THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
October 18, 2021
The regular meeting of the Board of Public Works was held on October 18, 2021 at 5:00 pm in the City Council Chambers. Those in attendance were President John Neer, Vice President Brian Terry, Board Member David Ausmus, Board Member David Wilt, General Manager Stephanie Wilson, Assistants to the General Manager Benjamin Stueve and Bryce Butner, Mayor James “Talt” Holman, City Administrator Avis Marshall, City Councilmen Anthony Petre, Caleb Dwiggins, Jerry Thompson, Jerold Carr, and Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor Ronny Smith. Attending guests included residents Dylan Taylor, Mike & Gina Browning and Bo Higgins with Heartland Environmental Distributors/Advance Microbe Solutions.
President John Neer called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm. Board Member David Wilt made a motion, seconded by Vice President Brian Terry, to approve the minutes from the September 20, 2021 meeting. The motion carried with four votes for and none against.
First item on the agenda was Discussion of Failed Transformer/Recloser Response on June 15, 2021. Mike & Gina Browning along with Dylan Taylor were present to discuss uninsured expenses for 602 Maple Lane, Macon, MO 63552. MIRMA, MMU’s insurance provider, denied coverage due to no negligence on the part of MMU in the event which caused damages to 602 Maple Lane, 603 Walnut Terrace, and 605 Walnut Terrace, Macon, Missouri. A motion was made by Board Member David Ausmus, seconded by Vice President Brian Terry, to request that Attorney Tim Bickhaus create a settlement agreement for the noted homeowner’s to sign, limiting MMU’s liability to reimburse homeowner’s only for documented out-of-pocket expenses for this event. The motion carried with four votes for and none against.
For the next item on the agenda, Bo Higgins with Heartland Environmental Distributors/Advance Microbe Solutions presented on his company’s microbe product for wastewater treatment. Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor Ronny Smith was also on hand to provide information and ask questions. After a lengthy discussion, Vice President Brian Terry made a motion, seconded by President John Neer, to proceed with a pilot of the microbes beginning in November 2021 and concluding in February 2021. MMU would be responsible for a $5,000 set-up fee and $6,000 per month for the months of November, December, and January with February being at no charge. The motion carried with four votes for and none against. Mr. Smith and General Manager Stephanie Wilson will discuss parameters to be achieved to determine effectiveness of the microbes for Macon’s wastewater treatment needs.
Regarding an update of the Integrated Management Plan for long-term wastewater improvements, Ms. Wilson provided results from the public engagement meetings and where Macon is in the process of developing a plan by the spring of 2022.
Next item on the agenda was Review of Monthly Financials – September 2021. General Manager Stephanie Wilson shared monthly and year-to-date activity. Ms. Wilson shared increased customer usage of utilities compared to the prior year for all services. However, elevated commodity prices, especially in February 2021, have increased expenses for electric and natural gas services.
Last item on the agenda was the Review and Approval for Equipment Purchase – Small Boring Machine. Board Member David Ausmus made a motion, seconded by President John Neer, to proceed with low-bid for the purchase of a Ditch Witch JT10A from a dealership in Sullivan, MO in the amount of $137,103.46. The unit will be used as a second boring machine and for service line applications. The motion passed with three votes for and one against.
Under Manager Reports, General Manager Stephanie Wilson shared that all managers are working on the 2022 Budget and that natural gas prices are becoming more favorable to secure the additional 20% hedge for November 2021 – March 2022 for natural gas. After discussion, a work session was scheduled with the Board for Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at 5:00 pm to review the draft of the 2022 Budget.
Updates provided by Assistants to the General Manager Benjamin Stueve and Bryce Butner, noted maintenance activities for the Macon and Audrain Energy Centers. Also, the new transformer for Substation 1 has been set, wired, and grounded. Electric Distribution has also been working on insulators on 69Kv line feeding the substation. Regarding Underground Facilities, new water main installations have been completed in the area of Pearl, Washington, and Duff Streets. The crew has begun a water main replacement project on Pine Crest. A natural gas main and service line has also been installed at the new Headworks site.
Updates provided by Ed Samel & Ronny Smith; Supervisors for the Water & Wastewater Treatment Plants noted training for new operator Rick McMullen that began at the water treatment plant as well as maintenance activities. As Mr. Smith was present, he provided commentary on the new headworks project and near completion activities.
After approval of accounts payable and setting the next regular meeting for Monday, November 8, 2021 at 5:00 pm in order to approve the 2022 Budget prior to the City Council meeting, a motion was made by Vice President Brian Terry, seconded by President John Neer, to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed with four votes for and none against.
President John Neer adjourned the meeting at 7:35 pm.