South West Illinois News

City of Red Bud Public Works Committee met Dec. 16.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Committee Members Present: Curt Guebert, Ben Schwartzkopf, Bill Hanebutt, Kyle Donjon

Committee Members Absent: Mike Rheinecker

Council Members Present: Rodney Nevois, Jeremy DeMond, Alan Piel

Council Members Absent: None

Others Present: Mayor Susan Harbaugh, City Attorney Rebecca Cooper, City Superintendent Josh Eckart, Code Admin./City Engineer Jeff Mueller, Police Chief John Brittingham, Admin. Officer Jill Landgraf

Others Absent: City Clerk Joanne Cowell

Committee Chairman Guebert called the meeting to order at 6:38P.M.

Old Business

I. Power Plant

A. Plant Report

The regular scheduled generation runs have been completed and the winter readiness testing for IMEA was done on December 5, 2024, all went well.

II. Utilities/Streets

A. Electric

Nothing to report

B. Gas

Nothing to report

C. Water

Eckart has met with two different companies regarding the water towers recoating and inspections. He explained the advantages of a Water Tower Asset Management Program, which is offered by both companies. Eckart has asked for a formal pricing and will be getting more information on the program.

D. Sewer

The blower maintenance and water high service pump work is being coordinated, to be done together when Vandevanter comes in. They are gathering the material for that.

E. Streets

The MFT Resolution is under new business.

III. Utility Rate Studies

A. Electric – Utility Financial Solution, LLC

No update.

B. Water & Sewer - IRWA

Superintendent Eckart has received the final report from the Illinois Rural Water Association. They are recommending adding $2.00 to the water base rate and $8.00 per 1,000 gallons used. The sewer recommendation is to add $0.50 per 1,000 gallons used to the consumption rate for all rate classes.

Recommendation made by Committee Chairman Guebert, seconded by Committee Member Hanebutt, to authorize approval to accept the proposal from the Illinois Rural Water Association to add $2.00 to the water base rate and $8.00 per 1,000 gallons used, effective over two years . The sewer recommendation is to add $0.50 per 1,000 gallons used to the consumption rate for all rate classes, effective in the first year. Carried

IV. Succession Planning

A. Electric Apprentice I update

Superintendent Eckart will present a formal recommendation for the Electric Apprentice I position at the January council meeting.

V. Ratz Park Power Pole Auto Accident – Recommendation from Insurance Company

Eckart said he had discussed with IML Risk Management, and they are recommending that the city accept the $25,000 settlement offer from Viking Insurance Company of Wisconsin (Dairyland) for the August 13, 2024, damage to the Ratz Park power pole, because that is all the liability insurance he has, even though the damages amount to $40,000. Attorney Cooper concurs with their recommendation.

Recommendation made by Committee Chairman Guebert, seconded by Committee Member Donjon, to authorize approval to accept the IML Risk Management recommendation to accept the insurance settlement offer of $25,000 from Viking Insurance Company of Wisconsin (Dairyland), for the Ratz Park power pole damage on August 13, 2024, and to sign the release. Carried with the following vote: Guebert, Hanebutt, Donjon, ayes; Schwartzkopf, nay; Rheinecker, absent.

New Business

I. Approval of Prior Month’s Meeting Minutes – Meeting November 18, 2024

Recommendation made by Committee Chairman Guebert, seconded by Committee Member Hanebutt to approve the minutes from the November 18, 2024, meeting. Carried

II. 2025 MFT Resolution No. 24-003

Recommendation made by Committee Chairman Guebert, seconded by Committee Member Schwartzkopf, to authorize approval of Resolution No. 24-003: “IDOT Resolution for 2025 Maintenance Under the Illinois Highway Code” for $400,000. Carried

III. Training Requests

A. Adren Walsh/Scott Becker – 2025 IL Pipeline Safety Program – 01.14.25 Eckart clarified that this is damage prevention training for locators and that they both do locating and need the updated training. He also said that they work together to make it easier for the locates, although they sometimes work alone.

Recommendation made by Committee Chairman Guebert, seconded by Committee Member Hanebutt, to authorize approval to send Adren Walsh and Scott Becker to training entitled “Excavator Pipeline Safety Program” in Fairview Heights on January 14, 2025. Transportation by city vehicle is required, NTE $500. Carried

B. Derek Allen–Water Distribution O&M for Class C/D–Feb. 6, 13 & 20, 2025 This is an online preparation and materials training for his license testing.

Recommendation made by Committee Chairman Guebert, seconded by Committee Member Donjon, to authorize approval for Derek Allen to take an online training in preparation for his Class C/D License, NTE $350. Carried

C. Adren Walsh/Scott Becker-Underground Utility Line Locating–April 30, 2025

Recommendation made by Committee Chairman Guebert, seconded by Committee Member Schwartzkopf, to authorize approval for Adren Walsh and Scott Becker to attend Underground Utility Line Locating Training in Normal, IL on April 30, 2025. Registration Fee of $109/each, transportation, lodging, and meals required, NTE $900. Carried

IV. Public Comments/Anything for the Good of the City

Committee Member Donjon questioned Eckart whether there is follow up on training if testing is involved. Eckart said yes, he does track and if retraining is required, he would come back to the council for further training approval.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:12 P.M.

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