The Utility Board has a busy afternoon

The Utility Trustees met in regular session on Jan. 8, 2026. With all the Trustees in attendance, they approved the agenda and no one spoke in open forum.

Chairman Heater and the Trustees had an orientation of the electrical department. The orientation was thorough as they went over the facilities, equipment, finances, customers, and data. Chairman Heater commented that the committees will need to familiarize themselves with the 3-year plan for items that have been completed and new items that need to be added.

The Utility Foreman’s report contained several completed items. Items listed included a new electric service for 103 Dover Court, hanging Christmas lights and streetlight banners, and replacing a pole and a switch at the substation facility.

The Trustees approved the consent agenda that included approval of previous meeting’s minutes, acceptance of claims, and approval of payment of claims.

There was no old business, so the group turned to new business. The first item was the reinvestment of water funds in the amounts of $111,250 and $73, 250 and electric funds of $123,540, $127,525, $126,200, $128,825, and $110,390 in CDs at Danville State Savings Bank for 182 days at 3.90%. It was unanimously approved.

The following 2026 committees were approved:

· Finance — Westerbeck & Walljasper

· Building & Equipment — Heater & Roth

· Personnel, Safety & Training — Jackson & Roth

· Projects — Westerbeck & Jackson

The Trustees discussed the Extended Service Coverage that is expiring Jan. 27, 2026 for the four 2MW CAT diesel generators and contemplated the cost versus the likelihood of needing the warranty. They reviewed previous issues the generators have had and what is covered under the warranty. The Trustees noted that the generators are over 20 years old and this would be the last time they could renew the extended warranty.

A motion was made to get the five year Extended Service Coverage offered by Altorfer Power Systems. The Trustees will purchase the platinum coverage plan with a $3,000.00 deductible at $7,210.00 per engine, for a total cost of $28,840.00. As per the requirement by Altorfer, all four engines must be thoroughly inspected prior to the warranty being extended and the cost for the warranty inspection is $6,987.00 per engine, for a total cost of $27,948.00.

They voted to purchase the platinum coverage plan with a $3,000.00 deductible at $7,210.00 per engine for a total cost of $28,840.00. Prior to the warranty being extended, the inspection for each generator is $6,987.00 for a total of $27,948.00. Westerbeck, Heater, and Roth voted aye and Walljasper and Jackson voted nay. The motion carried.

The Trustees discussed billing Danville for the assistance of the New London Utilities provided when they experienced a citywide outage on Dec. 2, 2025. It was noted that Danville provided all the material for the repairs, but New London provided the labor with all the employees working for five hours. The Trustees felt compensation should include the employees’ regular and overtime hours. It was approved.

Dave Heater noticed while helping with the repairs that the reclosure for the entire town needs to be replaced. Not having a reclosure in place could cause damage to New London’s electrical system. He will let Danville know.

The meeting adjourned at 2:30 p.m. The next regular Utility Board meeting will be Feb. 5, 2026 at 1 p.m. at the City Office.