The board considered purchasing a 2009 Ford Escape through a state contract.

Megan Baldridge, employee relations, reported the vehicle could be obtained for $16,082.

"It is comparatively a pretty good price," she said.

Board members voted in favor of purchasing the Ford Escape, but just minutes later that vote was rescinded.

"I don't think we need it," said Jim Heinzler, the only naysayer in the original vote.

Vice President Charles Hird and Secretary Mike Mills then expressed interest in re-opening the bids, to allow local dealers an opportunity to make a better offer.

This could be a risky maneuver considering the state price may not be available at a later date, according to MMU officials.

In a second vote, the board decided to re-open the bidding process.

The decision could greatly delay the arrival of a vehicle for the safety officer, who has been borrowing vehicles to get by.

"If we go through that bid process its still going to be 90 days for delivery (once a choice is made)," she said.

The cheapest invoice price listed for a 2009 Ford Escape on the Kelly Blue Book Web site is just over $20,000.

Board members moved on to accept a bid from Vermeer of Olathe, Kan. for a vacuum excavator. Vermeer's winning bid was for $46,937, and delivery is expected in about 30 days.

A $514,800 bid from H.K. Scholz for a switchgear replacement on North Street was also accepted.

Board members will now request that city council authorize Mayor Latimer to execute the contract.

The board approved a motion to allow Shafer, Kline & Warren to inspect and observe the construction of a disinfection building, but not without a bit of discussion beforehand.

"$1,000 per day for 45 days is way too much," said Mills, showing obvious displeasure with the price offered by Shafer, Kline & Warren. "I'd just as soon pay our people to do it."

However, General Manager Kyle Gibbs said it was a necessary expense.

"For a $1.2 million job, you don't want to skimp," he said. "There will be times when you need an architect's input."

Gibbs also reported that DNR inspected units at the wastewater and water treatment plants.

The units were built without a DNR issued construction permit, which has caused long lasting issues with the company.

"I have been working with DNR trying to resolve a paper work issue that occurred 20 years ago," said Gibbs.

"MMU applied for a permit in Feb. 1988, but a permit was never received," Gibbs added.

"Copies of our application were given to DNR in 1991, 1997, 2001, and again in 2004.

"In addition to no construction permit, we also have never received an operating permit for Units #7, #8, and #9," he continued.

"The newest permit engineer from DNR would like for us to redo the construction permit application using the newest forms and limits.

"I am talking with upper level management to get this issue resolved without having to redo an application."

The next meeting of the board will be Tuesday, Aug. 12.