THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
June 23, 2026
The meeting of the Board of Public Works was held on June 23, 2026, at 5:00 pm in the City Council Chambers. Those in attendance were President David Ausmus, Vice President Jeff Roberts, Board Member Chris Nelson, Board Member Ryan Johnson (arrived 5:05 pm), General Manager Dana Ulmer, Assistant General Manager Ben Stueve, Controller Jennifer McLeland, Mayor Talt Holman, BPW Liaison Councilwoman Cheryl Blaise, Councilwoman Theresa Ulrich, Councilman Jerry Thompson, guest Josh Lambeth with Howe Company, guest Shannon Howe with Howe Company, and guest Brandon Renaud with Missouri Public Utility Alliance.
President David Ausmus called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm.
- Presentation of 2025 American Public Power Association Reliability Award by Missouri Public Utility Alliance – General Manager Dana Ulmer introduced Brandon Renaud, Director of Services and Development with Missouri Public Utility Alliance. Mr. Renaud shared that American Public Power Association (APPA) represents just municipal electric providers across the country. Each year APPA recognizes municipalities who participate in their PowerTRX Reliability electronic tracking system and whose average electrical system outage duration is in the smallest quartile. MMU was one of just twelve municipalities in Missouri to receive this award, as our customers had electric services over 99% of the year.
Board Member Ryan Johnson arrived.
1. The minutes from the closed meeting of the Board of Public Works from March 24, 2026, were reviewed. Vice President Jeff Roberts made a motion, seconded by Board Member Ryan Johnson, to approve the closed minutes from March 24, 2026, as presented. The motion carried with three votes for and none against. President David Ausmus was not present for closed session on March 24, 2026, and as such abstained.
2. The minutes from the closed meeting of the Board of Public Works from April 28, 2026, were reviewed. President David Ausmus made a motion, seconded by Vice President Jeff Roberts, to approve the closed minutes from April 28, as presented. The motion carried with three votes for and none against. Board Member Ryan Johnson was not present for closed session on April 28, 2026, and as such abstained.
3. The minutes from the previous regular meeting of the Board of Public Works were reviewed. Board Member Ryan Johnson made a motion, seconded by President David Ausmus, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting from May 26, 2026, as presented. The motion carried with four votes for and none against.
Old business
- There was no old business to discuss.
New business
6. Review of Financials – May 2026 – Board Member Chris Nelson noted the continued net losses across the utility funds and requested a rate study be performed to consider rate increases.
7. Approval of Human Resources Consulting Contract – Mr. Ulmer shared that following the submission of four human resources proposals a committee of himself, Councilwoman Cheryl Blaise and MMU Customer Service Representative Kim Ross each reviewed the proposals and conducted in person interviews with two firms: Ascension Human Capital Management and People Solutions Center. The committee unanimously agreed Ascension Human Capital Management was the best suited for the City of Macon. A draft contract was requested and then reviewed by City Attorney Tim Bickhaus. Management recommends the approval of the contract with Ascension Human Capital Management. Following discussion with Mayor Holman regarding the lack of budget appropriations, President David Ausmus made a motion, seconded by Board Member Ryan Johnson to table the approval of a human resources consulting contract until additional information is available. The motion carried with four votes for and none against.
8. Approval of Veenstra & Kimm Contract Amendment – MMU retained Veenstra & Kimm Engineering in July 2024 to evaluate and assist with upgrades to the Wastewater Plant and Water Plant, plus evaluate the opportunities of future water sales. In April 2025 the contact amount was expanded for the Water Plant evaluation to include review of the Purifics trial. Veenstra & Kimm has submitted a new amendment for an additional $56,125 regarding NPDES permit assistance and public education for bond election, plus $294,660 to prepare a comprehensive study for project resiliency should MMU not receive funding from State of Missouri Multipurpose Fund. Board Member Chris Nelson made a motion, seconded by President David Ausmus to approve amendment #2 of Veenstra & Kimm’s contract to include additional funding for wastewater treatment permit assistance, bond election public education assistance and a comprehensive rate study. The motion carried with four votes for and none against.
9. Approval to Cash Out Wastewater Certificates of Deposit – Controller Jennifer McLeland shared the overdrawn status of the wastewater fund as of May 31 and the known upcoming cash outlays for capital projects. Mrs. McLeland also noted that when a motion was approved in January 2026 to temporarily transfer $1,000,000 from electric to wastewater the intent was to repay the electric fund once wastewater CDs mature July 1, 2026. Mrs. McLeland continued to share that while cashing out maturing CDs now will correct the over withdraw balance additional funds will likely be needed later in the year once projects are completed. President David Ausmus made a motion, seconded by Vice President Jeff Roberts to approve the cash out of six wastewater CDs maturing July 1, 2026, and to use these funds to repay the electric fund. The motion carried with four votes for and none against.
10. Review of Potential November 3, 2026, Bond Election Details – Mr. Ulmer shared the election bond memo prepared for the City Council review in July. The Board reviewed the documents and found nothing requiring changes. No vote was taken.
11. Employee Retention & Recruitment – Tyra Preston has been hired to fill the Accounts Payable position and will start Monday, June 29.
12. Board of Public Works Member Reports – President David Ausmus noted that Mayor Holman wanted to address the upcoming construction of the pickleball courts at 903 W Bourke next to the pool. Shannon Howe and Josh Lambeth with Howe Company were present to detail the requests of the utilities to allow the completion of the project.
In addition, the installation of a new wastewater service line for the swimming pool was discussed. A meeting will be held later with Howe Company, City of Macon officials and MMU management to discuss the best route for a wastewater main installation to allow for construction.
- Approval of Accounts Payable – Board members signed accounts payable without revision.
A motion was made by Board Member Chris Nelson, seconded by President David Ausmus to adjourn the meeting at 7:06 pm, with the next regular board meeting set for Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 5:00 pm in the City Council Chambers. Motion carried with four votes for and none against.