Daily Newsletters
Account
Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
Home / New London Journal News
NLMU Has a Productive Meeting
By Gina Anderson
Feb. 20, 2025 12:00 am
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
The New London Utility Trustees met in regular session on Feb. 6, 2025 with all members present. They approved the agenda and no one addressed the Trustees in open forum.
In reports, Chairman Dan Heater reviewed President Trump’s executive orders that could affect the electric utility industry. There may be grant monies available to pursue various projects. The utilities’ three-year plan, three-year strategic document, and renewable energy are all advantageous items to have when applying for grants.
Trustee Jackson reported that the right-of-first-refusal (ROFR) legislation is coming back up, and the Trustees might want to reach out to their local legislators.
Trustee Byczek brought up the necessity of purchasing a new 55-foot bucket truck, transformers, and replacement of the water controls soon. Some of these items will take 18-24 months to arrive.
The utility foreman’s report contained the following:
- Replaced brine pump for water treatment.
- Retro fit more downtown streetlights to LED.
- Serviced small bucket trucks and digger derrick.
- Finished line extension on New London Road.
- Replaced poles on Racine Ave.
At the Jan. meeting, Trustee Wilhelm pointed out that the utility has advertisements at the high school boys and girls diamonds and thought the trustees might want to consider adding one to the youth diamond. On further checking, Chairman Heater discovered that the utility has only one sign for advertisement.
A motion was made to the consent agenda with a correction as noted. It died for the lack of a second. The consent agenda was then approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
The Trustees discussed NLMU purchasing advertising space at NL Junior Baseball Association fields. Chairman Heater referenced a previous email from the Trustees’ attorney advising them on making contributions to non-profit organizations. The Trustees discussed different options for helping fund the Association while complying with state laws. City Clerk Howard will get more information on advertising costs with the New London Junior Baseball Association.
- Approved purchasing the following pad mount transformers for approximately $83,640.00: four 25 KVA, six 50 KVA, one 500 KVA, and one 750 KVA.
NEW BUSINESS:
- Approved New London Municipal Utilities three year plan for Projects and Building & Equipment approve New London Municipal Utilities three-year strategic document.
- Approved the 2025-2026 budget with revenues totaling $3,187,400 and expenses roll being called the vote was all ayes, motion carried.
The Trustees discussed the request from the New London Post Prom Committee for funding. The Trustees noted the email from the Trustees attorney advising them on making contributions to non-profit organizations and would like to use the agreement provided to fund $100-$200 with an explanation of what the money would be put towards.
The Trustees then reviewed the 2023-2024 audit.
A motion was made to adjourn at 2:12 p.m. The motion carried.
The next meeting of the Utility Board will be Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 1 p.m. in the City Office.
