The regular meeting of the Board of Public Works was held on Monday, January 28, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Those in attendance were President Tim Watts, Board Member Kevin Butner, Board Member J.D. King, General Manager Stephanie Wilson, Assistant General Manager Scott Lucas and Mayor Talt Holman. Guests included Adam Dorrell with Benton & Associates and Matt Hunt with Granuband Macon, LLC. Vice President John Neer was absent.
President Tim Watts called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. Board Member J.D. King made a motion, seconded by Board Member Kevin Butner, to approve the minutes from the December 17, 2018 meeting. The motion carried with three votes for and none against.
For the first item on the agenda, Matt Hunt with Granuband introduced himself as the new manager and to talk through the understanding of their utility bill.
Next item on the agenda was approval of a proposed amended engineering agreement for the sandblasting and repainting of the West Water Tower. In January 2018, Benton & Associates was selected as the engineer for the design, bidding and construction oversight of the repainting of the exterior of the tank. After further review it was recommended to sandblast and repaint the entire exterior of the tower. Additional fees on design, bidding and construction would consist of $7,900, engineering fees total $23,200. Board Member Tim Watts made the motion, seconded by Board Member J.D. King, to amend the engineering agreement for the additional fees. The motion carried with three votes for and none against. Next item was the approval of the bid for sandblasting, repainting, and other repairs. Six bids were opened on December 12, 2018. Board Member J.D. King made the motion, seconded by President Tim Watts, to accept the low bid from Ozark Applicators for $228,250. The motion carried with three votes for and none against.
Next item on the agenda was approval of the 2019 Truck and Labor Rates and New Construction Fees. A few minor changes in fees were suggested for truck and labor rates and no changes on the new construction fee rates. Board Member Kevin Butner made the motion, seconded by Board Member J.D. King, to approve the rates as proposed for both items. The motion carried with three votes for and none against.
For the next item, General Manager Stephanie Wilson shared ideas for new programs for customers. The Board was agreeable to texting customers the day before disconnect day to make them aware if payment is not made utility services will be disconnected the following day. For additional items discussed, more information will be gathered for presentation at a future meeting.
Under manager reports, Ms. Wilson noted that Tantalus will be on site February 26th -28th to assist with programming equipment for the conversion to Automated Meter Infrastructure (AMI) meter reading of electric, water, and natural gas meters. Also, she indicated that MMU received a 97% on its annual evaluation from the Missouri Intergovernmental Risk Management Association (MIRMA). MIRMA provides property and liability coverage for MMU.
Assistant General Manager Scott Lucas provided updates on the Macon and Laddonia Energy Centers with shut down times due to maintenance and facilitating Poet's needs. The weather did not affect operations this period. The Special Services Group assisted with clearing snow and ice in various locations and installing LED lighting at City Hall. The Electric Distribution department responded to a Mutual Aid request from Columbia Light & Water in electric restoration of 9,000 plus customers due to the winter storm on January 12th. Underground Facilities inspected and replaced a small section of waste water main on Jefferson and Pine Streets and have completed the annual grease trap inspections.
Under Manager Roger Rector's updates, at the wastewater treatment plant the sludge pump was rebuilt again. Maintenance on this pump should be remedied when the new headworks and screening is installed in 2020. At the water plant, operators are training for next level certifications.
After approval of accounts payable and setting the next regular meeting for Monday, February 18, 2019 at 4:00 p.m., a motion was made by Board Member J.D. King, seconded by Board Member Kevin Butner to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed with three votes for and none against.
President Tim Watts adjourned the meeting at 5:00 pm.