THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
June 24, 2025
The regular meeting of the Board of Public Works was held on June 24, 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, Controller Jennifer McLeland, Board Secretary Lauren Watson, City Administrator Scott Meszaros, City Councilwoman Cheryl Blaise, and Shannon Howe with Howe Company.
President David Ausmus called the meeting to order at 5:00pm.
- The minutes from the previous regular meeting of the Board of Public Works were reviewed. Board President David Ausmus made a motion, seconded by Board Member Chris Nelson, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting from May 27, 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 – May 2025 – Controller Jennifer McLeland shared with the Board that as temperatures rose, charges for services also increased. The Electric crew went to Springfield, MO on mutual aid following a Tornado which raised revenues and expenses. Overall expenses were elevated as May had three payrolls.
4. Discussion and Approval to Adopt the Public Service Commission Change of Hot and Cold Weather Rule – Controller Jennifer McLeland explained that as a municipality MMU is not required to follow the Public Service Commission’s Hot and Cold Weather Rule, however, we have always abided by their guidelines. Currently the Cold Weather Rule is effective November 1 to March 31 each year. PSC prohibits disconnection during this time if the temperature is forecasted to drop below 32 degrees during the 24 hours following disconnection. Likewise, the Hot Weather Rule, effective from June 1 to September 30, prohibits disconnecting if the temperature is predicted to be 95 degrees or a heat index of 105 degrees for 24 hours. As of August 28, 2025, PSC is changing the rules to read 72 hours rather than 24 hours for prohibiting disconnection, effective winter 2025 and summer Board Member Chris Nelson made a motion, seconded by Board President David Ausmus to follow the Public Service Commission’s Hot & Cold Weather Rule guidelines. The motion carried with three votes for and none against.
5. Discussion and Approval of Repair or Replacement of Gantz Lift Station Pump – Assistant General Manager Ben Stueve explained to the board that the submersible pump at the Gantz Lift Station has failed. MMU received quotes from Vandevanter Engineering, Myers, and Flygt. Management reviewed the quotes and suggested going with the Flygt (2 Pumps) in the amount of $25,435. Board President David Ausmus made a motion, seconded by Vice President Jeff Roberts to approve the replacement and purchase of the two Flygt pumps in the amount of $25,435. The motion carried with three votes for and none against.
6. Employee Retention & Recruitment – Kevin Partin, Control Room Operator will be retiring July 31. Advertisements for Water Treatment Plant Operator and Control Room Operator have been posted.
7. Board of Public Works Member Reports – Board Member Chris Nelson requested that ongoing projects be presented visually, illustrating their current status, budget, and progress toward completion.
8. Approval of Accounts Payable – Board members signed accounts payable without revision.
A motion was made by Vice President Jeff Roberts, 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 Ausmus, yea; Vice President Jeff Roberts, yea; Board Member Chris Nelson, yea.
Following the closed session, a motion was made by Vice President Jeff Roberts, seconded by Board Member Chris Nelson to adjourn the meeting at 6:05 pm, with the next regular board meeting set for Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 5:00 pm in the City Council Chambers. Motion carried with three votes for and none against.