The Board of Public Works, which oversees operations of Trenton Municipal Utilities, discussed a number of items during its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday night.
The only action item by the board was approval of a revision of the agreement the utility has involving its certificates of participation of money borrowed for various projects. The description for the use of the certificates was changed with the conclusion of the RICE upgrade project and now reflect how remaining funds are being used. TMU Director Chad Davis said the money is being used for the electric line extension to the city industrial park as well as helping to pay for a recently purchased bucket truck once the extension project is completed. He noted that the city has already obligated itself to use of the funds and with the RICE upgrade costs coming in less than anticipated, funds have been freed up for other projects. Davis said the truck purchase is allowed under the agreement. The changes made by the board will now go to the city council for final approval.
A brief discussion was held regarding a staffing analysis the city council has approved and is now asking the utility to help pay for the cost. The analysis is being used to determine staffing patterns within the city, including the need for more or less personnel as well as cross-training, etc. The three board members present – Chairman Robert Day, John Kennebeck and Larry Crawford – noted that the work was already “a done deal,” with Day expressing his concern that the city council’s action was another example of the BPW not being consulted about matters that affect the utilities.
“They (city council) continue to say that the Board of Public Works won’t work with them, then decide this without talking to us and expecting us to pay for it without any regard for the utility,” Day said.
The board looked over information regarding the city electric rates, which had been given to members of the city council at a meeting earlier this month. The information included comparison of local rates to those of other utilities, which Davis noted “run all over the map.” The board did not set a meeting date to discuss a rate review, with members stating they would like to give more time for the new rates to be in effect for a better comparison. Davis noted that the utility was beginning its budgeting process for next year and that past discussions by the board have indicated another increase in rates next year. The review would help in determining how much, if any, of an increase would be needed. Day noted that it was the intention of the board to furnish utilities to its customers at the “most economical cost while keeping a viable operation.”
The board again put off its scheduling of a strategic planning session as members could not agree on a January date. It is hoped the session can be scheduled sometime after the first week in February.
Davis said that the EPA recently completed a week-long inspection of the city’s wastewater treatment facilities and he anticipates a final report in the next few months. The utility did get written up for eight items, mostly involving documentation, which Davis said the staff is already working on for future improvements.
Davis also reported that the utility is working on its pre-treatment and wastewater permit renewals and that 24 of the 42 poles of the North 69 electric line project have been installed. He said the MC Power Companies solar farm project continues to move ahead and that TMU is working to obtain easements for the electric line extension. Bids for the water extension portion of the project are also being finalized.
The next regular meeting of the board is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 27.
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