employee Clinton Hedglin has used 12 weeks of leave and has requested an extension of his leave of absence. On a motion by Mr. Mills, seconded by Mr. Fricke, the Board approved continuing Mr. Hedglin’s leave of absence until October 17, 2007, if needed, with continuation of health insurance.

The quarterly safety report was reviewed and discussed. The need for further emphasis and documentation concerning safety measures was also discussed. Ms. Baldridge and Director Bergstrom are researching the various options for flame-resistant clothing.

A discussion was held concerning the requirements for the Underground Facilities System Operator positions.

Environmental Services Director Ginny Ismay indicated that, in order to meet EPA’s mandatory time table, a decision will need to be made concerning the continued use of chlorine gas in the disinfection process at the Water Treatment Plant. On a motion by Mr. Mills, seconded by Mr. Fricke, the Board accepted the recommendation of Shafer, Kline & Warren to switch to sodium hypochlorite manufactured on-site, after the necessary equipment can be purchased and installed at the Water Treatment Plant.

Director Ismay reported the final consent agreement from EPA relating to the $5,000 penalty has been received. The penalty will be paid upon approval of the disbursements dated July 31, 2007.

Director Ismay reported there have been problems with the grit removal system at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Prices are being obtained for replacement parts.

Electric Production Director Jim Johnson reported Unit #4 is running well since being put back in service after the overhaul.

Underground Facilities Director Monty Chase reported four employees are working on the manhole rehabilitation project.

General Manager Kyle Gibbs discussed the Community Leaders' Tour and possible plans for next year’s tour.

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

	WATER OPERATING FUND		$	108,963.60
	ELECTRIC OPERATING FUND		$	468,733.60
	SEWER REVENUE FUND		$	126,687.52
	INTERNET OPERATING FUND		$	 11,120.23
	NATURAL GAS OPERATING FUND	$	    275.54
	ELECTRIC CONSUMERS DEPOSIT FUND	$	  5,100.00

On a motion by Mr. Mills, seconded by Mr. Fricke, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the regular meeting at 9:35 a.m. to go into an executive session to discuss matters related to property acquisition (Mo. Rev. Stat. 610.021 [2], if authorized). Roll call:
Mike Mills yes
Jim Heinzler yes
Spencer Fricke yes