THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
September 20, 2021
The regular meeting of the Board of Public Works was held on September 20, 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 (via telephone), Board Member David Wilt, General Manager Stephanie Wilson, Assistants to the General Manager Benjamin Stueve and Bryce Butner, Mayor James “Talt” Holman, City Councilman Anthony Petre, and City Councilman Caleb Dwiggins.
President John Neer called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm. Vice President Brian Terry made a motion, seconded by Board Member David Wilt, to approve the minutes from the August 16, 2021 meeting. The motion carried with four votes for and none against.
First item on the agenda was a Recap of the Governance Training that was held on September 14, 2021 with Tim Blodgett from Hometown Connections. Each Board of Public Works member spoke on the different points of interest presented which will continue to be reviewed with strategic planning.
Next item on the agenda was Review of Monthly Financials – August 2021. General Manager Stephanie Wilson shared monthly and year-to-date activity. Based on a review of cash balances, for the next item on the agenda Approval for Certificates of Deposits – Water Fund, Ms. Wilson suggested that $400,000 from the water fund be invested into two 5-year Certificate of Deposits on October 1, 2021 which would be layered into our existing ladder program set up by MA Bank. President John Neer made the motion, seconded by David Ausmus, to proceed with the investment. The motion carried with four votes for and none against. Additionally, Vice President Brian Terry made a motion, seconded by Board Member David Wilt, to table the wastewater rate increase recommended to the City Council for adoption at the Board of Public Works meeting held on June 21, 2021. The motion carried with four votes for and none against.
Next item on the agenda, Discussion and Approval for Additional Natural Gas Hedging for November 2021 to March 2022. Currently, MMU has 75% hedged on natural gas for the upcoming winter, to protect customers from volatile market prices. After reviewing different options, President John Neer made a motion to hedge an additional 48,944 dekatherms, up to 95% of three years’ historical average, at a price up to $5.95 per dekatherm. Vice President Brian Terry seconded the motion. The motion carried with four votes for and none against.
Last item on the agenda was the Approval of Missouri Intergovernmental Risk Management Association (MIRMA) Loss Control Policy. Every three years, Macon Municipal Utilities (MMU) is required to adopt a Loss Control Policy. Vice President Brian Terry made a motion, seconded by Board Member David Wilt, to approve the MIRMA Loss Control Policy. The motion carried with four votes for and none against.
Under Manager Reports, General Manager Stephanie Wilson shared various updates. A flyer which explains MMU’s defined benefit retirement plan with the Local Area Government Employee Retirement System (LAGERS) was shared with board members. Ms. Wilson also presented the timeframe for the 2022 budget and items for partial awards through the MIRMA Risk Grant Program Award. MMU will receive $7,726 to go towards the purchase of Full Body Harness & Safety Strap, Trench Box, Saw for Pipe Cutting, and Traffic Safety Channelizer Cone. Additionally, progress towards developing an Integrated Management Plan for wastewater improvements was shared.
Updates provided by Assistants to the General Manager Benjamin Stueve and Bryce Butner, noted maintenance activities for the Macon and Audrain Energy Centers. The Audrain unit has a damaged generator that will not be rebuilt and ready for installation until late November 2021. It was also noted that JT Holman Construction is nearing completion of adding rip-rap to the Macon City Lake Dam and Special Services staff assisted Weathercraft, Inc. with the installation of a flat roof at 404 E. Vine Street, Macon, MO 63552. Electric Distribution found and replaced a broken insulator on Circuit 22 that could be the issue with more blinks than normal. New construction activities have also taken place and testing of large electric meters has concluded.
Regarding Underground Facilities, the water distribution crew lowered water mains on Vine Street to facilitate the new Headworks project and completed the water main replacement project on Pearl Street ahead of the City of Macon street resurfacing project. Wastewater Collection activities involved new construction assistance at the Wardell Estates duplexes and inspection of abandonments at the former Toastmaster location. Natural Gas distribution facilitated a review from the Public Service Commission, finished clearing right-of-way along feeder lines, and performed cathodic readings.
Updates provided by Ed Samel & Ronny Smith; Supervisors for the Water & Wastewater Treatment Plants noted annual switch off from chloramines from September 7 – October 14, 2021 for water treatment and interviews are taking place to fill a vacant operator position. At the wastewater plant, construction continues on the new Headworks project and an expanded effluent sample was taken for the process to renew the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit in 2022.
After approval of accounts payable and setting the next regular meeting for Monday, October 18, 2021 at 5:00 pm, a motion was made by President John Neer, seconded by Vice President Brian Terry, to go into executive session regarding Leasing, Purchase, or Sale of Real Estate (Rs. MO.610.021(2)) and Personnel (Rs. MO.610.021(3)). The motions were as follows: John Neer, yea; Brian Terry, yea; and David Wilt, yea. Board Member David Ausmus did not participate in the executive session.
When the open meeting reconvened at 6:42 pm, a motion was made by President John Neer, seconded by Vice President Brain Terry, to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed with three votes for and none against.