THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
August 15, 2022
The regular meeting of the Board of Public Works was held on August 15, 2022 at 5:00 pm in the City Council Chambers. Those in attendance were President Brian Terry, Vice President David Ausmus, Board Member David Wilt, Board Member Scott Lucas, General Manager Stephanie Wilson, Assistant General Manager and Manager of Energy Resources Ben Stueve, Electric Distribution Supervisor and Manager of Utility Operations Bryce Butner, and City Administrator Avis Marshall.
President Brian Terry called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm.
- Approval of Minutes from prior Board Meetings: Board Member David Wilt made a motion, seconded by Board Member Scott Lucas, to approve the minutes from the July 18, 2022 meeting. The motion carried with four votes for and none against.
Under old business:
- Discussion of MMU Strategic Plan – A Cash Reserve Statement, as it relates to the Strategic Plan being developed, and preparations for the 2023 Budget were discussed.
Under new business:
- Review of Monthly Dashboard – July 2022 – General Manager Stephanie Wilson presented a refreshed dashboard of activities for all services and discussion was held.
4. Review of Financials – July 2022 – Ms. Wilson noted increased electric and water usage during warmer temperatures. It was also noted that depreciation for the new Headworks at the Wastewater Treatment Plant began this month and natural gas commodity prices continue to be significantly more expensive than prior years.
5. Approval of Purchase of Structural Steel for Substation #3 Expansion – Ms. Wilson and Assistant General Manager/Manager of Energy Resources Ben Stueve shared that the next stage of the expansion for Substation 3 to serve Agri-Genesis, LLC in the Heartland Industrial Park is to order structural steel. Letters of recommendation were presented from Toth & Associates to utilize the plans from Falcon Steel/MICA Steelworks, Inc. and associated bid received for competitive expenses and timeline to receive the product. After discussion, Board Member Scott Lucas made a motion, seconded by Vice President David Ausmus, to accept the bid from MICA Steelworks, Inc. in the amount of $156,752.00 and to recommend to the City Council of Macon, Missouri to allow Mayor Anthony E. Petre to give approval for the purchase as allowed in Chapter XXIX. Purchasing, Section 2900.10 of the City of Macon, Missouri and Macon Municipal Utilities Employee Policy Manual, Revised February 8, 2022. The motion carried with four votes and none against.
6. Approval of Change Order No. 1 for Wastewater Collection Relining – Ms. Wilson presented information for a change order and shared that the original award of $139,810.30 to Visu-Sewer of Missouri, LLC was approved on March 22, 2022 for the relining of various sections of wastewater collection main. After discussion of removing 172 linear-feet of 12 inch main and adding 175 linear feet of 10 inch main plus an adjustment of 25 linear-feet on the already approved relining of 8 inch main, Vice President David Ausmus made a motion, seconded by Board Member Scott Lucas, to accept Change Order No. 1 for an additional $3,740.50. The motion carried with four votes for and none against.
7. Discussion of Replacement of 2008 2500 Chevy pickup – After a discussion of the bids received, Board Member Scott Lucas made a motion, seconded by Board Member David Wilt, to accept the bid from Lou Fusz Chevrolet in St. Peters, Missouri for the purchase of a 2022 Silverado 2500 Chevy in the amount of $47,355.00. The motion carried with four votes for and none against.
8. Discussion of Electric Vehicle Charging Station – Ms. Wilson and Mr. Stueve discussed a grant opportunity through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources – Volkswagen Trust Fund. Potential sites will be reviewed and discussed at the next meeting. Applications are due October 12, 2022.
9. Employee Retention and Recruitment – Ms. Wilson reported that MMU has a vacancy for a System Operator in the Control Room. Applications are due by August 24, 2022.
Under manager reports, run times and maintenance activities for the Macon and Audrain Energy Centers were noted. Additionally, crews performed work in substations and electric distribution pulled in primary wire for west buildings at Weatherby Ridge. Underground Facilities has worked on water service inventory, tied in new main at Pearl and Prairie and have begun installing 6” PVC amin for the Crescent project. Additionally, staff assisted Utility Safety and Design, Inc with the rebuild of a natural gas regular station on McGee Street. Also, training of new personnel continues at the water treatment plant and at the wastewater treatment plant maintenance activities were noted.
A motion was made by Vice President David Ausmus, seconded by Board Member Scott Lucas to go into executive session regarding Legal (Rs.MO.610.021 (1)), Leasing, Purchase, or Sale of Real Estate (Rs. MO.610.021 (2)) and Personal (Rs. MO.610.021(3)). The motion carried with four votes for and none against.
When the open meeting reconvened at 7:55 pm a motion was made by Vice President David Ausmus, seconded by Board Member Scott Lucas, to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed with four votes for and none against.