Jasper Utility Service Board meeting – Jan. 16
The Jasper Utility Service Board met for the first time in 2012 on Jan. 16.
The board reinstated the same officers by unanimous vote: Chairman Wayne Schuetter, Vice-Chairman Rick Stradtner and Secretary Mike Harter. The board also approved all appointments for Department Heads, Commissions and Committees the same as 2011 as well.
Mayor Terry Seitz presented the appointment of Shaneyfelt and Bohnenkemper as legal counsel for the city for 90 days. This includes the Utility Service Board. A motion was introduced to accept Shaneyfelt and Bohnenkemper and the board passed it unanimously.
The board opened bids on three items: first was a mini-excavator for the electric distribution department; second, an equipment trailer also for the electric distribution department; and third was turbidimeters for the Gas & Water department. All bids were taken under advisement for further study to make sure that each meets specs.
Electric Distribution Commissioner Jerry Schitter presented to the board the IMEA dues for 2012 in the amount of $8,400.00. The price did not increase from 2011 and he reports that the services supplied are well worth the price. He also presented annual Safety class dues from IMEA in the amount of $4040.40. These classes are important for the training of employees in the electric department. Both amounts were passed by the board.
Electric Commissioner Ken Sendelweck reports that the IMPA contract for monthly capacity payments will go down by $14,000 from $36,000 in 2012 due to lower demand. Sendelweck reported this will have an impact on the workers at the plant and solutions are being considered. He stated some power plant employees could potentially retire. The board approved the contract, which runs from summer of 2012 to summer of 2013.
Sendelweck also told the board that the city is considering the purchase of 1.3 acres of property and a house next to the Jasper Power Plant. Sendelweck reports that they have gotten two appraisals. Due to the large variance between the two appraisals, a third has been requested. Sendelweck made no recommendation to the board but stated that contact with Jay Catasein will be made to find out if the property will be needed by Jasper Clean Energy in the conversion of the plant.
Utility General Manager Bud Hauersperger reports that Catasein will submit a report in February on his progress with the Power Plant. Hauersperger was also voted as the primary representative between the Utility Service Board and City of Jasper and Jasper Clean Energy.
Finally, Gas & Water Manager Mike Oeding reports that the Beaver Lake Dam project is about four to six weeks behind schedule, but that work is continuing, stating that a lot of cement has been hauled into the construction area lately.
