'Cap and trade' law compared to musical chairs

Gilzow first likened proposed legislation to a game of musical chairs, saying that those who find themselves without a "chair," meaning a carbon credit that gives license to emit one metric ton of carbon dioxide gas, must either "stop playing" or find someone who will sell a chair so they may continue emitting.

Under one plan, he said, 30 percent of carbon credits available will be given for free to local electric distribution companies at first. But, because some areas do not rely on carbon dioxide-emitting methods for electricity generation, local distribution companies in those areas will be given more credits than they need to operate. Seattle's LDC would receive $100 million in excess allowances, he said.

While this would be advantageous to LDCs in many areas on the east and west coasts, which can sell excess carbon credits, it would be disadvantageous to much of the Midwest, including Missouri, due to the area's traditionally high dependence on coal for electricity generation, which emits a high level of carbon dioxide, Gilzow said. He added that Missouri would receive only 60 percent of the carbon credits needed for its current level of electricity production.

Board Vice President Mike Mills mentioned the benefits to atmospheric carbon dioxide levels provided by the crops planted yearly in this area, and Gilzow said that under currently considered legislation, that would not be taken into account.

"Short-term, there's no question; it would be bad," said Gilzow, adding that annual rate increases will be a part of the package.

Board members voted to replace PVC fill packs in the cooling tower for unit 5 at the power plant and to have a deposit analysis performed on the existing PVC fill packs.

Electric Production Director Jim Johnson said one fill pack weighed 300 pounds, 10 times its original weight. This increased weight may have a negative effect on the structural integrity of the tower.

Asked how long fill packs tend to last, Johnson estimated between 15 and 20 years. Current fill packs have been in place in that tower for 17 years.

The budget for this project is $125,000.

Replacement of one grit augur at the wastewater treatment plant at a cost of $11,000 was approved by board members.

Board members spoke about the chlorine levels in Marshall's water, with Environmental Services Director Ginny Ismay responding that since the boil order in August 2009, sparked by a low chlorine residual level, chlorine levels have been increased. She added that the water is maintaining its chlorine residual level better than before the boil order, and she and her team are working to decrease the overall chlorine levels.

The board approved purchase of storage boxes for trucks No. 306 and No. 330 to hold hazard suits and face shields, among other items, at a cost of $2,000.

The board approved entrance into negotiations with Shafer, Kline & Warren Inc. of Macon for upcoming water and wastewater main replacement.

Board Vice President Mike Mills expressed displeasure with the last job Shafer, Kline & Warren Inc. performed for MMU.

Board members discussed a proposed assessment of water service lines in residents' homes in order to deal with problems of inflow and infiltration in the water collection system.

Any such inspection program would require at least two full-time employees and approximately $100,000 worth of equipment, including a 1/2-ton pickup truck, a large camera, a small "push camera," a small jetter and a small trailer, said Underground Facilities Director Monty Chase.

A city ordinance would be needed to inspect private service lines, Chase added.

No action was taken on the issue.

The board approved renewal of agreements with Mercy Health Plans and Guardian for health insurance and ancillary coverage, respectively.

Each of the plans was renewed at an 8.7-percent increase of the previous cost to MMU.

General Manager Kyle Gibbs was re-appointed to serve on the Marshall-Saline Development Corporation Board of Directors during 2010. Because MMU provides MSDC with more than $10,000 in funding annually, the MMU board is entitled to appoint one person to MSDC's board. Gibbs has served on the board since February 2007.

The next board meeting is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15, at 75 E. Morgan St.

Contact Geoff Rands at marshallreporter@socket.net