THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
October 19, 2020
The regular meeting of the Board of Public Works was held on October 19, 2020 at 4:00 pm in the City Council Chambers. Those in attendance were President John Neer, Vice President J.D. King, Board Member Brian Terry, Board Member David Ausmus, General Manager Stephanie Wilson, Assistants to the General Manager Bryce Butner and Benjamin Stueve, Mayor James “Talt” Holman, City Administrator Avis Marshall, and City Councilman Tony Petre. Adam Dorrell with Benton & Associates, Inc. was also in attendance.
President John Neer called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. J.D. King made a motion, seconded by Brian Terry, to approve the minutes from the September 21, 2020 meeting. The motion carried with four votes for and none against.
First item on the agenda was Approval of an Agreement for Engineering Services for Rehabilitation of the North Water Tower. At the September 21, 2020 Board meeting, Benton & Associates Inc. was selected based on qualifications to negotiate an agreement. Adam Dorrell was present to explain the components of the engineering design in the lump sum amount of $13,000 and construction oversight for the interior and exterior work not to exceed $43,500 for a total in the amount of $56,500. President John Neer made a motion, seconded by Board Member Brian Terry, to approve the engineering agreement as presented. The motion passed with four votes in favor and none against.
Next item on the agenda was Approval of Bids for Installation of the Influent Pumps at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Influent pumps, check valves, shut-off valves and associated parts on-site total $91,438. Bids were presented from three contractors for the installation. Board Member David Ausmus made a motion, seconded by Vice President J.D. King, to accept the low and responsible bid from Willis Brothers, Inc.in the amount of $32,350. The motion carried with four votes for and none against.
Next item on the agenda was the Monthly Review of Financials – September 2020 and quarter ending cash balances. Electric revenues reflect the last significant round of air conditioning and mutual aid billing to Alexandria, Louisiana in response to Hurricane Laura. Water and wastewater usage for the month and year-to-date reflects increased usage and lower than budgeted expenses. Natural Gas commodity rates for the year have been low, but increased transportation costs have increased expenses. Retail rates to customers reflects an attractive all-in cost.
Last item on the agenda was Discussion of Economic Development Incentives. The Board discussed an allocation of funds in the event a special project deemed use of the funds. This item will be considered in the preparation of the 2021 budget.
Updates provided by General Manager Stephanie Wilson, included researching infrastructure requirements for new customers, 2021 budget components, and that MMU was awarded grant monies to purchase fire retardant clothing, utility work ahead signs and a sewer push camera from the MIRMA Risk Management Grant Program.
Assistants to the General Manager Ben Stueve and Bryce Butner provided updates for the Macon and Audrain Energy Centers. At the Macon site, staff met with Traveler’s insurance for boiler inspection and at the Audrain site staff meet with JCI about continuing lift station issues. Special Services Group has completed the new boat dock at Macon Lake, and sent two operators to Fredericktown for a week to complete annual maintenance on peaking units. Electric Distribution completed the Saxony/Prospect underground project, installed a new service on Jim’s Road, changed out street light arms, updated GIS mapping, and continued preparing for a project to replace lines over Highway 36. Underground Facilities performed dress up at water main installation areas, monthly jetting maintenance on wastewater collection lines, semi-annual grit chamber cleaning. For natural gas distribution, valves were operated plus farm taps and barricades were painted.
Supervisors Ed Samel at the Water Treatment Plant and Ronny Smith at the Wastewater Treatment Plant provided updates for the treatment facilities. At the Water Treatment Plant, the Granulated Activated Carbon media change out on filter #3 was completed and the caustic soda bulk tank is expected to arrive in a month. At the Wastewater Treatment Plant, clearing of the site for the headworks project has begun with excavation activities to begin the first of November. General operations include submittal of the discharge monitoring report plus quarterly sampling results to Missouri Department of Natural Resources and continued COVID-19 sampling.
After approval of accounts payable and setting the next regular meeting for November 9, 2020 at 4:00 p.m., a motion was made by President John Neer, seconded by Vice President J.D. King, to go into executive session regarding Legal (Rs.MO640.021 (1) and Leasing, Purchase, or Sale of Real Estate (Rs.MO.610.021 (2). The motions were as follows: John Neer, yea; J.D. King, yea; David Ausmus, yea, and Brian Terry, yea.
When the open meeting reconvened, a motion was made by President John Neer, seconded by Vice President J.D. King, to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed with four votes and none against.
President John Neer adjourned the meeting at 6:15 p.m.