THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
August 26, 2025
The regular meeting of the Board of Public Works was held on August 26, 2025, at 5:00 pm in the City Council Chambers. Those in attendance were President David Ausmus, Vice President Jeff Roberts, Board Member Chris Nelson, General Manager Dana Ulmer, Assistant General Manager Ben Stueve, Board Secretary Lauren Watson, and City Councilwoman Cheryl Blaise. Board Member Ryan Johnson was absent.
President David Ausmus called the meeting to order at 5:14pm.
- The minutes from the previous regular meeting of the Board of Public Works were reviewed. Vice President Jeff Roberts made a motion, seconded by Board Member Chris Nelson, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting from July 22, 2025. The motion carried with all votes for and none against.
Under old business
- There was no old business to discuss.
Under new business
3. Review of Financials – July 2025 – Charges for services and commodity expense were elevated due to the hot temperatures. Payroll expenses were increased due to Kevin Partin’s retirement and second Springfield mutual aid assistance. Board Member Chris Nelson referenced page 18 of 33, stating that the water and wastewater funds have both lost money in July and asked General Manager Dana Ulmer if adjustments need to be made. General Manager Dana Ulmer stated that Macon’s rates are below average when it comes to utilities. There will be fluctuation in funds during the process of updating the water plant but when adjustments need to be made, it will be brought to the board.
4. Approval to Dispose of 2016 Ford F-550 – Assistant General Manager Ben Stueve asked for approval to dispose of the 2016 Ford F-550. Mr. Stueve stated that David Coleman was interested in the truck for the Parks Department but was going to speak with the mayor before making a final decision. Board Member Chris Nelson made a motion to sell the 2016 Ford F-550 to the City of Macon for $1.00, and if the City of Macon is no longer interested in the 2016 Ford F-550, then Assistant General Manager Ben Stueve has the approval to sell the 2016 Ford F-550 on purple wave for the expected value of 30,000.00, seconded by Vice President Jeff Roberts to approve the disposition of the 2016 Ford F-550. The motion carried with three votes for and none against.
4. Approval to Dispose of 2006 International 4300 with Versalift VST 6000 Aerial Lift – The replacement truck was ordered in 2023 and is scheduled for completion September 19. This truck currently has a safety issue. There is a bubble in the sliding hoses requiring replacement, that would cost approximately $30,000.00 to operate safely. Due to the mechanical issues an expected value is unknown currently, but management recommends selling “as is” on Purple Wave with a disclosure. Board President David Ausmus made a motion, seconded by Board Member Chris Nelson to approve the disposal of the 2006 International 4300 with Versalift VST 6000 Aerial Lift by selling it “as is” with a disclosure on Purple Wave. The motion carried with three votes for and none against.
5. Discussion and Approval of 2025-2026 Winter Natural Gas Hedging Purchasing Authority – Assistant General Manager Ben Stueve approached the board asking for approval to allow him to begin purchasing for the 2025-2026 winter natural gas. Mr. Stueve suggested going into winter with 90% of the 3-year average pre-purchased. Current market price as of today, 8/26/2025, is $4.38. We recommend authorizing the above quantities at a maximum price of up to $4.75 per dekatherm. Board Member Chris Nelson made a motion, seconded by Vice President Jeff Roberts to approve Assistant General Manager Ben Stueve to begin the Natural Gas Hedging Purchasing at no more than $4.75 per dekatherm. The motion carried with three votes for and none against.
6. Discussion of MMU Assistance in City of Macon Municipal Pool Discharge Compliance – General Manager Dana Ulmer stated that he was approached by the new Interim City Administrator Mary Lou Craigg and was asked if the utilities would be willing to test the discharge of the pool. Mr. Ulmer shared that no certification was required to take the samples and do the testing.
7. Employee Retention & Recruitment – Although Kevin Partin did not want a retirement party, the staff at the Power Plant made breakfast at the end of his last shift on July 31st. There is still a vacancy at the Water Treatment Plant.
8. Board of Public Works Member Reports – Board Member Chris Nelson stated that he would like for all policies and procedures to be looked through and made sure that they are all up to code as they should be.
9. Approval of Accounts Payable- The accounts payable were submitted to the board. After review, the board members present approved all accounts payable without revision.
A motion was made by Vice President Jeff Roberts and seconded by President David Ausmus, to hold a closed executive session regarding Legal (RsMO 610.021 (1)). The roll call vote was as follows: President David Ausmsus, yea; Vice President Jeff Roberts, yea; Board Member Chris Nelson, yea.
Following the closed session, a motion was made by President David Ausmus, seconded by Vice President Jeff Roberts to adjourn the meeting at 6:20 pm, with the next regular board meeting set for Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 5:00 pm in the City Council Chambers. Motion carried with three votes for and none against.