VINTON MUNICIPAL ELECTRIC UTILITY BOARD MEETING
February 13, 2018
A regular meeting of the Vinton Municipal Electric Board of Trustees was held on the 13th day
of February, 2018, at 5:00 p.m., at the Line Distribution Office, Vinton, Iowa. Acting Chairman
Kremer presided and the roll being called the following board members were present and absent:
Present: Kremer, Barron, Elwick and Meyer. Absent: Woodhouse.
Motion by Elwick, second by Barron to approve the minutes of the January 9th meeting.
Question: Yes – All. The Acting Chairman declared the motion carried.
Motion by Barron, second by Elwick to approve invoices in the amount of $280,456.30.
Question: Yes – All. The Acting Chairman declared the motion carried.
Communications about customer billings and postings on Facebook regarding rates were
discussed. Richtsmeier to provide an update on resolving meter reading problems next month.
Motion by Barron, second by Elwick to approve the agenda. Question: Yes – All. The Acting
Chairman declared the motion carried.
Kurt Karr, iVinton committee chairman was unable to attend meeting. Richtsmeier reported
that a customer survey prepared by UNI was being reviewed and would be sent out soon. The
RFI for possible partnerships was sent out through numerous state/nation wide websites with a
Feb. 28th response deadline.
General Manager Richtsmeier reported that Jeff Long was restored to full duty as of January 9,
2018. Three letters of interest have been received for the lineman position. Interviews will be
scheduled for the week of February 19th.
Discussion on monthly energy adjustment factor with motion by Elwick, second by Barron to
approve an energy adjustment factor of a negative $0.0008 per kWh for February billings.
Question: Yes – All. The Acting Chairman declared the motion carried.
Richtsmeier stated he is still working with the auditors on the draft audit report. He has given
them the manager’s discussion analysis to include in this report.
Richtsmeier stated the City was rebuilding their website and the VMEU should work in
conjunction with City to update VMEU site. Discussed options and possibility of Facebook
platform. No action taken.
The Trustees discussed the draft audit report.
Motion by Barron, second by Meyer to receive and file the January revenue and expenditure
report. Question: Yes – All. The Acting Chairman declared the motion carried.
JANUARY 2018 Begin. Balance Receipts Expenses Transfers End. Balance
Operating 3,650,035.09 405,069.04 329,754.05 0.00 3,725,350.08
Capital Improvement 2,280,903.91 283.84 0.00 0.00 2,281,187.75
Self Insurance 750,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 750,000.00
6,680,939.00 405,352.88 329,754.05 0.00 6,756,537.83
Richtsmeier mentioned Coggon was interested in VMEU’s digger. Looking at trading digger
for Coggon’s unused generating equipment parts that fit VMEU’s Gen Unit 5. Parts are no
longer being made and difficult to find. Both VMEU & Coggon can benefit from exchange with
Trustees in agreement with trade.
Elwick exited meeting at 5:48 pm.
General Manager Richtsmeier reported on: 1) Line crew trimming tree limbs. 2) Generation
plant working with Shermco to finish breaker cubicle work on back-up substation switchgear 3)
Breaker maintenance completed on 2400 kV and 12.47 kV switchgear located in distribution
building. 4) Line crew removed street lights on 4th Street at recent fire location. Lights to be
inspected for damage and rewired. They will be returned to service after cleanup is completed.
5) HISS training for SPCC & Asbestos awareness conducted Jan 25, 2018. 6) GM looking into
cost and benefits of switching street lighting to LED.
Motion by Meyer, second by Barron to adjourn the meeting. Question: Yes – All. The Acting
Chairman declared the motion carried. Time: 6:00 p.m.
_____________________________
Jon Kremer Acting Chairman
Attest: ______________________________
Cheryl McLaughlin Acting Secretary