Marshall Municipal Utilities

Board Meeting Minutes

December 11, 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 Charles Hird, Secretary. Mike Mills, member, was absent.

The agenda was approved as presented. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as printed on a motion by Mr. Hird, seconded by Mr. Fricke.

Underground Facilities Director Monty Chase reported the roof on the Miami Street Pump Station was installed in the early 1970’s and is beyond repair. On a motion by Mr. Fricke, seconded by Mr. Hird, the Board approved requesting bids for the removal of the old roof material and installation of a new roof.

Director Chase reported there are still some problems with the pumps in the new lift station for the South Odell sewer.

Employee Relations Manager Megan Baldridge provided a review of the quotes submitted for 2008 employee health benefits (medical coverage) has resulted in a focus on a renewal with United Healthcare. A proposed base plan has been developed that would reduce the cost of renewal with United Healthcare by 5.1%. MMU’s costs would increase by about $58,500. The proposed base plan shifts more of the burden of increasing costs to employees by increasing co-pays and out-of-pocket exposure. A proposed buy-up plan has also been developed. On a motion by Mr. Hird, seconded by Mr. Fricke, the Board accepted United Healthcare’s EWG option as the base plan for 2008 medical insurance, and United Healthcare’s WLI option as a buy-up option.

Administrative Services Director Ken Gieringer reported the digger/derrick truck will be sold on an auction February 9, 2008.

Electric Distribution Director Jeff Berstrom reported that so far the icy weather has not been as severe as predicted and has caused no problems. Crews are trimming trees that could be potential problems if icy weather should occur.

Electric Production Director Jim Johnson reported Unit #5 was started December 6. The pellet boiler was run briefly to supply building heat while Unit #5 was off line. This provided an opportunity to train operators who had never seen it run. Requests for bids for toolboxes have been sent out and are due December 28.

General Manager Kyle Gibbs reported the MoPEP Pool must buy letters of credit each month to pay expenses because of a lack of reserves. The reserves are building slowly but ways to increase these reserves need to be a priority in the next year.

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		$	139,803.01
	ELECTRIC OPERATING FUND		$	972,811.34
	SEWER REVENUE FUND		$	106,696.39
	INTERNET OPERATING FUND		$	 11,057.47
	NATURAL GAS OPERATING FUND	$	    297.60
	ELECTRIC CONSUMERS DEPOSIT FUND	$	  6,770.00

On a motion by Mr. Fricke, seconded by Mr. Hird, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the regular meeting at 9:12 a.m.