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2010 Board of Public
Works Meeting Minutes

ARCHIVED BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
MEETING MINUTES
 

SCHEDULE OF BOARD OF 
PUBLIC WORKS MEETINGS IN 2010

The Board of Public Works will meet in regular session on the following dates in the Board Room, Hastings Utilities, 1228 N. Denver Ave.  An agenda is available at the office of the Manager of Utilities.  The meetings will start at 8:00 a.m.

January 14

 

July 15

January 28

 

July 29

February 11

 

August 12

February 25

 

September 2

March 11

 

September 16

April 1

 

September 30

April 15

 

October 14

April 29

 

October 28

May 13

 

November 11

June 3

 

December 2

June 17

 

December 16

July 1

 

December 30

 

 

 

 



Board Meeting - July 29, 2010

A regular meeting of the Board of Public Works was held at the Hastings Utilities Board Room on
Thursday, July 29, 2010, at 8:00 a.m.  This meeting was preceded by notice duly published in the Hastings Tribune on Tuesday, July 27, 2010, and by notices duly posted in the lobby of Hastings Utilities, 1228 North Denver Avenue, and the City Hall, 220 N. Hastings Avenue, and was therefore open to the public.

Present:  Anderson, Hunt, Dewalt, Krieger, Shoemaker
Also Present:  Schultes, Meyer, Sanders, Cox, Cogley, Goebel, Scherr, and Odom (10:10 a.m.)

Chairman Anderson stated that the Board of Public Works is subject to the Open Meetings Laws and acknowledged that the Open Meetings Law poster has been posted in the room.

There were no public comments.

Moved by Krieger, seconded by Hunt, that the following items on the Consent Agenda be approved:

a.  Review, correction or approval of minutes of the July 15, 2010, meeting

b.  Review and approval of checks issued July 26, 2010

c.  Approval of the following claims:

       - General Operating Fund against the Electric Fund – $ 2,108,807.20

       - General Operating Fund against the Combined Fund - $ 1,495,553.80

d.  Review of payroll for period ending July 17, 2010

Roll Call:  Ayes; Krieger, Hunt, Anderson, Shoemaker, Dewalt.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Moved by Dewalt, seconded by Shoemaker, to approve Revision 1 to Exhibit B Transmission Facilities of the Operating Agent Agreement between Hastings Utilities and PPGA for WEC-2, and that the Chairman of the Board be authorized to sign said Revision.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Dewalt, Shoemaker, Anderson, Hunt, Krieger.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Moved by Krieger, seconded by Shoemaker, to approve the Restated and Amended Interconnection and Interchange Agreement between NPPD and Hastings Utilities, and that the Chairman of the Board be authorized to sign said Agreement.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Krieger, Shoemaker, Dewalt, Hunt, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Moved by Dewalt, seconded by Shoemaker, to approve the Transmission Facilities Operations and Maintenance Agreement between NPPD and Hastings Utilities, and that the Chairman of the Board be authorized to sign said Agreement.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Dewalt, Shoemaker, Hunt, Anderson, Krieger.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Moved by Krieger, seconded by Dewalt, to approve the Coal Supply Agreement between Chief Ethanol Fuels and Hastings Utilities.  Krieger withdraw his motion and Dewalt withdrew her second.

This item may be discussed further during executive session.

Allen Meyer gave an update on PPGA Activities.

Under Miscellaneous and Future Agenda Items, Marv Schultes reported that the new induction street lights have been installed on 38th Street and are now operational.  The downtown street lighting maintenance is also underway and customers have shown appreciation for what is being done.

Discussion continued on the Coal Supply Agreement between Chief Ethanol Fuels and Hastings Utilities.

Moved by Dewalt, seconded by Krieger, to approve the Coal Supply Agreement between Chief Ethanol Fuels and Hastings Utilities with corrections, and that the Chairman of the Board be authorized to sign said Agreement.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Dewalt, Krieger, Hunt, Anderson, Shoemaker.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Moved by Shoemaker, seconded by Krieger, that this Board go into Closed Session, which Closed Session is clearly necessary for the public interest in that said Closed Session will consist of a strategy session relative to pending litigation.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Shoemaker, Krieger, Hunt, Dewalt, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

The meeting closed to the public at 11:08 a.m.  The executive session consisted of Board Members, Council Liaisons, the Board’s Attorney, and staff.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Dewalt, that the meeting be reopened to the public at 11:17 a.m. and that no decisions were made nor official actions taken during said Closed Session.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Dewalt, Anderson, Shoemaker, Krieger.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 11:17 a.m.                

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Board Meeting - July 15, 2010

A regular meeting of the Board of Public Works was held at the Hastings Utilities Board Room on
Thursday, July 15, 2010, at 8:00 a.m.  This meeting was preceded by notice duly published in the Hastings Tribune on Wednesday, July 13, 2010, and by notices duly posted in the lobby of Hastings Utilities, 1228 North Denver Avenue, and the City Hall, 220 N. Hastings Avenue, and was therefore open to the public.

Present:  Anderson, Hunt, Dewalt, Krieger, Shoemaker
Also Present:  Schultes, Meyer, Leonhardt, Sanders, Cogley, Goebel, Scherr, and Odom

Chairman Anderson stated that the Board of Public Works is subject to the Open Meetings Laws and acknowledged that the Open Meetings Law poster has been posted in the room.

There were no public comments.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Krieger, that upon the recommendation from staff, to award a contract for NDS Control Upgrade (2010-06 FC-24, B.I. 2.09) to Emerson Process Management, Tinley Park, Illinois, in the amount of $438,659 including applicable sales tax, and that the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to enter into contract with said company accordingly and to approve the associated work order PL-642.

Moved by Shoemaker, seconded by Krieger, to table the recommendation for award of contract and associated work order PL-642 until later in the meeting when more information is available.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Shoemaker, Krieger, Hunt, Dewalt, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Moved by Krieger, seconded by Dewalt, to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda, with the exception of work order PL-642.

a.  Review, correction or approval of minutes of the July 1, 2010, meeting

b.  Review and approval of checks issued July 12, 2010, with the exception of check number 9375 to Sullivan Shoemaker Witt & Burns
     and check number 9407 to Phil Johnson & Associates, Inc.

c.  Review of payroll for period ending July 3, 2010

d.  Approval of the following work orders:

               WA-258   Reconnection of services on East 7th St., Ash Ave. to 2nd Ave.                                                                                                                                             Estimated Cost:  $  38,015

               PL-642     Upgrade NDS DCS to Windows Operating System.                                                                                                                                                                        Estimated Cost:  $481,939

Roll Call:   Ayes; Krieger, Dewalt, Shoemaker, Hunt, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried. 

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Dewalt, to approve check number 9375 to Sullivan Shoemaker Witt & Burns in the amount of $6,055.42.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Dewalt, Anderson, Krieger.  Nays; None.  Shoemaker abstained.  Motion carried.

Moved by Krieger, seconded by Shoemaker, to approve check number 9407 to Phil Johnson & Associates, Inc. in the amount of $245.61.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Krieger, Shoemaker, Dewalt, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Hunt abstained.  Motion carried.

Discussion on held on a draft letter to a possible future owner of the Phil Johnson & Associates, Inc. Water System.  The Board authorized staff to work with legal counsel to incorporate their recommended changes into the letter and send the letter to the possible future owner.

Moved by Shoemaker, seconded by Krieger, to bring from the table the motion to award a contract for NDS Control Upgrade and associated Work Order PL-642.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Shoemaker, Krieger, Anderson, Dewalt, Hunt.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Keith Leonhardt reported that the new operating system for the NDS Control Upgrade would be Windows 7. 

Vote on main motion:

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Krieger, that upon the recommendation from staff, to award a contract for NDS Control Upgrade (2010-06 FC-24, B.I. 2.09) to Emerson Process Management, Tinley Park, Illinois, in the amount of $438,659 including applicable sales tax, and that the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to enter into contract with said company accordingly and to approve the associated work order PL-642.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Krieger, Shoemaker, Anderson, Dewalt.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

The May 2010 Monthly Report was presented and discussed.  Staff was asked to determine the reasons why on page 21 there were more water meters in 2010 from 2009 and less for gas meters in 2010 than 2009.  Staff will try to obtain that information for the next meeting.

Allen Meyer gave a presentation on PPGA activities and the minute of the PPGA Board Meeting were reviewed. 

Under Miscellaneous and Future Agenda Items, Chairman Anderson assigned different dates to items that were to come to the Board in July.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Shoemaker, that this Board go into Closed Session, which Closed Session  is clearly necessary for the public interest in that said Closed Session will consist of a strategy session relative to pending litigation.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Shoemaker, Dewalt, Anderson, Krieger.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

The meeting closed to the public at 9:37 a.m.  The executive session consisted of Board Members, Council Liaisons, the Board’s Attorney, and staff.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Krieger, that the meeting be reopened to the public at 10:17 a.m. and that no decisions were made nor official actions taken during said Closed Session.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Krieger, Dewalt, Anderson, Shoemaker.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 10:17 a.m.                                        

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Board Meeting - July 1, 2010

A regular meeting of the Board of Public Works was held at the Hastings Utilities Board Room on
Thursday, July 1, 2010, at 8:00 a.m.  This meeting was preceded by notice duly published in the Hastings Tribune on Wednesday, June 30, 2010, and by notices duly posted in the lobby of Hastings Utilities, 1228 North Denver Avenue, and the City Hall, 220 N. Hastings Avenue, and was therefore open to the public.

Present:  Anderson, Hunt, Dewalt, Krieger, Shoemaker
Also Present:  Meyer, Sanders, Sekora, Cogley, Goebel, Scherr, Odom, and Ron Seymour (UNL – Adams County Extension)

Chairman Anderson stated that the Board of Public Works is subject to the Open Meetings Laws and acknowledged that the Open Meetings Law poster has been posted in the room.

During public comments, Ron Seymour ((UNL – Adams County Extension) thanked Hastings Utilities for updating the transclosure that was located at 12th Street and Burlington Avenue.  He asked for support from the Board for relocation of the power line that is in the middle of the Highland Park cemetery.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Shoemaker, that the recommendation from the Merit Award Committee to award a Humanitarian Merit Award to Lance Conklin be approved.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Shoemaker, Krieger, Dewalt, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Moved by Krieger, seconded by Dewalt, that the following items on the Consent Agenda be approved:

a.  Review, correction or approval of minutes of the June 17, 2010, meetings

b.  Review and approval of checks issued June 28, 2010

c.  Approval of the following claims:

       - General Operating Fund against the Electric Fund – $2,148,931.57
 - General Operating Fund against the Combined Fund - $1,482,307.31

d.  Review of payroll for period ending June 19, 2010

Roll Call:  Ayes; Krieger, Dewalt, Anderson, Hunt, Shoemaker.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Shoemaker, to write off uncollectible accounts for accounting purposes only in the amount of $24,127.39, and that staff be instructed to continue collection efforts on these accounts.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Shoemaker, Dewalt, Anderson, Krieger.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Ron Sekora gave a presentation on the options of moving the power line at Highland Park Cemetery.  The Board suggested that Mr. Seymour and others work together to obtain funding for the project.

Moved by Shoemaker, seconded by Hunt, to accept the reports of staff on the costs of relocating the power line at Highland Park Cemetery, to support the objective of moving the power lines, and agree that Hastings Utilities will participate financially with other entities to be determined.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Shoemaker, Hunt, Anderson, Dewalt, Krieger.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Ron Sanders gave a presentation on unaccounted for water.  No specific incident was found to have caused the unaccounted for number in the April monthly report.

Allen Meyer gave an update on PPGA Activities and the minutes were reviewed.

Under Miscellaneous and Future Agenda Items, Chairman Anderson reminded the Board that the Council Worksession would be held at the Whelan Energy Center tonight at 7:00 p.m.

Allen Meyer reported that a 2nd Street Subsite Agreement with EPA was approved by the City Council.

Moved by Krieger, seconded by Dewalt, that this Board go into Closed Session, which Closed Session  is clearly necessary for the public interest in that said Closed Session will consist of a strategy session relative to litigation.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Krieger, Dewalt, Hunt, Anderson, Shoemaker.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

The meeting closed to the public at 10:10 a.m.  The executive session consisted of Board Members, Council Liaisons, the Board’s Attorney, and staff.

Moved by Shoemaker, seconded by Hunt, that the meeting be reopened to the public at 10:55 a.m. and that no decisions were made nor official actions taken during said Closed Session.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Shoemaker, Hunt, Anderson, Krieger, Dewalt.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 10:55 a.m.                                        

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Board Meeting - June 17, 2010

A regular meeting of the Board of Public Works was held at the Hastings Utilities Board Room on
Thursday, June 17, 2010, at 5:00 P.m.  This meeting was preceded by notice duly published in the Hastings Tribune on Tuesday, June 15, 2010, and by notices duly posted in the lobby of Hastings Utilities, 1228 North Denver Avenue, and the City Hall, 220 N. Hastings Avenue, and was therefore open to the public.

 Present:  Anderson, Hunt, Dewalt, Krieger
Absent:  Shoemaker
Also Present:  Schultes, Meyer, Sanders, Cogley, Sekora, Goebel, Scherr, William Phillips, and Elizabeth Florian

Chairman Anderson stated that the Board of Public Works is subject to the Open Meetings Laws and acknowledged that the Open Meetings Law poster has been posted in the room.

The Chairman gave the public an opportunity to speak and there were no public comments.

Board Member Hunt excluded himself as a Board Member during the discussion on Item 7 (Discussion of Services Provided to the Phil Johnson & Associates Water System). 

Chairman Anderson explained this item was on the agenda so the Board could visit about the services offered to the new owners of the Phil Johnson & Associates water system.

William Phillips (Phillips Industries) spoke regarding the Phil Johnson & Associates water system.  Mr. Phillips stated that he was surprised to read in the newspaper that the water system currently owned by Mr. Hunt was being discussed at the Board of Public Works meeting.  He had read in the Hastings Tribune that Mr. Niemoth had formed an LLC and advertised this in legal notices as the Industrial East Water Systems LLC.

Mr. Willis Hunt told the Board that his request to have this item on the agenda had to do with the fact that he would like to have something in writing offering any new owners of the water system the same services that Hastings Utilities has provided to the Phil Johnson & Associates.

Attorney Scherr suggested the Board authorize staff to prepare a Resolution to lay out the terms with the new owner.

Moved by Anderson, seconded by Dewalt, to authorize staff with the assistance of legal counsel to meet with the potential new owners of the Phil Johnson & Associates water system to discuss terms and conditions for continued supply of wholesale water to the water system and bring a recommendation back to the Board.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Anderson, Dewalt, Krieger.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Mr. Hunt resumed his function as Board Member at the table.

A discussion of Out of District Water and Sanitary Fee for Lots 1 and 2 Florian Subdivision (N. Elm Avenue) was held.  Elizabeth Florian stated that she felt they should not be responsible for the legal fees that were accrued during the negotiations with the Vandeventers on the sanitary sewer out of district fee.

Moved by Hunt, seconded b y Krieger, that this Board go into Closed Session, which Closed Session  is clearly necessary for the public interest in that said Closed Session will consist of a strategy session relative to legal advise on negotiations.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Krieger, Dewalt, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

The meeting closed to the public at 5:27 p.m.  The executive session consisted of Board Members, Council Liaison Goebel, the Board’s Attorney, and staff.

Moved by Krieger, seconded by Dewalt, that the meeting be reopened to the public at 5:35 p.m., and that no decisions were made nor official actions taken during said Closed Session.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Krieger, Dewalt, Hunt, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Moved by Krieger, seconded by Dewalt, to settle the Out of District Sanitary Sewer Fee for Lots 1 and 2 Florian Subdivision (N. Elm Avenue) for an amount of $2,487.68, which will not include the legal fees.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Krieger, Dewalt, Anderson.  Nays; Hunt.  Motion carried.

Moved by Dewalt, seconded by Krieger, that the following items on the Consent Agenda be approved:

a.  Review, correction or approval of minutes of the June 3, 2010, meeting

b.  Review and approval of checks issued June 14, 2010, with the exception of check number 9076
      to Phil Johnson & Associates

c.  Review of payroll for period ending June 5, 2010

d.  Approval of the following work orders:

     WA-254   New 8” D.I.P. Water Main on 14th St., Baltimore Ave. to MacArthur Rd.

                                                                                                               Estimated Cost:  $54,868

Roll Call:  Ayes; Dewalt, Krieger, Hunt, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Moved by Krieger, seconded by Dewalt, to approve check number 9076 to Phil Johnson & Associates in the amount of $200.69.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Krieger, Dewalt, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Hunt abstained.  Motion carried.

A discussion was held on approving a Consent to Review of Hastings Utilities Indirect Charges.  The Public Power Generation Agency has hired Black & Veatch to review the HU Indirect Charges and need the consent of HU to go forward with the study.

Moved by Dewalt, seconded by Hunt, that the Board authorize approval of consent to the study  to review the HU Indirect Charges.  Roll Call:  Ayes;  Dewalt, Hunt, Anderson, Krieger.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

A discussion was held on the power line and switch box at Highland Park Cemetery and Ron Sekora gave a presentation on the location of the power line and the switch box.  Mr. Sekora showed a picture of a padmount transformer that would replace the old transclosures that we are replacing in the electric system as they need replacement.  The padmount transformer is significantly smaller than the transclosure.  The Board felt that would be a good improvement. 

The board discussed the location of the overhead power line in the cemetery which has been located in the cemetery for more than 50 years and has been rebuilt and in good operating condition.  Members of the board expressed concern for options and who would pay any costs.  The board directed staff to bring back potential options and cost estimates to the board.

The April 2010 Monthly Report was presented and discussed.  Mr. Hunt questioned the numbers showing unaccounted for water.  Mr. Schultes will research the reason for the unaccounted for water increase and report at the next meeting.

There was no update on PPGA activities and no minutes to review at this time.  Mr. Meyer did report that the WEC-2 construction is on schedule.

Under Miscellaneous and Future Agenda Items, Mr. Schultes reported that there was a 115 KV circuit breaker failure at the 7th Street substation over the weekend which will require replacement and expensive repairs.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Krieger, that this Board go into Closed Session, which Closed Session  is clearly necessary for the public interest and for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation of an individual, which individual has not requested a public meeting, in order to discuss certain matters relating to personnel.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Krieger, Dewalt, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

The meeting closed to the public at 6:52 p.m.  The executive session consisted of Board Members, Council Liaison Goebel, the Board’s Attorney, and staff.

Moved by Dewalt, seconded by Krieger, that the meeting be reopened to the public at 6:56 p.m., and that no decisions were made nor official actions taken during said Closed Session.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Dewalt, Krieger, Anderson, Hunt.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 6:58 p.m.                 

A special meeting of the Board of Public Works was held at the Hastings Utilities Board Room on
Thursday, June 17, 2010, at 7:00 p.m.  This meeting was preceded by notice duly published in the Hastings Tribune on Monday, May 10, 2010, and by notices duly posted in the lobby of Hastings Utilities, 1228 North Denver Avenue, and the City Hall, 220 N. Hastings Avenue, and was therefore open to the public.

Present:  Anderson, Hunt, Dewalt, Krieger
Absent:  Shoemaker
Also Present:  Schultes, Sanders, Cogley, Stange, J. Sidlo, Goebel, Scherr, Bob Samuelson (Resident), Charles Wagner (Village of Juniata), Ron Seymour (UNL – Adams County Extension), Daryl Anderson (Little Blue NRD), Michele Bever (South Heartland District Health Department), William Phillips (Phillips Industries), and Glen Kroeker (Adams County Planning & Zoning)

Public Hearing on the Wellhead Protection Plan took place. 

Glen Kroeker (Adams County P&Z)  gave testimony in support of the plan and how it brought the different stakeholders together.  He stated that water quality around the world and in this area will be even more important in the future.  He commented on the quality of the plan and thanked the Board of Public Works for allowing staff to work on this vital project.  He is happy to see the plan go forward and asked that the public be continued to be involved.

There was no opposition to the plan and no other public comments.

The Public Hearing was closed.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Krieger, to approve Resolution No. 2010-03 approving the April 21, 2010, Wellhead Protection Plan.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Krieger, Anderson, Dewalt.  Nays; None.  Motion carried. 

The meeting adjourned at 7:14 p.m.     

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Board Meeting - June 3, 2010

A regular meeting of the Board of Public Works was held at the Hastings Utilities Board Room on
Thursday, June 3, 2010, at 8:00 a.m.  This meeting was preceded by notice duly published in the Hastings Tribune on Tuesday, June 1, 2010, and by notices duly posted in the lobby of Hastings Utilities, 1228 North Denver Avenue, and the City Hall, 220 N. Hastings Avenue, and was therefore open to the public.

Present:  Anderson, Hunt, Dewalt, Shoemaker, Krieger
Also Present:  Schultes, Meyer, Sanders, Cogley, Odom, Goebel, Scherr, Sekora, Cox, Larson, Liehr, Ron Seymour, Elizabeth Florian, Dee Haussler and Dave Rippe

Chairman Anderson stated that the Board of Public Works is subject to the Open Meetings Laws and acknowledged that the Open Meetings Law poster has been posted in the room.

The Chairman gave the public an opportunity to speak.  Ron Seymour from the Adams County Extension Office informed the Board of Public Works that his office has obtained a UNL Extension Project grant to plant trees.  He has a preliminary plan to plant six trees on the east side of Hastings Avenue between 12th and 14th Street.  He asked permission from the Board to do this.  The Board asked Mr. Seymour to work with staff on the locations of the trees to make sure they are not in conflict with future projects.

Discussion was held on the Out of District Water and Sanitary Fee for Lots 1 and 2 Florian Subdivision (N. Elm Avenue).  Elizabeth Florian spoke against the fee that is being levied against their property.  The Board will have Steve Scherr review the information submitted and the item will be on the next agenda.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Krieger, that upon the recommendation of staff, to award a contract for NDS Wash Bay Addition – Informal Contract 2010-05 IC-19 (B.I. 6.05) to Carmichael Construction, Hastings, Nebraska, in the amount of $138,800.00, including sales tax, and that the Chairman of the Board be authorized to enter into contract with said company accordingly.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Krieger, Shoemaker, Dewalt, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Moved by Dewalt, seconded by Shoemaker, that the following items on the Consent Agenda be approved:

a.  Review, correction or approval of minutes of the May 13, 2010, meeting

b.  Review and approval of checks issued May 28, 2010

c.  Approval of the following claims:

       - General Operating Fund against the Electric Fund – $3,355,320.50

       - General Operating Fund against the Combined Fund - $1,830,353.36

d.  Review of payroll for period ending May 22, 2010

e.  Approval of the following work orders:

                  CO-144   The NDS Wash Bay Addition for Hastings Utilities.       
                                                                                       Estimated Cost:  $156,372

Shoemaker mentioned that OPPD uses outside advertisement on their customer newsletter to help fund a program like the Heat Share Program at Hastings Utilities.  The Board decided to discuss this option and other advertisement ideas at an August meeting.

After further discussion, the following Roll Call vote was taken on the motion:  Ayes; Dewalt, Shoemaker, Krieger, Hunt, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Don Cox gave a brief update on the status of the Energy Pioneer Solutions (EPS) agreement.  There have been approximately 100 inquiries on utility usage with 20 customers signed up for June billing. 

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Dewalt, to accept the April 28, 2010, Proposal for Quarterly Review from McDermott & Miller for quarters ending June 30, 2010, and September 30, 2010, for a fee not to exceed $900.00 per quarterly review.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Dewalt, Anderson, Shoemaker, Krieger.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

An update on Meter Pit Replacement Costs was given from Ron Sanders.  There are approximately 124 meter pits that need to be reviewed.  Of those, 15 have received letters to get the pits removed.

Moved by Shoemaker, seconded by Hunt, to amend the meter pit removal incentive policy to pay 75% of the cost of the pit removal up to $600.00 through December 31, 2012, to be effective for any applications for incentives that have not been received before 5:00 p.m. on June 3, 2010.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Shoemaker, Hunt, Anderson, Dewalt, Krieger.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Dee Haussler of HEDC introduced Dave Rippe, who has been hired to work under Mr. Haussler until his proposed retirement in 2011.

A discussion was held on the process to review the Exempt from City Service Evaluations.  Chairman Anderson appointed Jeanette Dewalt and himself to a committee to work on the process of evaluating the employees and they will then involve the entire board.

Under Miscellaneous and Future Agenda Items, Board member Shoemaker asked to have the presentation on Smart Technology updated and given at a meeting in July.  Chairman Anderson asked to include a presentation on the GIS System.

Board member Hunt asked to have a discussion at the next meeting on the services provided to a new owner of the Phil Johnson & Associates Water System.

There was no executive session.

The meeting adjourned at 10:23 a.m.       

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Board Meeting - May 13, 2010

A regular meeting of the Board of Public Works was held at the Hastings Utilities Board Room on
Thursday, May 13, 2010, at 8:00 a.m.  This meeting was preceded by notice duly published in the Hastings Tribune on Tuesday, May 11, 2010, and by notices duly posted in the lobby of Hastings Utilities, 1228 North Denver Avenue, and the City Hall, 220 N. Hastings Avenue, and was therefore open to the public.

Present:  Anderson, Hunt, Dewalt, Shoemaker
Absent:  Krieger
Also Present:  Schultes, Meyer, Sanders, Cogley, Odom, Goebel, Scherr, Mayor Powers, Sekora, Redding

Chairman Anderson stated that the Board of Public Works is subject to the Open Meetings Laws and acknowledged that the Open Meetings Law poster has been posted in the room.

The Chairman gave the public an opportunity to speak and there were no public comments.

Moved by Dewalt, seconded by Hunt, that the following items on the Consent Agenda be approved:

a.  Review, correction or approval of minutes of the April 29, 2010, meeting

b.  Review and approval of checks issued May 10, 2010, with the exception of check no. 8613 to
     Gessford Machine Shop, check no. 8745 to Sullivan Shoemaker Witt & Burns, check no. 8767
     to Phil Johnson & Associates

c.  Review of payroll for period ending May 8, 2010

d.  Approval of the following work orders:

     GA-261   West Town Border and Peak Shaving West Plant replacement of control/monitoring
                               equipment.                                                                       
                                                                                                                        Estimated Cost:  $92,214

     SL-62       Installation of street lights on Madden Rd., Lochview Dr. to Baltimore Ave.

                                                                                                               Estimated Cost:  $16,146

e.   Approval of the following real estate improvement contract:

      URL 2010-3    Skye Loch, LLC for Lots 1-3, and Lots 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10, Block 1 Skye Loch 8th
                                       Subdivision; and Lot 13, Block 1, Skye Loch 13th Subdivision

Roll Call:  Ayes; Dewalt, Hunt, Anderson, Shoemaker.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Dewalt to approve check no. 8613 to Gessford Machine Shop in the amount of $2,224.57.    Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Dewalt, Shoemaker.  Nays; None.  Anderson abstained.  Motion carried.

Moved by Hunt,  seconded by Dewalt , to approve check no. 8745 to Sullivan Shoemaker Witt & Burns in the amount of $10,734.75.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Dewalt, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Shoemaker abstained.  Motion carried.

Moved by Dewalt, seconded by Shoemaker, to approve check no. 8767 to Phil Johnson & Associates in the amount of $1,468.96.  Roll  Call:  Ayes; Dewalt, Shoemaker, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Hunt abstained.  Motion carried.

Moved by Hunt seconded by Shoemaker, that this Board go into Closed Session, which Closed Session  is clearly necessary for the public interest in that said Closed Session will consist of a strategy session relative to potential litigation and personnel.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Shoemaker, Dewalt, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

The meeting closed to the public at 8:10 a.m.  The executive session consisted of Board Members, Council Liaisons, the Board’s Attorney, Mayor Powers and staff.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Shoemaker, that the meeting be reopened to the public at 9:05 a.m., and that no decisions were made nor official actions taken during said Closed Session.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Shoemaker, Dewalt, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Ron Sanders gave a presentation on the Meter Pit Elimination Program.  There have been 322 meter pits removed since May of 2001, with 124 left to be removed. 

The March 2010 Monthly Report was presented and discussed.

Ron Sekora updated the Board on the Downtown Street Light Pole Maintenance Options. 

Al Meyer gave an update on PPGA Activities and the minutes were reviewed.

Under miscellaneous and future agenda items, the board changed the regular board meeting scheduled for 8:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m on June 17th

The meeting adjourned at 10:52 a.m.

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Board Meeting - April 29, 2010

A regular meeting of the Board of Public Works was held at the Hastings Utilities Board Room on
Thursday, April 29, 2010, at 8:00 a.m.  This meeting was preceded by notice duly published in the Hastings Tribune on Tuesday, April 27, 2010, and by notices duly posted in the lobby of Hastings Utilities, 1228 North Denver Avenue, and the City Hall, 220 N. Hastings Avenue, and was therefore open to the public.

Present:  Anderson, Hunt, Krieger, Dewalt, Shoemaker
Also Present:  Schultes, Meyer, Sanders, Cogley, Stange, J. Sidlo, Odom, Goebel, Scherr, Sekora

Chairman Anderson stated that the Board of Public Works is subject to the Open Meetings Laws and acknowledged that the Open Meetings Law poster has been posted in the room.

The Chairman gave the public an opportunity to speak.  Council Liaison Goebel reported that he received positive feedback from a customer who lived near the new LED street lighting.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Shoemaker, that the following items on the Consent Agenda be approved:

a.  Review, correction or approval of minutes of the April 15, 2010, meeting

b.  Review and approval of checks issued April 26, 2010, with the exception of check 8529 to
     Gessford Machine Shop

c.  Approval of the following claims:

       - General Operating Fund against the Electric Fund – $1,695,718.72

       - General Operating Fund against the Combined Fund - $2,190,352.41

      - Transfer to General Fund Resolution No. 1344 for 2009 - $433,544.00

d.  Review of payroll for period ending April 24, 2010

e.  Approval of the following work orders:

        EL-164    Installation of a single-phase underground electric line and padmount transformers
                                  to serve the new Shadow Ridge Addition along Wendell Dr., 33rd St. to 38th St.
                                                                                                                        Estimated Cost:  $74,903

        EL-165    Relocation of three-phase overhead electric lines to underground and installation of
                                  a single-phase underground electric line between E St. and F St., west of 4th Ave. in
                                  Good Samaritan Village.                                     
                                                                                                                        Estimated Cost:  $21,797

        SW-277   Installation of two manholes; one at 1926 Boyce St. and one at 1924 West 8th St.
                                                                                                                        Estimated Cost:  $21,533

        SL-66      Installation of four – 80W induction street lights on 38th St., Osborne Dr. West to
                                 1200’ west.                                                                   
                                                                                                                        Estimated Cost:  $18,885

        EL-67      Installation of street light and underground street light circuit in Shadow Ridge
                                 Addition along Wendell Dr. from 33rd St. to 38th St.        
                                                                                                                        Estimated Cost:  $12,730

        PL-641    New 16” culverts across tracks west of Maxon Ave. north of Coal Train Rd.

                                                                                                               Estimated Cost:  $10,099

f.   Approval of Real Estate Improvement Contracts:

        Underground Distribution System (URD 2010-1) with Westbook Village LLC for Lots 1-10,
                  Block 1; Lots 1-10 of Block 2 of Shadow Ridge Addition; and Lots 1-6, Shadow Ridge 2nd
                  Subdivision
                  Underground Residential Lighting System (URL 2010-02) with Westbook Village LLC for
                  Lots 2-10, Block 1;  Lots 1-9 of Block 2 of Shadow Ridge Addition

Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Shoemaker, Dewalt, Anderson, Krieger.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Dewalt, to approve check number 8529 to Gessford Machine Shop.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Dewalt, Shoemaker, Krieger.  Nays; None.  Anderson abstained.

Moved by Shoemaker, seconded by Krieger, to approve the Memorandum of Understanding for WEC2 Chemical Cleaning and Auxiliary  Steam Requirements and Storage Arrangements for Diesel Fuel with PPGA, and that the Chairman of the Board be authorized to sign said documents.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Shoemaker, Krieger, Anderson, Hunt, Dewalt.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Dewalt, to approve an Interlocal Agreement with the Little Blue Natural Resources District and Big Blue Natural Resources District for water sampling, and to forward to the Mayor and City Council for their approval.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Dewalt, Shoemaker, Anderson, Krieger.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Marty Stange gave an update on Wellhead Protection Activities.  A public hearing is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3, 2010, during a special meeting of the Board of Public Works, at the Hastings Utilities Board Room to present the Hastings Wellhead Protection Plan to the public. 

Ron Sekora gave a presentation on Hastings Utilities’ Residential Services Policies Including Developer Contributions per request from the Board.

The February 2010 Monthly Report was presented and discussed.

Al Meyer gave a presentation on PPGA Activities and the minutes of the PPGA Board meetings were reviewed.

The Hastings Utilities’ purchasing process was discussed.  A letter from Purchasing Agent Rick Herrington on the purchasing practices was distributed, which stated that Hastings Utilities strives to find the best products for the best price whenever possible utilizing customer/owner’s resources in an efficient, cost effective manner consistent with all applicable laws.

Under Miscellaneous and Future Agenda Items, Chairman Anderson informed the Board that the City Council will hold their worksession of May 18th at 7:00 p.m. at the Whelan Energy Center.   

Moved by Krieger, seconded by Hunt, that this Board go into Closed Session, which Closed Session  is clearly necessary for the public interest in that said Closed Session will consist of a strategy session relative to pending litigation and personnel.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Krieger, Hunt, Anderson, Dewalt, Shoemaker.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

The meeting closed to the public at 10:50 a.m.  The executive session consisted of Board Members, Council Liaisons, the Board’s Attorney, and staff.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Krieger, that the meeting be reopened to the public at 11:10 a.m., and that no decisions were made nor official actions taken during said Closed Session.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt,

Krieger, Shoemaker, Dewalt, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 11:10 a.m.

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Board Meeting - April 15, 2010

A regular meeting of the Board of Public Works was held at the Hastings Utilities Board Room on
Thursday, April 15, 2010, at 8:00 a.m.  This meeting was preceded by notice duly published in the Hastings Tribune on Tuesday, April 13, 2010, and by notices duly posted in the lobby of Hastings Utilities, 1228 North Denver Avenue, and the City Hall, 220 N. Hastings Avenue, and was therefore open to the public.

Present:  Anderson, Hunt, Krieger, Dewalt, Shoemaker
Also Present:  Schultes, Meyer, Sanders, Cogley, Barfknecht, McCoy, Odom, Goebel, Scherr, Sekora, Redding, and Mike Wassinger of McDermott Miller

Chairman Anderson stated that the Board of Public Works is subject to the Open Meetings Laws and acknowledged that the Open Meetings Law poster has been posted in the room.

The Chairman gave the public an opportunity to speak and there were no public comments.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Shoemaker, that upon the recommendation of the Merit Award Committee, to award a Humanitarian Merit Award to James Struss for his accumulated blood donations.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Shoemaker, Krieger, Dewalt, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Mike Wassinger of McDermott presented the Hastings Utilities 2009 Annual Audit where he noted that his firm has issued a clean audit opinion.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Dewalt, that the Board of Public Works has reviewed the audit and accept the audit as written and presented and ask the auditor for their costs to conduct a quarterly review of the Hastings Utilities financial results.  Roll Call:  Hunt, Dewalt, Anderson, Shoemaker, Krieger.  Nays; None.  Motion carried 

Moved by Krieger, seconded by Shoemaker, that the following items on the Consent Agenda be approved:

a.  Review, correction or approval of minutes of the April 1, 2010, meeting

b.  Review and approval of checks issued April 12, 2010, with the exception of check 8462 to
     Sullivan Shoemaker Witt & Burns and check 8487 to Phil Johnson & Associates

c.  Review of payroll for period ending April 10, 2010

d.  Approval of the following work orders:

          WA-256     Replacement of inoperable fire hydrants in system at the following locations:  6th
                     St. & Hastings Ave.; 750 N. Minnesota Ave.; 1000 Webster Ave.; 14th St. & Hewett Ave.;
                    7th St. & Hewett Ave.; Sumner & Bellevue Ave.; 3rd St. & Saunders Ave.; 5th St. &
                    Minnesota Ave.; 1st  St. & Saunders Ave.; 9th St. & Denver Ave.; B St. & Railroad Tracks; C
                    St. & Emerson Ave.;  & F St. & Pine.                                          Estimated Cost:  $40,371

Roll Call:  Ayes; Krieger, Shoemaker, Anderson, Hunt, Dewalt.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Dewalt, to approve check 8462 to Sullivan Shoemaker Witt & Burns in the amount of $6,601.49.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Dewalt, Anderson, Krieger.  Nays; None.  Shoemaker abstained.  Motion carried.

Moved by Krieger, seconded by Dewalt, to approve check 8487 to Phil Johnson & Associates in the amount of $1,905.52.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Krieger, Dewalt, Shoemaker, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Hunt abstained.  Motion carried.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Krieger, that this Board go into Closed Session, which Closed Session  is clearly necessary for the public interest in that said Closed Session will consist of a strategy session relative to pending and potential litigation.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Krieger, Shoemaker, Dewalt, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

The meeting closed to the public at 9:30 a.m.  The executive session consisted of Board Members, Council Liaisons, the Board’s Attorney, and staff.

Moved by Dewalt, seconded by Shoemaker, that the meeting be reopened to the public at 10:12 a.m., and that no decisions were made nor official actions taken during said Closed Session.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Dewalt, Shoemaker, Krieger, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Hunt had left at 10:00 during the Closed Session.

A discussion was held on Transferring Money To and From Cash and Investments.  Staff was asked to survey other gas, water and sanitary sewer utilities to see what their reserve policy is.   Discussion on revising the reserve policy will continue at an upcoming meeting.

Moved by Shoemaker, seconded by Dewalt, to authorize staff to transfer money out of the Rate Stabilization Funds and into the Cash and Investments Accounts or to transfer money from the Cash and Investments Accounts into the Rate Stabilization Funds in order to meet the Board’s Policy on Reserve Requirements.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Shoemaker, Dewalt, Anderson, Krieger.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

The January 2010 Monthly Report was presented and discussed.

Chairman excused himself for a short time from the meeting at 11:29 a.m.  Secretary/Acting Chairman Shoemaker presided over the meeting.

Schultes updated the Board on the Energy Pioneer Solutions (EPS) Agreement.  The staff is ready to implement the agreement, EPS has been billed for the expenses, and staff is moving forward with the agreement implementation.

Ron Sekora and Jason Redding gave a presentation on the LED and induction street lights and downtown street lights.  Chairman Anderson rejoined the meeting at 11:35 a.m.

Redding reviewed the locations where LED Street Lights have been installed.  He also presented information on induction lighting and suggested an area between Walmart and Cimarron Plaza to try this new lighting.  The Board was interested in this idea.  A work order will be placed on the next agenda for this project.

Jason showed slides of the deteriorated street light bases in the downtown area.  Several options were discussed.  Engineering is waiting on additional information on retrofit bases and resin poles.  The item will be placed on a future Board agenda when more information on the options was available.  

Chairman Anderson appointed a downtown street lighting committee (if needed) of Scott Krieger and himself.

There was no update of PPGA Activities and no minutes to review. 

Under Miscellaneous and Future Agenda Items, Scott Krieger reported that the Vehicle Insurance Committee met with the insurance agent.  The insurances and rates were reviewed and found satisfactory.

The meeting adjourned at 12:30 p.m.

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Board Meeting - April 1, 2010

A regular meeting of the Board of Public Works was held at the Hastings Utilities Board Room on
Thursday, April 1, 2010, at 8:00 a.m.  This meeting was preceded by notice duly published in the Hastings Tribune on Tuesday, March 30, 2010, and by notices duly posted in the lobby of Hastings Utilities, 1228 North Denver Avenue, and the City Hall, 220 N. Hastings Avenue, and was therefore open to the public.

Present:  Anderson, Hunt, Krieger, Dewalt
Absent:  Shoemaker
Also Present:  Schultes, Meyer, Sanders, Cogley, Odom, Goebel, Scherr, Schawang

Chairman Anderson stated that the Board of Public Works is subject to the Open Meetings Laws and acknowledged that the Open Meetings Law poster has been posted in the room.

The Chairman gave the public an opportunity to speak and there were no public comments.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Krieger, that the following items on the Consent Agenda be approved, with the exception of claim number 8271 to Krieger Electric:

a.  Review, correction or approval of minutes of the February 25 and March 11, 2010, meeting

b.  Review and approval of checks issued March 8, 2010

c.  Approval of the following claims:

       - General Operating Fund against the Electric Fund – $2,427,457.62

       - General Operating Fund against the Combined Fund - $2,743,044.63

d.  Review of payroll for period ending March 12 and 26, 2010

e.  Approval of the following work orders:

        EL-159   Replacement of existing underground direct-buried primary cable with ducted cable
                                and installation of new single-phase padmount transformers from Cranbrook Ln. to
                                Durwood Ln., Kingston Dr. to Prospect Ave. at Kingswood Plaza.                                                                                                                                                                              Estimated Cost:  $  56,426

        EL-161   New 1000 amp three-phase feeder from Bypass Substation to the intersection of 12th
                                 St. and Union Pacific Railroad for backup to Ag Processing Inc.  
                                                                                                                               Estimated Cost:  $593,145

        EL-163   Installation of a three-phase padmount switch and transformer for service to the new
                                Countryman Associates building at Osborne Drive West and Lochland Rd.                                                                                                                                                                     Estimated Cost:  $  26,877

Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Krieger, Dewalt, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Dewalt, to approve claim number 8271 to Krieger Electric, in the amount of $449.55.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Dewalt, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Krieger abstained.  Motion carried.

Marv Schultes gave a detailed presentation on the December 2009 Monthly Report.  The December report is also the annual report for fiscal year 2009.

Kevin Schawang, IT Supervisor for Hastings Utilities, gave a presentation on the Smart Grid Technology.  The Board requested a presentation on Meter Reading Technology at a date to be determined in the future.

Marv Schultes gave a presentation on the 2011 PPGA Budgeting Process.  The 2011 PPGA Budget will be the first operating budget for PPGA.  The past five years have been PPGA capital budgets.  WEC-2 is scheduled to be in operation in the Spring of 2011.

No report on PPGA Activities was given.  

Under Miscellaneous and Future Agenda Items, Marv Schultes informed the Board that the LED Street Lights are installed and operating.  Chairman Anderson suggested Board members drive around Hastings and observe the new lights, along with the downtown historic street lights which are deteriorating and need maintenance and will be discussed at the next meeting. 

Board Chairman Anderson also appointed a Board committee of members Hunt and Krieger to work with staff on vehicle insurance questions.

There was no executive session.

The meeting adjourned at 12:05 p.m.

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Board Meeting - March 11, 2010

A regular meeting of the Board of Public Works was held at the Hastings Utilities Board Room on
Thursday, March 11, 2010, at 8:00 a.m.  This meeting was preceded by notice duly published in the Hastings Tribune on Tuesday, March 9, 2010, and by notices duly posted in the lobby of Hastings Utilities, 1228 North Denver Avenue, and the City Hall, 220 N. Hastings Avenue, and was therefore open to the public.

Present:  Anderson, Hunt, Shoemaker, Krieger, Dewalt

Also Present:  Schultes, Meyer, Sanders, Singkofer, Stange, Odom, Goebel, Cogley, Mayor Powers, Lyle R. Christensen and Glenn Dostal - HDR Engineering, Inc., Audry Lee – Deputy Adams County Attorney, and Steven Goans, Jay D. Ringenberg, John Bender, Reuel Anderson, and Donna Garden - NDEQ

Chairman Anderson stated that the Board of Public Works is subject to the Open Meetings Laws and acknowledged that the Open Meetings Law poster has been posted in the room.

The Chairman gave the public an opportunity to speak and there were no public comments.

Discussion was held on reporting the correct chronology of actions taken and pertinent comments in the board minutes.  Members of the Board asked that the February 25, 2010, minutes be corrected to reflect the correct order of actions and discussion.  The minutes of February 25, 2010, will be on the April 1, 2010, agenda for approval.

Discussion was held on a change in procedure in making the minutes of the Board Meetings available to the public sooner.  Board Attorney Scherr recommended the Board follow the Nebraska State Statute 84-1413 (5).  The Board decided that the procedure would be to have the draft minutes sent to the Board upon preparation.  If any members of the Board have changes, they should be made before the ten working days.  After the ten working days following the meeting, the draft minutes will be available to the public in accordance with Nebraska State Statute 84-1413 (5).

Moved by Dewalt, seconded by Hunt, that the following items on the Consent Agenda be approved, with the exception of the minutes of the February 25, 2010, meeting:

a.  Review, correction or approval of minutes of the February 25, 2010, meeting

b.  Review and approval of checks issued March 8, 2010, with the exception of claim 8172 to
     Sullivan Shoemaker Witt & Burns, and claim 8193 to Phil Johnson & Associates, Inc.

c.  Review of payroll for period ending February 13, 2010

d.  Approval of the following work orders:

      GA-256   New 2” PE gas main on 15th St., Kansas Ave. east 270’.
                                                                                                                                                                   Estimated Cost:  $  18,905

      GA-258   New 4” PE and 4” std. wrapped gas main on Elm Ave., “H” St. to “D” St.
                                                                                                                                                                   Estimated Cost:  $  54,828

      GA-260   New 4” PE gas main on Osborne Dr. West, 280’ north of Lochland Rd. East and then north
                               400’.                                                                                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                                                   Estimated Cost;  $  11,098

      SW-274   New bio-grating for trickling filter.                        
                                                                                                                                                                   Estimated Cost:  $  12,765

      SW-275   Install three 6” in-line grinders in humas discharge line between humas pumps and
                                digestor.                                                                            
                                                                                                                                                                   Estimated Cost:  $  62,872

      CO-143   Install sanitary drains at North Denver Station.                  
                                                                                                                                                                   Estimated Cost:  $  14,134

      PL-640    Replacement of Ash Control Panel at WEC-1.                  
                                                                                                                                                                   Estimated Cost:  $191,534

Roll Call:  Ayes; Dewalt, Hunt, Anderson, Shoemaker, Krieger.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Krieger, to approve claim 8172 to Sullivan Shoemaker Witt & Burns in the amount of $4,573.31.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Krieger, Dewalt, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Shoemaker abstained.  Motion carried.

Moved by Shoemaker, seconded by Dewalt, to approve claim 8193 to Phil Johnson & Associates, Inc. in the amount of $1,674.16.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Shoemaker, Dewalt, Anderson, Krieger.  Nays; None.  Hunt abstained.  Motion carried.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Krieger, that upon the recommendation from staff, to award a contract for a Truck Cab & Chassis with Aerial Device (Contract 2010-01 FC-01  B.I. 2.60 Pg. 8) to Altec Industries, St. Joseph, Missouri, in the amount of $183,400.00, including the auxiliary fuel/water separator, the heater shut off valve and the 24” platform lift, and that the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to enter into contract with said company accordingly. 

Discussion included the concern of trading the current truck in for only $9,000 when a member of the Board felt it was worth more money.  The Board felt a discussion on policy for bidding on trade-in vehicles, equipment, and other items should be discussed at a later meeting.

After further discussion, the following Roll Call vote was taken on the motion:  Ayes; Hunt, Krieger, Shoemaker, Dewalt, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

A discussion was held on the Pollution Control Facility Renewal of the NPDES Permit that was issued on May 30, 2008.   Staff from the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality and from HDR Engineering, Inc. appeared and spoke to the Board on the challenges that Hastings Utilities faces on meeting the tighter NPDES Permit requirements.  All parties agreed to work together to find the best solutions for the ratepayers of Hastings Utilities consistent with meeting the requirements of the existing permit and benefiting the environment.  NDEQ agreed to meet with Hastings Utilities and its consulting engineer as needed to help find an acceptable solution.

A discussion was held on raising the insurance coverage on Fisher Fountain.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Shoemaker, that raise the insurance coverage on Fisher Fountain from $100,000 to $250,000.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Shoemaker, Krieger, Dewalt, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Discussion took place on the Wind Power Program.  Schultes reported that the existing three year wind power purchase agreement with MEAN expires during April 2010.  MEAN was the only bidder for three additional years of wind power at a slightly higher cost.  Avoided costs have also increased slightly.  Staff recommended that the existing program be continued at the same rate for three more years and the program be offered to all existing and new participants.

The Board’s Wind Committee recommends raising the allotment of wind power purchase from 70 MWH to 110 MWH for the same three year period, and that the additional cost for the wind power be borne by the Electric Department.

Board Member Krieger felt he could not support buying more expensive wind power when we are in the process of building a coal-fired power plant and have extra power available.

Chairman Anderson suggested the extra cost of purchasing wind power be charged to the Street Lighting Department.  The allotment of 110 MWH as proposed by the Wind Committee would light approximately 1/3 of the street lights.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Shoemaker, to raise the allotment of wind power purchased from 70 MWH to 110 MWH to beginning April 1, 2010, and that the additional cost of electrical energy purchased from MEAN for wind power be charged to the street light department.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Shoemaker, Krieger, Dewalt, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

The discussion of 2011 PPGA Budgeting Process was delayed until the next meeting.

The update of PPGA activities and review of minutes was delayed until the next meeting.

There were no miscellaneous and future agenda items.

There was no executive session.

The meeting adjourned at 11:50 a.m.

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Board Meeting - February 25, 2010

A regular meeting of the Board of Public Works was held at the Hastings Utilities Board Room on
Thursday, February 25, 2010, at 8:00 a.m.  This meeting was preceded by notice duly published in the Hastings Tribune on Tuesday, February 23, 2010, and by notices duly posted in the lobby of Hastings Utilities, 1228 North Denver Avenue, and the City Hall, 220 N. Hastings Avenue, and was therefore open to the public.

Present:  Anderson, Hunt, Shoemaker, Krieger,
Absent:  Dewalt
Also Present:  Schultes, Meyer, Sanders, Cogley, Cox, Goebel, Scherr, Odom, Scott Kleeb (EPS), Bill Phillips (Phillips Industries), Doug Pauley (Attorney), Mike Zimmerman (Hastings College), Casey Bellinghausen (Hastings College), Danielle Wright (Hastings College), Erika Shea (Hastings College), Stefan Welsh (Hastings College), and Dan Smith (K-T Heating)

Chairman Anderson stated that the Board of Public Works is subject to the Open Meetings Laws and acknowledged that the Open Meetings Law poster has been posted in the room.

During the public comments, Dan Smith of K-T Heating asked a question about who is responsible if a customer defaults on the agreement with Energy Pioneer Solutions.  Chairman Anderson responded that this question would be answered during the discussion on this item.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Krieger, to approve an Agreement with Energy Pioneer Solutions for Information and Billing Services. 

In answer to Dan Smith’s question, Schultes stated that in accordance with the agreement, if a customer defaults on the agreement, that is a matter between Energy Pioneer Solutions and the customers and Hastings Utilities is not involved and not responsible.

After further discussion, the following Roll Call vote was taken on the motion:  Ayes; Hunt, Krieger, Shoemaker, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Board members commended all who were involved with negotiating an agreement with Energy Pioneer Solutions to help with this energy saving program at no additional cost to Hastings Utilities and their ratepayers.

Moved by Krieger, seconded by Hunt, that the following items on the Consent Agenda be approved:

a.  Review, correction or approval of minutes of the February 11, 2010, meeting

b.  Review and approval of checks issued February 22, 2010

c.  Approval of the following claims:

     - General Operating Fund against the Electric Fund – $2,104,102.72

     - General Operating Fund against the Combined Fund - $2,326,728.22

d.  Review of payroll for period ending February 13, 2010

Roll Call:  Ayes; Krieger, Hunt, Anderson, Shoemaker.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Al Meyer gave an update of PPGA Activities and the minutes were reviewed.  Chuck Shoemaker reported that he attended the last PPGA Board Meeting and was very impressed with the professionalism and knowledge of this board.   

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Shoemaker, that this Board go into Closed Session, which Closed Session is clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest in that said Closed Session will consist of a strategy session relative to energy supply negotiations and customer accounts.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Shoemaker, Krieger, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

The meeting closed to the public at 9:40 a.m.  The executive session consisted of Board Members, Council Liaisons, the Board’s Attorney and staff.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Krieger, that the meeting be reopened to the public at 10:33 a.m. and that no decisions were made nor official actions taken during said Closed Session.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Krieger, Anderson, Shoemaker.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 10:33 a.m.

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Board Meeting - February 11, 2010

A regular meeting of the Board of Public Works was held at the Hastings Utilities Board Room on Thursday, February 11, 2010, at 8:00 a.m.  This meeting was preceded by notice duly published in the Hastings Tribune on Tuesday February 9, 2010, and by notices duly posted in the lobby of Hastings Utilities, 1228 North Denver Avenue, and the City Hall, 220 N. Hastings Avenue, and was therefore open to the public.

Present:  Anderson, Hunt, Shoemaker, Krieger, Dewalt
Also Present:  Mayor Vern Powers, Schultes, Meyer, Sanders, Cogley, Cox, Barfknecht, Goebel, Scherr, Phil Odom, Scott Kleeb (EPS), Mike Zimmerman (Hastings College), Casey Bellinghausen (Hastings College), Danielle Wright (Hastings College), Dale Christen, Patti Dierfeldt, Simeon Burns, Ron Sekora, Kevin Schawang

Chairman Anderson stated that the Board of Public Works is subject to the Open Meetings Laws and acknowledged that the Open Meetings Law poster has been posted in the room.

There were no public comments.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Shoemaker to approve the recommendation from Merit Award Committee to award a humanitarian merit award to employees for bloodmobile donations.  Patti Dierfeldt – 15 gallons, Dale Christen – 5 gallons, Lee Patitz – 5 gallons.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Shoemaker, Dewalt, Krieger, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.  Chairman Anderson distributed the awards to Dierfeldt and Christen.  Lee Patitz was not able to be present at the meeting. 

An update was given on the Agreement with Energy Pioneer Solutions (EPS). 

Kevin Schawang, Information Technology Supervisor, gave a presentation on GPS/GIS

Moved by Krieger, seconded by Dewalt, that the following items on the Consent Agenda be approved:

a.  Review, correction or approval of minutes of the January 28, 2010, meeting

b.  Review and approval of checks issued February 8, 2010 with the exception of claim 7888 to Gessford Machine Shop and claim 7957 to
     Sullivan, Shoemaker, Witt & Burns and claim 7972 to Phil Johnson & Associates, Inc.

c.  Review of payroll for period ending January 30, 2010

d.  Approval of the following work orders:

EL-157 Conversion from 2400Y/4160Y to 7970/13800Y – 5th Street to 7th Street, East Side Blvd. to 2nd 
             Avenue                                    
                                                                                                                               Estimated Cost:  $250,000

Roll Call:  Ayes; Krieger, Dewalt, Anderson, Hunt, Shoemaker.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Krieger to approve claim 7888 to Gessford Machine Shop in the amount of $292.69.  Roll Call:  Hunt, Krieger, Dewalt, Shoemaker.  Nays; None.  Anderson abstained.  Motion carried.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Dewalt. to approve claim 7957 to Sullivan, Shoemaker,Witt & Burns in the amount of $4,148.59.  Roll Call:  Hunt, Dewalt, Anderson, Krieger.  Nays; None.  Shoemaker abstained.  Motion carried.

Moved by Shoemaker, seconded by Dewalt, to approve claim 7972 to Phil Johnson & Associates in the amount of $1,530.64.  Roll Call:  Shoemaker, Dewalt, Anderson, Krieger.  Nays; None.  Hunt abstained.  Motion carried.

Al Meyer gave an update of PPGA Activities.

There was no executive session.

The meeting adjourned at 9:50 a.m.                  

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Board Meeting - January 28, 2010

A regular meeting of the Board of Public Works was held at the Hastings Utilities Board Room on Thursday, January 28, 2010, at 8:00 a.m.  This meeting was preceded by notice duly published in the Hastings Tribune on Tuesday, January 26, 2010, and by notices duly posted in the lobby of Hastings Utilities, 1228 North Denver Avenue, and the City Hall, 220 N. Hastings Avenue, and was therefore open to the public.

Present:  Anderson, Hunt, Shoemaker, Krieger, Dewalt
Also Present:  Schultes, Meyer, Sanders, Cogley, Cox, Barfknecht, Goebel, Scherr, Scott Kleeb (EPS) and Jim Fleek (Insurance Consultant)

Chairman Anderson stated that the Board of Public Works is subject to the Open Meetings Laws and acknowledged that the Open Meetings Law poster has been posted in the room.

There were no public comments.

An update was given on the Agreement with Energy Pioneer Solutions (EPS).  Many issues are yet to be resolved and the committee continues to work on those issues with EPS.  Scott Kleeb with EPS spoke briefly with the Board and stated that his company has the financial backing to begin the project as soon as an agreement is reached.  The Board will be updated again at the next meeting.

Jim Fleek, Hastings Utililties’ Insurance Consultant, gave an update on Hastings Utilities Insurance Coverage.  The Board suggested higher insurance for Fisher Fountain.

Moved by Shoemaker, seconded by Hunt, to approve the adoption of Resolution No. 2010-01 for Insurance Coverage for the Combined Utility Revenue Bonds, Series 2001, Combined Utility Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2003, and Combined Utility Revenue Bonds, Series 2006 and to approve the adoption of Resolution No. 2010-02 for Insurance Coverage for the Electric System Revenue Refunding

Bonds, Series 2001 and Electric System Revenue Bonds, Series 2004 and Series 2005.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Shoemaker, Hunt, Anderson, Dewalt, Krieger.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Krieger, that the following items on the Consent Agenda be approved:

a.  Review, correction or approval of minutes of the January 14, 2010, meeting

b.  Review and approval of checks issued January 25, 2010

c.  Approval of the following claims:

     - General Operating Fund against the Electric Fund – $2,107,868.75

     - General Operating Fund against the Combined Fund - $2,791,005.46

d.  Review of payroll for period ending January 16, 2010

e.  Approval of the following work orders:

       EL-156   Installation of a three-phase polemount transformer bank for a CPI Grain Drying
                               Building west of Prospect Ave., north of the BNSFRR tracks.                                                                                                                                                                   Estimated Cost:  $7,822

Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Krieger, Shoemaker, Dewalt, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Steve Cogley gave an update on the street lighting projects, including the use of LED lighting.  The Hastings Utilities website now shows where the new LED lighting is to be installed.  The LED lighting is on order and could take approximately 4-6 weeks for delivery and should be installed this spring.

Chairman Anderson showed the Board a new website called  vpike.com where you can zoom in on actual pictures of any public street in the United States.

A presentation on GPS/GIS will be given next meeting, as Kevin Schawang was not available this meeting.

Al Meyer gave an update of PPGA Activities and the minutes were reviewed.

Under miscellaneous and future agenda items, Chairman Anderson asked staff to check if the bill receptacle at the Police Station needs updating as he feels it is no longer weatherproof.

There was no executive session.

The meeting adjourned at 10:28 a.m.    

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Board Meeting - January 14, 2010

A regular meeting of the Board of Public Works was held at the Hastings Utilities Board Room on Thursday, January 14, 2010, at 8:00 a.m.  This meeting was preceded by notice duly published in the Hastings Tribune on Tuesday, January 12, 2010, and by notices duly posted in the lobby of Hastings Utilities, 1228 North Denver Avenue, and the City Hall, 220 N. Hastings Avenue, and was therefore open to the public.

Present:  Anderson, Hunt, Shoemaker, Krieger, Dewalt
Also Present:  Schultes, Meyer, Sanders, Stange, Cogley, Goebel, Odom, Scherr

Chairman Anderson stated that the Board of Public Works is subject to the Open Meetings Laws and acknowledged that the Open Meetings Law poster has been posted in the room.

There were no public comments.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Krieger, that the following items on the Consent Agenda be approved:

a.  Review, correction or approval of minutes of the December 30, 2009, meeting

b.  Review and approval of checks issued January 11, 2010, with the exception of claim 7706 to
     Sullivan Shoemaker Witt & Burns and claim 7721 to Phil Johnson & Associates, Inc.

c.  Review of payroll for period ending January 2, 2010

Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Krieger, Shoemaker, Dewalt, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Moved by Dewalt, seconded by Krieger, to approve claim 7706 to Sullivan Shoemaker Witt & Burns in the amount of $4,462.91.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Dewalt, Krieger, Anderson, Hunt.  Nays; None.  Shoemaker abstained.  Motion carried.

Moved by Krieger, seconded by Shoemaker, to approve claim 7721 to Phil Johnson & Associates, Inc. in the amount of $1,606.22.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Krieger, Shoemaker, Dewalt, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Hunt abstained.  Motion carried.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Shoemaker, to approve Amendment No. 14 for Water Pollution Control Facility (B.I. 4.05) with HDR, with an amended schedule, for an amount not to exceed $91,500.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Shoemaker, Anderson, Dewalt, Krieger.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Moved by Dewalt, seconded by Krieger, to approve Amendment No. 2 for Groundwater Modeling (B.I. 3.00) with HDR, for an amount not to exceed $74,892.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Dewalt, Krieger, Anderson, Hunt, Shoemaker.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Moved by Dewalt, seconded by Shoemaker, to approve Amendment No. 3 for Feasibility Study for New Water Treatment Facility (B.I. 3.00) with HDR, for an amount not to exceed $154,836.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Dewalt, Shoemaker, Hunt, Anderson, Krieger.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

The November 2009 Monthly Report was presented.

Al Meyer gave an update on PPGA activities.

Under Miscellaneous and Future Agenda Items, the Board requested an update on the agreement with Energy Pioneer Solutions at the next meeting.

There was no executive session.

The meeting adjourned at 10:15 a.m.    

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