NL Utility Board meets

The New London Municipal Utilities Board met on Aug. 1, 2024. Chairman Bob Byczek called the meeting to order with all members present. They approved the agenda and the consent agenda.

Mayor Kirk Miller addressed the board in open forum. He stated that the city will be proceeding with the third phase of the residential subdivision. It will be an extension of Orchard Lane. The city council is proposing to pay for a contractor to install the water main instead of the utility employees installing it themselves. He also made them aware that the city council is also looking to construct a new sidewalk on south Pine Street as a part of the project.

Dave Ford remarked that the contractor who installed phase two did a great job and he would have no objections.

In old business, Ford updated the trustees about purchasing a Milwaukee water valve exerciser. It has just arrived and it hasn’t been used yet.

The trustees opened the fuel proposals for the city/utility pump and the diesel generation plant. They approved Cobb/Elliott Oil as the provider for both the utility fuel pumps and the diesel generation plant.

In new business, there was a discussion about purchasing a second diesel fuel tank for the generation plant so there is enough fuel during an emergency. Cobb/Elliott will be contacted to explore their options.

The board heard the foreman’s report on various places of storm damage that have been repaired and other jobs that were completed. The storm activity impacted electric service to Orchard Lane. The foreman was directed by the board to get the necessary easements to bury the overhead lines on the west side of Orchard Lane to take care of access issues. Trustee Heater asked if there was a long-term plan for projects. He feels it would be helpful for the trustees’ decision-making. The foreman was directed to present his ideas of the projects that should be part of long-term planning for both water and electric.

The city clerk informed the trustees that Patsy Dillon will be on medical leave for the next six to eight weeks starting on Aug. 5. Mary Rink will be working part-time in her absence.

The foreman is looking to rehire the groundsman position as Jerry Wilhelm Jr. has taken a different job.

The meeting adjourned at 1:45 p.m. The next Utility Board meeting will be Sept. 5, 2024 staring at 1 p.m. at the city office.