MMU board approves infrastructure repairs, replacements

At its meeting Tuesday morning, Oct. 13, the Marshall Municipal Utilities Board of Public Works approved funds for renovations at the water treatment plant and other infrastructure repairs.

In her report, Environmental Services Director Ginny Ismay told board members the carbon dioxide feeder and distribution panel at the water treatment plant is "old, outdated, worn out."

In prepared material, Ismay said the panel is only able to be used now because of makeshift repairs with chewing gum and bailing wire.

About the proposed replacement, Ismay said, "It's just something that needs to be done."

The board approved the project, which is included in MMU's budget. It will cost about $155,000.

Ismay also told the board about problems with the water treatment plant's lime sludge handling facilities.

"We've just got infrastructure that's falling apart," she said.

A drain line is pulling apart, the settling basin is in poor condition, and the lagoons are in need of cleaning. These things can all be fixed as part of a multi-year project costing $350,000.

Board members approved Ismay's recommendation to solicit statements of qualifications from engineering firms, who can then analyze the problems and outline solutions. This preliminary phase of the project will cost $25,000, which is included in the current budget.

In his written report, Underground Facilities Director Monty Chase stated that more than 2,400 small and 20 large water meters have been replaced in the past seven years. He asked MMU board members to approve the continuation of the water meter replacement project, and they voted to do so.

At Chase's recommendation, board members also approved the replacement of a sewer main in an alley near the intersection of Rea Street and Ellsworth Avenue. Approximately 500 feet of 8-inch main will be installed, along with one new manhole, Chase said.

Megan Baldrige, of the employee relations department, presented a revised personnel policy to board members for review. The policy compensates employees for work time missed for authorized medical visits because of work-related injuries.

Currently, employees are paid for the first workers' compensation-related medical visit, but there is no written policy.

Board President Chuck Hird said the policy "looks to be appropriate." Board members approved the new guidelines.

Administrative Services Director Ken Gieringer reported on MMU's finances to the board. He is preparing for the auditor's visit the first week of November, and is already thinking about next year's budget.

"We're barely generating enough money to pay our ongoing bills," Gieringer said.

At the time of the meeting, MMU's general bank account had just about $50,000 in it. A list of improvements to be done in 2010 adds up to about $1 million, Gieringer said, though there is only $200,000 set aside to cover the expenses currently.

All board members were present at the meeting. The MMU Board of Public Works is next scheduled to meet Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 8:30 a.m. at 75 E. Morgan St.

Contact Sydney Stonner at marshallbusiness@socket.net