THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
May 20, 2024
The regular meeting of the Board of Public Works was held on May 20, 2024, at 5:00 pm in the City Council Chambers. Those in attendance were President David Ausmus, Vice President Jeff Roberts, Board Member David Wilt, Board Member Chris Nelson (virtually), Secretary Lauren Watson, Assistant General Manager and Manager of Energy Resources Ben Stueve, Controller Jennifer McLeland, General Manager Dana Ulmer (virtually), and Mayor Tony Petre.
President David Ausmus called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm.
1. The minutes from the last regular meeting of the Board of Public Works were reviewed. President David Ausmus made a motion to approve the minutes with the amendment to remove, “Prior to work commencing the sewer rate needs to be surveyed to confirm alignment and the preparation of a utility easement for the same location.” The motion was seconded by Vice President Jeff Roberts. The motion carried with three votes for and one abstained.
Under old business:
There was no old business to discuss.
Under new business:
2. Review of Financials – April 2024 – Controller Jennifer McLeland shared that in the electric fund revenues were elevated due to warm temperatures effect on charges for services and expenses were stable in comparison to March except for the receipt of a transformer. The water fund saw a decrease in net income compared to March, as sales for resale decreased. Otherwise, water and wastewater revenues and expenses were higher than in March. The consistently warm temperatures lowered gas sales and purchases.
3. Approval to Purchase Budgeted Underground Facilities Service & Support Truck – Manager of Energy Resources Ben Stueve asked to continue with the approved fleet plan, the 2024 budget includes $60,000 for replacement of the 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500. Mr. Stueve recommends purchasing the 2024 F150 XL Crew Cab 4X4 from Moberly Motors. The crew cab would allow for flexibility in use and storage. President David Ausmus made a motion, seconded by Board Member David Wilt to purchase the 2024 F150 XL Crew Cab 4X4 from Moberly Motors in the amount of $45,761. The motion carried with four votes for and none against.
4. Approval of Contractor Bid for Duff Street Wastewater Main Extension Construction – Management budgeted $40,000 to extend the wastewater main on Duff Street to convert a current private connection for 204 West Sheridan to a public main. Bids were opened Thursday, May 16 from contractors. Vice President Jeff Roberts made a motion, seconded by President David Ausmus to award Mark Willis the bid at $24,222.80 for the Duff Street Wastewater Main Extension Construction Project. The motion carried with four votes for and none against.
5. Approval of Engineering Owner Agent Selection for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements – General Manager Dana Ulmer shared that interviews were held between Wednesday, May 8 and Tuesday, May 14 for the selection of an engineer to be the owner agent during the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant improvement planning. Members of the Board, City Council, and MMU participated in the interviews. Mr. Ulmer proposed that the Board should engage in contract negotiations with Veenstra & Kimm, Inc. Mr. Ulmer suggested that a “Lunch & Learn” be held sometime in June. Board Member Chris Nelson added that a tour of both the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants would be beneficial. Vice President Jeff Roberts made a motion, seconded by President David Ausmus to engage in contract negotiations with Veenstra & Kimm for the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements. The motion carried with four votes and none against.
6. Discussion of Customer Request for Covid-19 Sampling at Wastewater Treatment Plant – Mr. Ulmer shared that a utility customer requested resuming COVID-19 testing at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Management has spoken with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and Missouri Department of Health; they would welcome the data should MMU choose to resume testing. The testing will require at least one hour of an operator’s time per sample. Mr. Ulmer stated that he would contact the Samaritan Hospital CEO Jill Tigner regarding the sampling. Board Member Chris Nelson made a motion to table the request for the Covid-19 sampling at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
7. Employee Retention & Recruitment – Rachael Laiti started at the Wastewater Treatment Plant April 29. An applicant was interviewed Friday, May 17 for the Water Treatment Plant Operator position, an offer may be made the beginning of the week.
A motion was made by Board Member David Wilt, seconded by Vice President Jeff Roberts, to adjourn the meeting at 5:52 pm. The motion carried with four votes for and none against.