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Marshall Municipal Utilities

"Providing Hometown Reliability"

Board Meeting Minutes

January 12, 2012

The Board of Public Works convened the regular session at 8:30 a.m. at the Marshall Municipal Utilities Business Office. Board members present were Jim Heinzler, President; Spencer Fricke, Vice President; Chuck Hird, Secretary; and Ken Bryant, member. Mr. Louis Rasse was also present.

On a motion by Mr. Hird, seconded by Mr. Bryant, the following Board of Public Works officers were elected by acclamation for 2012:

Spencer Fricke, President
Chuck Hird, Vice President
Ken Bryant, Secretary
Mr. Fricke assumed the chair.

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

President Fricke recognized Mr. Louis Rasse and advised him he had five minutes to address the Board.

Mr. Rasse stated he was in receipt of a letter signed by Mr. Heinzler informing him of the Board’s decision to decline any action regarding his appeal. Mr. Rasse also mentioned reviewing the minutes of the November 15, 2011, meeting of the Board of Public Works on MMU’s website stating the Board declined to take further action on his appeal due to lack of information provided by himself. Mr. Rasse asked the Board if there was any further information needed from him. On a motion by Mr. Heinzler, seconded by Mr. Hird, the Board concluded their discussion with Mr. Rasse.

On a motion by Mr. Hird, seconded by Mr. Heinzler, the Board approved providing Mr. Rasse with the same documentation as previously offered, along with an MMU representative monitoring said documentation.

Underground Facilities Director Monty Chase reported on the need for a second trackhoe for sewer main replacement projects. A 30,000 lb. trackhoe, with a tilt trailer, would be better utilized in backyards and alleys, as well as other projects, due to its mobility. On a motion by Mr. Heinzler, seconded by Mr. Bryant, the Board approved requesting bids for a new trackhoe and 20-ton tilt trailer.

Director Chase also reported truck #203 used by the Business Office serviceperson needs to be replaced. The 2004 two-wheel drive pickup has over 120,000 miles and is utilized daily. On a motion by Mr. Heinzler, seconded by Mr. Bryant, the Board approved requesting bids for a new two-wheel drive, half-ton pickup.

Electric Distribution Director Jeff Bergstrom reported on the age and condition of the batteries at the West Substation and the need for their replacement. On a motion by Mr. Hird, seconded by Mr. Heinzler, the Board approved requesting bids to replace the batteries at West Substation.

Director Bergstrom also reported on the contract tree trimming project. Depending on the number of removals, the funding may be depleted before all planned three-phase lines are trimmed. On a motion by Mr. Hird, seconded by Mr. Heinzler, the Board approved up to a two-week extension of the tree trimming project at a not-to-exceed cost of $20,000.

Electric Production Director Jim Johnson reported that due to the age and number of starts on Units #10 and #11, an 8,000-hour inspection needs to be performed on both units. An outside service technician will be needed for support with our own employees performing the labor. On a motion by Mr. Heinzler, seconded by Mr. Hird, the Board approved proceeding with the 8,000-hour inspection of Units #10 and #11.

Administrative Services Director Ken Gieringer reported the cost to install a fleet monitoring system on MMU vehicles is significantly less than early 2010 projections. Software for fifty vehicles is approximately $10,000 annually and base units are approximately $250 each. All department directors are in favor of such a system. On a motion by Mr. Hird, seconded by Mr. Bryant, the Board authorized requesting bids for a fleet monitoring system.

Employee Relations Manager Megan Baldridge reported the Environmental Services Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator/Maintenance position has been filled. Ms. Baldridge also informed the Board that Electric Production employee Timberley Cochran was in an off-duty automobile accident this week.

General Manager Kyle Gibbs reported HB 89 rewrote MoDNR rules of handling asbestos to match the EPA rules. This action now requires MMU to hire a contractor for removal of asbestos over 160 square feet or 260 linear feet. The MPUA legislative group is now working to reinstate the business exemption.

General Manager Gibbs also discussed changes in business communications, specifically the benefit of receiving email service while away from the office. The cost to provide this service to some of the supervisors’ personal cell phones will be explored.

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

WATER OPERATING FUND			$ 	  252,335.31
ELECTRIC OPERATING FUND			$ 	1,416,783.94
SEWER REVENUE FUND			$ 	  181,135.16
INTERNET OPERATING FUND			$ 	   16,939.85
NATURAL GAS OPERATING FUND		$ 	    2,891.56
ELECTRIC CONSUMER DEPOSIT FUND		$ 	    4,525.00
WATER TREATMENT PLANT IMPROVEMENT RES.	$	  117,000.00

On a motion by Mr. Bryant, seconded by Mr. Heinzler, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn the regular meeting at 9:52 a.m.