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Board of Public Works
Meeting Minutes

 
 
 

BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
MEETINGS IN 2008

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 3

 

July 3

January 17

 

July 17

January 31

 

July 31

February 14

 

August 14

February 28

 

August 28

March 13

 

September 11

April 3

 

October 2

April 17

 

October 16

May 1

 

October 30

May 15

 

November 13

May 29

 

November 26 (Wed)

June 12

 

December 11


BOARD MEETING MINUTES

August 14, 2008 - regular meeting

July 31, 2008 - regular meeting

July 17, 2008 - regular meeting

July 3, 2008 - regular meeting

June 12, 2008 - regular meeting

May 29, 2008 - regular meeting

May 15, 2008 - regular meeting

May 1, 2008 - regular meeting

April 17, 2008 - regular meeting

April 3, 2008 - regular meeting

March 13, 2008 - regular meeting

February 28, 2008 - regular meeting

February 14, 2008 - regular meeting

February 6, 2008 - regular meeting

January 31, 2008 - regular meeting

January 17, 2008 - regular meeting

January 3, 2008 - regular meeting

December 13, 2007 - regular meeting

November 29, 2007 - regular meeting

November 15, 2007 - regular meeting

November 1, 2007 - regular meeting

October 11, 2007 - regular meeting

September 27, 2007 - regular meeting

September 13, 2007 - regular meeting

August 30, 2007 - regular meeting

August 16, 2007 - regular meeting


Board Meeting - August 14, 2008

A regular meeting of the Board of Public Works was held at the North Denver Station on Thursday, August 14, 2008,  at 8:00 a.m.  This meeting was preceded by notice duly published in the Hastings Tribune on Tuesday, August 12, 2008, and by notices duly posted in the lobby of the Power Plant Building, 1228 North Denver Avenue, and the City Hall, 220 N. Hastings Avenue, and was therefore open to the public.

Present:  Anderson, Hunt, Schlachter, Shoemaker
Absent:  Poppe
Also Present:  Schultes, Meyer, Cogley, Scherr, Goebel, Kully, Mayor Rossen and guests Charles Richardson and Clark Haberman

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.

Clark Haberman asked about the nitrate article in the August 13, 2008, Hastings Tribune.  Chairman Anderson answered that the well in the article, which was well 27, is located just west of North Shore Drive and Baltimore Avenue.

Steve Cogley gave a presentation on the Incentives on Underground Sprinkler Rain Sensor Rebate Program.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Schlachter, to implement the program for Incentives for Underground Sprinkler Rain Sensor Rebates for new and old sprinkler systems starting August 1, 2008, and to amend the program to state sensor be set at ¼” or less.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Schlachter, Shoemaker, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

The June 2008 Monthly Report was presented and discussed.

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

A discussion was held on the fluoridation issue.  Shoemaker would like the wording on the ballet to include the fluoridation be implemented when central treatment occurs if voting in favor of fluoridation.  Other board members felt the issue should not be tied to central treatment.

Moved by Shoemaker, seconded by Hunt, to support the proposed change to the ballot language that a mandate to implement fluoridation be conditional upon a treatment program for nitrates in the Hastings Utilities’ water system.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Shoemaker, Hunt, Anderson, Schlachter.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

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

            a.  Review, correction or approval of minutes of July 31, 2008, meeting

            b.  Review and approval of checks issued August 11, 2008, with the exception of claim number

     02525 to Helmann & Sullivan, PC.

c.  Review of payroll for period ending August 2, 2008

            d.  Approval of the following work orders:

                        EL-105   Installation of a three-phase underground electric line and padmount
                                       transformer to serve Nebraska Crane Rental’s new location at 406
                                       East J St.                                                                                                                                                    Estimated Cost:  $11,965

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

Moved by Schlachter, seconded by Hunt, to approve claim number 02525 to Helmann & Sullivan, P.C. in the amount of $345.00.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Schlachter, Hunt, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Shoemaker abstained.  Motion carried.

There were no miscellaneous and future agenda items.

Moved by Shoemaker, seconded by Schlachter, that this Board of Public Works 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.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Shoemaker, Schlachter, Anderson, Hunt.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

The meeting closed to the public at 10:31 a.m.  The Executive Session included Board members Anderson, Schlachter, Shoemaker and Hunt, Council Liaisons Goebel and Kully, Board’s Legal Counsel and the Manager.   Hunt left during the Executive Session at 11:15 a.m.

Moved by Schlachter, seconded by Shoemaker, that the meeting be reopened to the public at 11:20 a.m. and that no decisions were made nor official actions taken during said Closed Session.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Schlachter, Shoemaker, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 11:20 a.m.                


Board Meeting - July 31, 2008

A regular meeting of the Board of Public Works was held at the North Denver Station on Thursday, July 31, 2008,  at 8:00 a.m.  This meeting was preceded by notice duly published in the Hastings Tribune on Wednesday, July 30, 2008, and by notices duly posted in the lobby of the Power Plant Building, 1228 North Denver Avenue, and the City Hall, 220 N. Hastings Avenue, and was therefore open to the public.

Present:  Anderson, Hunt, Poppe, Schlachter, Shoemaker
Also Present:  Schultes, Meyer, Sanders, Stange, Cogley, Scherr, Goebel, Kully, and Mayor Rossen

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, that upon the recommendation from the Merit Award Committee, to award a Humanitarian Merit Award to Brian Kranau and Norm Kirschner for their accumulated blood donations to the Red Cross Bloodmobile.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Shoemaker, Pope, Anderson, Schlachter.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Moved by Shoemaker, seconded by Poppe, that upon the recommendation from the Merit Award Committee, to award a TeamWork Merit Award and Reception to the Water Department and Engineering Department for their hard work on the Trumbull water line.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Shoemaker, Poppe, Anderson, Hunt, Schlachter.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Steve Scherr gave an update on the forest land purchase.  Upon approval of check 02427 on this meeting’s claims list, the property will be transferred to Hastings Utilities.  The property will be maintained by WEC-1 staff.  The Board recommended having signage placed on the property, along with fence repair and new locks installed.

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

A discussion took place on possible future water supply areas as requested by the Board.  The 1996 Water Supply Study completed by HDR Engineering had identified possible future water supply areas.

Moved by Schlachter, seconded by Poppe, that the following items on the Consent Agenda be approved:

            a.  Review, correction or approval of minutes of July 17, 2008, meeting

            b.  Review and approval of checks issued August 11, 2008, with the exception of claim number

                 02434 to Westland Building Co.

            c.  Approval of the following claims:

     - General Operating Fund against the Electric Fund – $3,359,082.36

     - General Operating Fund against the Combined Fund - $2,084,820.67

d.  Review of payroll for period ending July 19, 2008

            e.  Approval of the following work orders:

                   EL-104    Installation of a three-phase underground line and padmount transformer
                                   to serve the new Airgas building at 101 East J St. (northeast corner
                                   of Wabash Ave. and Hwy. 6)                                                            
                                                                                                                   Estimated Cost:  $12,195

Roll Call:  Ayes; Schlachter, Poppe, Shoemaker, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Hunt abstained.  Motion carried.

Moved by Schlachter, seconded by Poppe, to approve claim number 02434 to Westland Building Co. in the amount of $28,449.18.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Schlachter, Poppe, Anderson, Shoemaker.  Nays; None.  Hunt abstained.  Motion carried.

There were no miscellaneous and future agenda items to discuss.

There was no executive session.

The meeting adjourned at 10:22 a.m.                

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Board Meeting - July 17, 2008

A regular meeting of the Board of Public Works was held at the North Denver Station on Thursday, July 17, 2008,  at 8:00 a.m.  This meeting was preceded by notice duly published in the Hastings Tribune on Tuesday, July 15, 2008, and by notices duly posted in the lobby of the Power Plant Building, 1228 North Denver Avenue, and the City Hall, 220 N. Hastings Avenue, and was therefore open to the public.

Present:  Anderson, Hunt, Poppe, Schlachter
Absent:  Shoemaker
Also Present:  Schultes, Meyer, Sanders, Cogley, Scherr, Goebel, Kully, Mayor Rossen, and Citizen Clark Haberman

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 Poppe, to enter into contract with McDermott & Miller to perform the 2008, 2009 and 2010 Hastings Utilities’ audits in accordance with their proposal.    Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Poppe, Schlachter, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Steve Cogley gave a presentation on water saving devices which included rain sensors on underground sprinkling systems, high efficiency flushing toilets, and high efficiency washing machines.  The Board was interested in all of these water saving ideas and directed staff to draft an incentive program for their review.

Moved by Poppe, seconded by Schlachter, to draft an incentive program to install rain sensors on residential and commercial underground sprinkling systems effective August 1, 2008, and to bring the program back to the Board for final review.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Poppe, Schlachter, Anderson, Hunt.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

A Manual for Engineers and Technicians on Water Fluoridation prepared by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services was distributed to the Board for their information.

A discussion took place on the street lighting on Burlington Avenue, 7th Street to 9th Street.  There has been no further communication on funding at this time.  Staff will visit with Elizabeth Spilinek to see if any funding options have become available. 

Steve Scherr reported that the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment “ESA” on the forest land has been completed and has been given a clean bill of health.  The next step is requesting an invoice be sent so that Hastings Utilities can pay for the property and the property transfer can occur.

A discussion took place on Hastings Utilities’ marketing process.  There is no written policy on marketing, and in the past, staff has used their own judgment where best to use marketing dollars.  A majority of the Board felt this should be left to the staff to decide what is the best use of the funds.  No change was recommended at this time, however, they felt that any chance to get the word out on the PPGA project would be helpful to the community.

Al Meyer gave a review of PPGA activities and the minutes of the PPGA Board meetings were reviewed. 

The May 2008 Monthly Report was presented.

Moved by Poppe, seconded by Schlachter, that the following items on the Consent Agenda be approved:

a.   Review, correction or approval of minutes of July 3, 2008, meeting

            b.  Review and approval of checks issued July 14, 2008, with the exception of claim number
                02230 to Helmann & Sullivan, PC and claim number 02306 to Westland Building Co., Inc.

c.  Review of payroll for period ending July 5, 2008

            d.  Approval of the following work orders:

                        EL-100   Installation of a 3-phase overhead transformer bank to serve an irrigation well
                                       on 26th St. 1/8 mile west of North Elm Ave.  
                                                                                                                   Estimated Cost:  $  2,400

EL-101   Installation of a three-phase underground electric line and padmount            
               transformer  to serve the new HU Well No. 34 on Highland Rd.
               ½ mile north of 12th St.                              
                                                                                           Estimated Cost:  $17,040

                        EL-102   Installation of a three-phase underground electric line and padmount
                                       transformer  to serve the new HU Well No. 35 on Highland  Rd.
                                       3/8 mile north of 12th St.
                                                                                                                  Estimated Cost:  $23,530

GA-237  New 2” PE gas main on South St. (Hwy. 6), 1831 E. South St. to the east 100’; and Showboat Rd., South St. south approx. 700’.     
                                                                           Estimated Cost:  $24,271

GA-238  New 4” PE gas main on Lochland Rd. East, 1st Ave. east 500’.        
                                                                            Estimated Cost:  $13,696

     SL-43    Installation of 31 – 400W High Pressure Sodium Street Lights on Hwy. 281, Kansas Ave. to 42nd St.                                        
                                                                            Estimated Cost:  $85,719

Roll Call:  Ayes; Poppe, Schlachter, Hunt, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Moved by Schlachter, seconded by Poppe, to approve claim number 02230 to Helmann & Sullivan, P.C. in the amount of $1,635.00.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Schlachter, Poppe, Anderson, Hunt.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Moved by Poppe, seconded by Schlachter, to approve claim number 02306 to Westland Building Co., Inc. in the amount of $565.95.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Poppe, Schlachter, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Hunt abstained.  Motion carried.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Schlachter, that this Board of Public Works 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.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Schlachter, Anderson, Poppe.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

The meeting closed to the public at 10:28 a.m.  The Executive Session included Board members Anderson, Schlachter, Poppe, and Hunt, Council Liaisons Goebel and Kully, Board’s Legal Counsel and the Manager. 

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Poppe, that the meeting be reopened to the public at 10:42 a.m. and that no decisions were made nor official actions taken during said Closed Session.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Poppe, Anderson, Schlachter.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 10:42 a.m.                

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Board Meeting - July 3, 2008

A regular meeting of the Board of Public Works was held at the North Denver Station on Thursday, July 3, 2008,  at 8:00 a.m.  This meeting was preceded by notice duly published in the Hastings Tribune on Tuesday, July 1, 2008, and by notices duly posted in the lobby of the Power Plant Building, 1228 North Denver Avenue, and the City Hall, 220 N. Hastings Avenue, and was therefore open to the public.

Present:  Anderson, Hunt, Shoemaker, Poppe, Schlachter

Also Present:  Schultes, Sanders, Stange, Cogley, Scherr, Goebel, Kully, and Guests Clark Haberman, Charles Richardson, and Mike and Becky Carey

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 customer comments, Clark Haberman handed out information to the Board.

Mike and Becky Carey spoke in protest of the procedures leading up to the creation of a water district in March 2005 and the need for them to connect to city water.  They would like the October 2005 fully executed water connection agreement between Hastings Utilities and them to be cancelled.

Charles Richardson asked if the PPGA meetings are public meeting.  Board Chairman Anderson said they were public meetings.

Moved by Poppe, seconded by Schlachter, that the following items on the Consent Agenda be approved:

            a.  Review, correction or approval of minutes of June 12, 2008, meeting

            b.  Review and approval of checks issued June 30, 2008, with the exception of claim number

     02160 to Westland Building Co., Inc.

            c.  Approval of the following claims:

     - General Operating Fund against the Electric Fund – $2,156,034.64

     - General Operating Fund against the Combined Fund - $2,797,702.37

d.  Review of payroll for period ending June 21, 2008

            e.  Approval of the following work orders:

                        EL-96      Installation of a three-phase underground electric line and padmount
                                        transformer to serve a new chiller addition to the Platte Building at CCC.

                                                                                                            Estimated Cost:  $     19,877

                        EL-97      Rebuild existing single-phase overhead line to three-phase and install new
                                        three-phase transformer bank to serve a shop building at 2150
                                        North 2nd Ave.
                                                                                                            Estimated Cost:  $     17,423

                        EL-98      Relocation of poles along South Shore Dr. for the paving replacement project.

                                                                                                            Estimated Cost:  $     19,907

                        EL-99      Installation of a three-phase overhead electric service to a new out building at
                                        5680 North 1st Ave.                                    
                                                                                                            Estimated Cost:  $       2,109

                        GA-233   New 2” PE gas main on South Shore Dr., Burlington Ave. to
                                        Osborne Dr. West      
                                                                                                            Estimated Cost:  $   146,070

                        GA-235   Lowering of 8” steel wrapped gas main on Baltimore Ave. at Madden Rd.

                                                                                                            Estimated Cost:  $     11,202

SW-258   New 27” KHAS Outfall Sewer on the Old UPRR ROW from 42nd St. to
                 KHAS-TV (Hwy. 281)                               
                                                                                    Estimated Cost;  $1,113,896

                        SW-263   New 8” PVC sanitary sewer main to serve Lochland Meadows No. 7; Fox
                                         Run St. to the north 580 ft. on Quail Ridge Ave.                                                                                                                                                   Estimated Cost:  $              0

                        SW-265   New 8” PVC sanitary sewer main to serve Emerson Ave., A St. to B St.

                                                                                                            Estimated Cost:  $     27,561

                        WA-238  New 8” water main to serve Lochland Meadows No. 7, from Fox Run St. to
                                        the  north 580 ft. on Quail Ridge Ave.                 
                                                                                                            Estimated Cost:  $              0

                        f.  Approval of the following Real Estate Improvement Contracts:

                        SDS-2 2008-2 with Johnson Imperial Home Co. of Hastings
                        WDS-2  2008-3 with Johnson Imperial Home Co. of Hastings

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

Moved by Schlachter, seconded by Shoemaker, to approve claim number 02160 to Westland Building Co., Inc. in the amount of $40,798.59.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Schlachter, Shoemaker, Poppe, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Hunt abstained.  Motion carried.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Poppe, to write off uncollectible accounts for accounting purposes only in the amount of $23,571.93, and that staff be instructed to continue collection efforts on these accounts.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Poppe, Anderson, Shoemaker, Schlachter.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Schlachter, that upon the recommendation from staff, to award a contract to Van Kirk Brothers Contracting, Sutton, Nebraska, for 2008 Water and Sewer Main Improvement Contract (HU 2008-05 IC-21), in the amount of $977,723.87, and that the Chairman of the Board be authorized to sign the contract.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Schlachter, Shoemaker, Anderson, Poppe.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Moved by Shoemaker, seconded by Schlachter, to approve an Amendment 13 with HDR Engineering for Proposed NPDES Permit Compliance Evaluation for an amount not to exceed $34,310.00.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Shoemaker, Schlachter, Hunt, Poppe, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

The Board discussed the events leading up to the signing of a Water Connection Agreement with Michael J. and Rebecca L. Carey.  Also discussed was the language in Section 2E stating the consequences of non-payment of the agreement, which can include shut off of utilities.

Moved by Anderson, seconded by Hunt, to decline action on the request to cancel the water connection agreement with Mike and Rebecca Carey and to initiate action on Item 2E of the agreement on August 1, 2008.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Anderson, Hunt, Shoemaker, Schlachter, Poppe.  Nays; None.  Motion carried. 

Discussion was held on the usage of utility properties.  The revenue from the rent versus revenue for CRP grassland was discussed, along with the hold harmless clause in the lease.   The airport property in the wellfield area is one area that may be eligible for CRP and may make sense to plant grass and alleviate the need for fertilizer, which will help protect the groundwater.  Liaisons will check with the council to find out if the city property abutting this property could be put into grassland also.  Staff was also asked to compile more information on the CRP Program.

Steve Scherr gave an update on the forest land purchase.  The environmental assessment has not been completed at this time. 

Discussion of Hastings Utilities’ Marketing Process will be postponed to the next meeting.

The Board discussed the fluoridation issue.  Chuck Shoemaker would like to make public the plan for implementation of the fluoridation, so that the health issue can be considered as well as the economic issue while deciding whether to vote for or against fluoridation.  The Board will discuss this item at their next meeting.

Poppe and Hunt left the meeting at 10:30 a.m.

The April 2008 Monthly Report was presented and discussed.

Keith Leonhardt gave an update of PPGA Activities and the minutes were reviewed.

There were no items to discuss under Miscellaneous and Future Agenda Items.

Moved by Schlachter, seconded by Shoemaker, that this Board of Public Works 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.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Schlachter, Shoemaker, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

The meeting closed to the public at 11:18 a.m.  The Executive Session included Board members Anderson, Schlachter, Shoemaker, Council Liaison Goebel, Board’s Legal Counsel and the Manager. 

Moved by Shoemaker, seconded by Schlachter, that the meeting be reopened to the public at 11:35 a.m. and that no decisions were made nor official actions taken during said Closed Session.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Schlachter, Schlachter, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 11:35 a.m.                

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Board Meeting - June 12, 2008

A regular meeting of the Board of Public Works was held at the North Denver Station on Thursday, June 12, 2008,  at 8:00 a.m.  This meeting was preceded by notice duly published in the Hastings Tribune on Tuesday, June 10, 2008, and by notices duly posted in the lobby of the Power Plant Building, 1228 North Denver Avenue, and the City Hall, 220 N. Hastings Avenue, and was therefore open to the public.

Present:  Anderson, Hunt, Shoemaker, Poppe, Schlachter

Also Present:  Schultes, Meyer, Cox, Cogley, Sekora, Struss, Scherr, Goebel, Mayor Rossen, and Guests Kathy Peterson, Shannan Daly, Sean Daly, Tim Zimmerman, David Schram, Clark Haberman, Charles Richardson, Robin Vodehnal, and Bill Leung and Billy Cutsor from NMPP/MEAN

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 customer comments, Clark Haberman asked further questions as a follow up to his previous letter.  Charles Richardson asked the Board about Hastings’ need for the new power plant since residents are learning and practicing conservation.  Chairman Anderson answered both gentlemen’s questions.

Discussion was had on the utility services to the Prairie Hills Addition.  Three options for placement of the sanitary sewer in these properties were discussed with the most logical option (Option 2) being chosen.  Developers Tim Zimmerman, David Schram, and Sean and Shannan Daly were asking for a share cost on the project.  Marv Schultes said that it is a developer cost and they would have to negotiate any cost sharing with the other developer in that area.  Mr. Schram stated that they would still like to have a new plat drawn up showing the street in a different location.  Mr. Daly wasn’t sure about the new plan.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Poppe, to accept the proposed plan of Hastings Utilities to provide sanitary sewer service to Prairie Hills Addition using Option 2, based on the existing approved plat.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Poppe, Shoemaker, Schlachter, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Bill Leung and Billy Joe Cutsor from NMPP/MEAN gave a presentation on wind power.  Their presentation included their background in wind power, their wind resources, challenges and lessons learned, and their future direction.  NMPP/MEAN currently provides the wind power to Hastings Utilities from the Kimball Wind Farm.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Poppe, to accept the proposal of McDermott-Miller to perform the 2008 annual audit.  Hunt withdrew his motion and Poppe withdrew his second.

Moved by Anderson, seconded by Hunt, for staff to get proposals from several qualified firms to do the 2008 annual audit.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Anderson, Hunt, Poppe, Shoemaker, Schlachter.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Al Meyer gave a report on the June 4, 2008, windstorm.  The wind caused a considerable amount of damage including damage to the 115 KV transmission line to the Whelan Energy Center.  Line crews responded immediately to restore power and repair the damage. 

Steve Scherr updated the Board on the forest land purchase.  An environmental site assessment is underway.

The discussion on Hastings Utilities’ marketing process was postponed to the next meeting.

Marv Schultes stated that the Review of Exempt from City Service Evaluations should be done in Executive Session when the Board is ready to do this.

Al Meyer gave a review of PPGA activities and the minutes of the PPGA Board meetings were reviewed. 

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

a.  Review, correction or approval of minutes of May 29, 2008, meeting

          b.  Review and approval of checks issued June 9, 2008, with the exception of claim number
               01917 to Helmann & Sullivan, P.C., claim number 01981 to Westland Building Co., Inc., and
               claim number 01990 to Phil Johnson & Associates, Inc.

c.  Review of payroll for period ending June 7, 2008

         d.  Approval of the following work orders:

                  EL-95     New three-phase overhead transformer bank to serve a new irrigation well and
                                 pivot  in Section 28, Township 8 North, Range 9 West, ½ mile west of Blaine
                                 Ave., south  side of 58th St. (Lochland Rd.)                                        
                                                                                                                     Estimated Cost:  $   2,820

                 GA-230  Replacement of 4” MP gas main on South St., Laird Ave. to Woodland Ave.;
                                Woodland Ave., South St. to B St.; and B St., Woodland Ave. to Emerson Ave.; 
                                and replacement 2” MP gas main on Keystone Ave., B St. north 330’; Queen City
                                and Maple Ave., B St. to D St.; and D St. Queen City to Maple Ave.                                                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                    Estimated Cost:  $236,355

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

Moved by Schlachter, seconded by Hunt, to approve claim number 01917 to Helmann & Sullivan, P.C., in the amount of $480.00.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Schlachter, Hunt, Anderson, Poppe.  Nays; None.  Shoemaker abstained.  Motion carried.

Moved by Schlachter, seconded by Poppe, to approve claim number 01982 to Westland Building Co, Inc. in the amount of $77,767.31 and claim number 01190 to Phil Johnson & Associates, Inc. in the amount of $416.85.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Schlachter, Poppe, Shoemaker, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Hunt abstained.  Motion carried.

Under miscellaneous and future agenda items (Discussion of Usage of Utility Properties), the Board would like to discuss the possibility of planting CRP grass on the wellfield land by the airport that is currently leased.  This item will be on the next board agenda.

Moved by Schlachter, seconded by Shoemaker, that this Board of Public Works 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.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Schlachter, Shoemaker, Poppe, Hunt, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

The meeting closed to the public at 11:20 a.m.  The Executive Session included the Board, Council Liaison Goebel, Board’s Legal Counsel and the Manager.  Mayor Rossen had left before the executive session.

Moved by Schlachter, seconded by Poppe, that the meeting be reopened to the public at 11:24 a.m. and that no decisions were made nor official actions taken during said Closed Session.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Schlachter, Poppe, Hunt, Anderson, Shoemaker.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 11:24 a.m.              

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Board Meeting - May 29, 2008

A regular meeting of the Board of Public Works was held at the North Denver Station on Thursday, May 29, 2008,  at 8:00 a.m.  This meeting was preceded by notice duly published in the Hastings Tribune on Tuesday, May 27, 2008, and by notices duly posted in the lobby of the Power Plant Building, 1228 North Denver Avenue, and the City Hall, 220 N. Hastings Avenue, and was therefore open to the public.

Present:  Anderson, Hunt, Shoemaker, Poppe, Schlachter

Also Present:  Schultes, Leonhardt, Cogley, DeTour, Struss, Sekora, Sanders, Stange, Goebel, Mayor Rossen, Scherr, and Guests Robin Vodehnal, Clark Haberman, Charles Richardson, Ramona Bredthauer, Timothy Zimmerman, and Michele Bever

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 customer comments, Clark Haberman gave a handout to the Board which included a follow up to his May 15th memorandum, and a copy of a letter he sent to the U.S. Army Engineering District in Kansas City.

Charles Richardson asked if the minutes of the PPGA were available to the general public.

Timothy Zimmerman stated a concern with getting sanitary sewer to the new Prairie Hills Addition.  He stated that the new plans which seem the most feasible for all parties involved will cost developers of the Prairie Hills Addition more than they expected.  Staff will visit with Dave Wacker to determine why the plan for the road was changed and will look further at the feasibility and costs of running sanitary sewer to the front of the property, the middle and the rear of the lots of the property.  The item will be on the next Board agenda for discussion.

Marty Stange gave a presentation on the challenges and costs of adding fluoride to the Hastings water supply. 

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Schlachter, to forward the fluoride treatment cost estimate to the Mayor and City Council and give the presentation at their meeting.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Schlachter, Shoemaker, Poppe, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Marv Schultes gave a presentation on the partial assignment of resources from WEC-II with Heartland Consumer Power District (HCPD) and the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska (MEAN).

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Shoemaker, to approve an agreement for Partial Assignment of Resources with Heartland Consumer Power District (HCPD).  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Shoemaker, Anderson, Poppe, Schlachter.  Nays; None.  Motion carried. 

Moved by Poppe, seconded by Hunt, to approve an agreement for Partial Assignment of Resources with the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska (MEAN).  Roll Call:  Ayes; Poppe, Hunt, Shoemaker, Schlachter, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Schlachter, to accept the bid from Dan Schmidt & Associates, Inc., Ontario, Canada, in the amount of $32,600.00 as the lowest and best bid to perform a gap analysis and a mock audit to assure Hastings Utilities’ compliance with the reliability standards approved by NERC as per the Energy Policy Act of 2005.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Schlachter, Shoemaker, Poppe, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

An All Hazards Mitigation Plan is now required as part of the new Federal Emergency Management Agenda (FEMA) regulations in order for any local governmental entity to receive funding for pre-hazard mitigation projects or post-hazard cleanup or damage repair. 

Moved by Poppe, seconded by Schlachter, to approve Resolution No. 2008-04, participating in the proposed All Hazards Mitigation Planning process to meet the new FEMA regulations.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Poppe, Schlachter, Hunt, Anderson, Shoemaker.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Steve Scherr gave an update on the purchase of the Forest Land on East Highway 6.  The City’s Environmental Attorney, Mike Sullivan, recommends that the Board obtain a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment “ESA” on the property prior to closing.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Schlachter, to obtain a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment “ESA” Audit on the Forest Land as recommended by Legal Counsel.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Schlachter, Anderson, Shoemaker, Poppe.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

The February 2008 Monthly Report was presented and discussed.

Keith Leonhardt gave an update on PPGA activities.  There were no PPGA meeting minutes to review.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Schlachter, to provide a copy of the Hastings Utilities’ and PPGA meeting minutes at no charge at the Manager’s discretion.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Schlachter, Shoemaker, Poppe, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Moved by Schlachter, seconded by Poppe, that the following items on the Consent Agenda be approved:

  a.  Review, correction or approval of minutes of May 15, 2008, meeting. 
                 Corrections – the
meeting was held at the North Denver Station, and Hunt abstained
                 on the Westland Building

       Co., Inc. and Phil Johnson & Associates, Inc. claims.

            b.  Review and approval of checks issued May 26, 2008

            c.  Approval of the following claims:

     - General Operating Fund against the Electric Fund – $1,705,872.95

     - General Operating Fund against the Combined Fund - $2,409,653.75

     - City of Hastings against the Combined Fund (Resolution No. 1344) - $485,155.00

  d.  Review of payroll for period ending May 24, 2008

            e.  Approval of the following work orders:

                 EL-93  Installation of a three-phase overhead transformer bank for Kully’s renovation of an
                             existing building at 411 West South St.                    
                                                                                                                     Estimated Cost:  $8,870

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

Under Miscellaneous and Future Agenda Items, the Board asked staff to respond to Mr. Haberman’s questions as presented in a memorandum at the May 15th Board meeting.  Staff will respond per the Board’s request. 

Councilman Hunt asked the Board to consider sponsoring a Hastings Utilities’ booth at the County Fair.  Board members felt that the marketing process should be discussed at the next meeting.

There was no executive session.

The meeting adjourned at 11:31 a.m.              

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Board Meeting - May 15, 2008

A regular meeting of the Board of Public Works was held at the North Denver Station on Thursday, May 15, 2008,  at 8:00 a.m.  This meeting was preceded by notice duly published in the Hastings Tribune on Tuesday, May 13, 2008, and by notices duly posted in the lobby of the Power Plant Building, 1228 North Denver Avenue, and the City Hall, 220 N. Hastings Avenue, and was therefore open to the public.

Present:  Anderson, Hunt, Shoemaker, Poppe, Schlachter

Also Present:  Schultes, Meyer, Sanders, Zeisler, Pobanz, Cox, Sekora, Cogley, Kully, Goebel, Scherr, Mayor Rossen, and Guests Dave Buchholz, Bill Hitesman, Dan Schwartzkopf, Robin Vodehnal, Clark Haberman, Tom Hastings, Randy Chick, Eldon Orthmann, Charles Richardson, and Mike Wassenger from 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.

There were no customer comments.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Shoemaker, to award an Outstanding Performance Merit Award to Don Pobanz for his accomplishments since joining Hastings Utilities.  Don has resigned his position to join the seminary.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Shoemaker, Poppe, Schlachter, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Dave Buchholz gave a presentation on a consumer survey conducted by the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce.  The survey gave the Chamber ideas on further marketing of the Hastings retail businesses.  The Board thanked the Chamber and it’s volunteers for their hard work.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Poppe, to approve an agreement with the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce Agreement for an amount of $25,000 for the year 2008.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Poppe, Shoemaker, Schlachter, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Schlachter, that upon the recommendation from staff, to award a contract for Phase II of the Cooling Tower Rebuild at WEC Unit 1, B.I. #2.01, to Midwest Towers, Inc., Blue Springs, Missouri, for a total cost of $312,207.00, and that the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to enter into contract with said company accordingly.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Schlachter, Poppe, Anderson, Shoemaker.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Discussion was held on the cleaning services contract at Hastings Utilities.  Staff will accept proposals until July 1st from interested cleaning companies to do the cleaning services. 

Mike Wassenger of McDermott Miller presented the 2007 Hastings Utilities Audit.  A clean audit was issued.

Don Cox gave a presentation on Wholesale Natural Gas Prices, Purchase Gas Adjustment (PGA) and Fuel Adjustment Charge (FAC).  He reported that natural gas prices are very high, similar to oil prices, and would like customers of Hastings Utilities to prepare for high heating bills this winter.

Steve Scherr updated the Board on the status of the land purchase from U.S. Forest.

Al Meyer gave a brief update on PPGA activities.  The minutes of the PPGA meetings were reviewed.

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

            a.  Review, correction or approval of minutes of May 1, 2008, meeting

            b.  Review and approval of checks issued May 12, 2008, excluding claim number 01740 to   
                 Westland Building Co., Inc. and claim number 01750 to Phil Johnson & Associates, Inc.

            c.  Review of payroll for period ending May 10, 2008

            d.  Approval of the following work orders:

                        PL-634   Phase II of cooling tower rebuild at WEC Unit 1.      
                                                                                                            Estimated Cost:  $354,320

                        El-78      Conversion from 4.16 KV to 13.8 KV in the alley between 1st St. and 2nd
                                       St.,  Burlington Ave. to Minnesota Ave.                            
                                                                                                               Estimated Cost:  $984,270

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

Moved by Poppe, seconded by Schlachter, to approve claim number 01740 to Westland Building Co., Inc.  in the amount of $24,990.30 and claim number 01750 to Phil Johnson & Associates, Inc. in the amount of $308.02.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Poppe, Schlachter, Shoemaker, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Hunt Abstained.  Motion carried.

Under miscellaneous and future agenda items, Marv Schultes stated that Ron Sanders was planning to attend the “All Hazards Mitigation Planning as Related to FEMA” meeting. 

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Schlachter, that this Board of Public Works go into Closed Session, which Closed Session is clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest and for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation on an individual, which individual has not requested a public meeting, in order to discuss certain matters relating to personnel and that said Closed Session will consist of a strategy session relative to energy supply negotiations.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Schlachter, Anderson, Poppe, Shoemaker.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

The meeting closed to the public at 11:00 a.m.  The Executive Session included the Board, Council Liaisons, Board’s Legal Counsel and the Manager.  Mayor Rossen had left before the executive session.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Schlachter, that the meeting be reopened to the public at 11:19 a.m. and that no decisions were made nor official actions taken during said Closed Session.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Schlachter, Shoemaker, Poppe, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 11:19 a.m.

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Board Meeting - May 1, 2008

A regular meeting of the Board of Public Works was held at the Whelan Energy Center on Thursday, May 1, 2008,  at 8:00 a.m.  This meeting was preceded by notice duly published in the Hastings Tribune on Tuesday, April 29, 2008, and by notices duly posted in the lobby of the Power Plant Building, 1228 North Denver Avenue, and the City Hall, 220 N. Hastings Avenue, and was therefore open to the public.

Present:  Anderson, Hunt, Shoemaker, Poppe
Absent:  Schlachter
Also Present:  Schultes, Sanders, Cogley, Vrooman, Belau, Kully, Goebel, Scherr, and Thomas Lee from Black & Veatch

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 customer comments.

Moved by Shoemaker, seconded by Poppe, to approve Change Order Number 1 to ERU Building HVAC Modifications at Pollution Control Facility with Rutt’s Heating & Air Conditioning, Hastings, Nebraska, for a net addition of $10,186.00, and that the Chairman of the Board be authorized to sign.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Shoemaker, Poppe, Hunt, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

A discussion was held on the usage of the 90 acres wellfield property adjacent to Hastings Airport.  The Board decided to have further discussion at a meeting in June to include other properties including possibly the airport land. 

The January 2008 Monthly Report was presented and discussed.

Moved by Poppe, seconded by Hunt,  to authorize the transfer of $5,000,000 in accordance with staff recommendation from the Electric Rate Stabilization Fund to the Electric Revenue Fund.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Poppe, Hunt, Anderson, Shoemaker.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

Lee Vrooman gave a presentation on the PPGA activities and the minutes were reviewed.  Thomas Lee of Black & Veatch gave an informative presentation on the safety issues planned for the construction site.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Poppe, that the following items on the Consent Agenda be approved;

            a.  Review, correction or approval of minutes of April 17, 2008, meeting

            b.  Review and approval of checks issued April 28, 2008, excluding claim number 01585 to  
                 Westland Bldg. Corp.

            c.  Approval of the following claims:

            - General Operating Fund against the Electric Fund – $2,383,058.25

            - General Operating Fund against the Combined Fund - $2,618,505.74

            - Increase the General Operating Fund - $4,500,000   

            d.  Review of payroll for period ending April 26, 2008

            e.  Approval of the following work orders:

EL-89      Installation of three-phase overhead and underground electric line from North
                Denver Station switchgear.                           
                                                                                    Estimated Cost:  33,399

                        EL-90      Installation of a single-phase overhead electric line and polemount transformer
                                        to serve Island Supply Welding’s new location at 409 West J St.                  

Estimated Cost:  $12,219 

                        GA-228   New 4” PE gas main on 7th St., Bellevue Ave. to Lexington Ave.; on the east
                                        side of Lexington Ave., 7th St. north 185’; then east to Burlington Ave. in an
                                       easement, and on 7th St., Lincoln Ave. to Hastings Ave.
                                                                                                            Estimated Cost:  $78,800

                        GA-232   New 1-1/4” PE 3408 gas main on easement north of Crane Circle Dr.

                                                                                                            Estimated Cost:  $10,513

                        WA-236   Replacement of inoperable fire hydrants in the water system.

                                                                                                            Estimated Cost:  $27,499

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

Moved by Shoemaker, seconded by Poppe, to approve claim number 01585 to Westland Bldg. Corp. in the amount of $339.96.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Shoemaker, Poppe, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Hunt abstained.  Motion carried.

There were no new miscellaneous and future agenda items.

Moved by Hunt, seconded by Shoemaker, that this Board of Public Works go into Closed Session, which Closed Session is clearly necessary for the protection of the public interest and for the prevention of needless injury to the reputation on an individual, which individual has not requested a public meeting, in order to discuss certain matters relating to personnel and that said Closed Session will consist of a strategy session relative to energy supply negotiations.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Hunt, Shoemaker, Poppe, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

The meeting closed to the public at 10:34 a.m.  The Executive Session included the Board, Council Liaisons, Board’s Legal Counsel and the Manager.  Kully left during the executive session.

Moved by Poppe, seconded by Hunt, that the meeting be reopened to the public at 11:20 a.m. and that no decisions were made nor official actions taken during said Closed Session.  Roll Call:  Ayes; Poppe, Hunt, Shoemaker, Anderson.  Nays; None.  Motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 11:20 a.m.

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Board Meeting - April 17, 2008

A regular meeting of the Board of Public Works was held at the North Denver Station Board Room on Thursday, April 17, 2008,  at 8:00 a.m.  This meeting was preceded by notice duly published in the Hastings Tribune on Tuesday, April 15, 2008, and by notices duly posted in the lobby of the Power Plant Building, 1228 North Denver Avenue, and the City Hall, 220 N. Hastings Avenue, and was therefore open to the public.

Present:  Anderson, Hunt, Shoemaker, Poppe
Absent:  Schlachter
Also Present:  Schultes, Meyer, Sanders, Cogley, Barfknecht, Kully, Goebel, Scherr, Humphrey,  Sullivan, Patterson, Robin Vodehnal and Clark Haberman