THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
April 15, 2024
The regular meeting of the Board of Public Works was held on April 15, 2024, at 5:00 pm in the City Council Chambers. Those in attendance were President David Ausmus, Vice President Jeff Roberts, Board Member Chris Nelson, Secretary Lauren Watson, Assistant General Manager and Manager of Energy Resources Ben Stueve, General Manager Dana Ulmer, and Mayor Tony Petre. Board Member David Wilt was absent.
President David Ausmus called the meeting to order at 5:02 pm.
1. The minutes from the last regular meeting of the Board of Public Works were reviewed. President David Ausmus made a motion, seconded by Board Member Chris Nelson to amend the minutes as written. The first amendment to the minutes was to item three from the March 18 meeting, the draft minutes read as follows, “Vice President Jeff Roberts made a motion, seconded by President David Ausmus, to invoke the cancellation of the agreement with the Macon Country Club for the sale of raw water pumped from Macon Lake for the use of watering. The billing of this usage will cease April 1, 2025.” President Ausmus’ motion was to amend April 1, 2025, to May 1, 2024, utility statement.
The second amendment to the minutes was in relation to item seven from the March 18 meeting, the draft minutes read as follows, “Board President, David Ausmus made a motion, seconded by Vice President, Jeff Roberts, to approve the bid proposal from R & L Boone Construction Co. in the amount of $9,500.00.”
Board Member Chris Nelson made a motion, seconded by President David Ausmus, to approve the minutes from the March 18, 2024, as amended. The motion carried with three votes for, none against, and one abstention.
Under old business:
There was no old business to discuss.
Under new business:
2. Review of Financials – March 2024 decreased due to warming spring temperatures, Electrical charges for services were decreased significantly. Expenses were stable in comparison to February, except for the receipt of three transformers.
Water sales for resale increased this month. Otherwise, water and wastewater revenues and expenses were lower.
The warmer temperatures also decreased gas revenue and gas expenses remained consistent.
3. Approval to Purchase Budgeted Underground Facilities Supervisor Replacement Truck – Manager of Energy Resources Ben Stueve shared that the 2024 budget included $110,000 for replacement of the 2014 F550 service body with approximately 85,000 miles. This is the same replacement from the February 19th, 2024, Board Meeting. MMU issued a purchase in July from the National Auto Fleet Group. The order was cancelled in December due to lack of stock. MMU was not notified of the cancelled order. Mr. Stueve recommended purchasing a 2024 Dodge Ram 5500 4WD, equipped with BrandFX fiberglass service body designed primarily for the gas department from Terex via a Sourcewell contract for $104,753. Mr. Stueve shared that there have been multiple issues with Ford Trucks and that is why MMU would like to proceed with purchasing a Dodge. Mr. Stueve stated that he will be reaching out to the Manager of the City of Macon Street Department, David Coleman, to see if he would be interested in purchasing the 2014 F550. Mr. Stueve will be looking up the value of the truck and presenting it to the Board of Public Works at the next meeting. Board Member, Chris Nelson made a motion, seconded by Vice President, Jeff Roberts to approve the purchase of the 2024 Dodge Ram 5500 4WD Truck in the amount of $104,752.97 and to speak with David Coleman about purchasing the 2014 Ford F550. The motion carried with three votes for and none against.
4. Approval to Purchase Lift Station Pumps – Mr. Ulmer and Mr. Stueve explained that one of the two Kendall Lift station pumps failed in January, after being in service since 1998. MMU has obtained two quotes for repair and two quotes for replacement of the failed pump. Given the very attractive price offered by Vandevanter Engineering for a replacement pump at $19,455, MMU is requesting the purchase of this new Flygt. Mike Llewellyn requested a revised quote for two pumps instead of one at this price since the remaining OEM pump is of the same age and run time hours as the already failed pump. This will allow MMU to have already ordered a replacement that is cheaper than a rebuild and have it waiting once the remaining pump fails. Vice President, Jeff Roberts made a motion, seconded by President David Ausmus, to approve the purchase of two pumps from Vandevanter Engineering in the amount of $38,910.00. The motion carried with three votes for and none against.
5. Employee Retention & Recruitment – Mrs. Watson shared that Ronny is now fully retired and Nick Thrasher has assumed all the supervisor duties. Jordan Wood, Water Plant Operator, resigned effective Tuesday, April 9th. Interviews for both water and sewer plant operators have been scheduled for this week.
6. Board of Public Works Member Reports – No Board of Public Works reports were given.
7. Approval of Accounts Payable – Board members signed accounts payable without revision.
8. Set Next Regular Meeting – Monday, May 20, 2024, at 5:00 pm.
A motion was made by Vice President Jeff Roberts, seconded by Board Member Chris Nelson, to go into executive session regarding Personnel (RSMo.610.021(3)). The votes were as follows: President David Ausmus, yea; Vice President Jeff Roberts, yea; and Board Member Chris Nelson, yea.
A motion was made by Board Member Chris Nelson, seconded by President David Ausmus, to adjourn the meeting at 6:30pm. The motion carried with three votes for and none against.