ELECTRIC COMMITTEE MEETING

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

FEBRUARY 11, 2004

 The City of Rock Falls Electric Committee meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m., on February 11, 2004 in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building by Chairman Dave Blanton. In attendance, Alderman Blanton, Searing, Stachowiak and Kuhlemier, as well as, Mayor Mulvaney,  City Clerk Wescott, Supt. Bob O’Donnell and  Engineer Asst. Jim Simpson.

 Agenda Items:

 (1)       Review Electric Department budget for fiscal year 2004/2005.

    Mr. Downey and Mr. O’Donnell took those present thru the proposed budget for the 2004/2005 year. Discussions were held in regards to many of the line items from the standpoint of the breakdown of the respective projected expenditures being more identifiable. Several of the regular line items which would normally be tracked thru the Electric Budget have been moved to Utility Office which shall have its own budget this year. Overall the budget met with preliminary approval and the changes identified will be amended and presented again for review, before going to the Committee of the Whole on March 22, 2004.

 (2)       Discuss the toll road fiber lease between Rochelle and Rock Falls along with the associated cost of the project.

 Mr. O’Donnell brought the Committee up to speed on the ongoing work to establish a Fiber Network between Batavia-Rochelle-Rock Falls. It is time for the City to get onboard with this project or just let it go. The work to put this project into place has stretched over many years and it is time to act. The Total Cost of the Project for the (3) communities would be $107,228.35. Rock Falls share of the cost would be paid out over 10 years thru a lease/maintenance agreement for $5625.00 a year. That cost would get the Fiber which runs along the Toll way to the vicinity of Melvin Road, Rock Falls. An estimated additional cost for fiber from that point to the Electric Department in the Industrial Park would cost $5330.00.  Jim Simpson spoke about a grant that has been applied for which could return $32,939.00 to this project if we are successful in getting the award. When the agreements are completed and ready for approval they will come back to the Council for action. At this time, the Committee is strongly in favor of the project.

(3)  Purchase orders for inventory items and fiber optic cable

 Two (2) items were approved by the Committee to send to the Council on the consent agenda at the February 17, 2004 meeting:   

a.        Purchase of poles from Thomason Lumber at a cost of $7,351.55

b.       Purchase of Fiber Optic Cable from Haverstock Bowers & Associates at a cost of $5,330.10.

 (4)        Discuss credit card collection system for payment of bills in the Utility Office.

 Mr. O’Donnell spoke to the committee about the possibility of instituting credit card payments within the utility office, as well as, in other business settings of the City. Currently the State of Illinois has a program for this, that could be implemented, however, it would result in an additional charge be attached to the customer for the use of this system in addition to there utility service bills. The additional charge could make this program prohibitive. He is awaiting additional information on the cost of this program and will share it with the committee when it becomes available.

Mr. O’Donnell also made information available concerning TeleCheck Electronic Check acceptance. Costs were presented, however, several members of the committee spoke on this service and bad experiences had by other businesses that have utilized it. No actions suggested.

(5)        Discussion concerning the problems within the Utility Office surrounding so many outstanding bills, collections and possible resolves.

A discussion was held by those present, concerning the enforcement of billing practices and current policies and procedures surrounding the placements of limiters, cutting of services and collection of security deposits. Everyone agreed that there has to be a review of our current practices, and even possibly an outside manager position created to oversee this office. Examples of current outstanding bills were presented, and it is very evident that unless a change is implemented we are going to continue to experience declining revenues in the Utility Services. Mr. Blanton told those present, that the Public Works Committee discussed this same issue and is in favor of looking into the creating of a new position to head up this department. Mr. Downey talked about the problems and stated that he recognizes the existence of a problem, but at the same time, has not yet seen the policies and procedures that are supposed to be followed in writing in the Office. As a result there appears to be lack of direction as to what should be done on a regular basis thus allowing office staff to do what they determine is best. As a result of that, there is not a consistent method to the practices undertaken. The committee is going to look into the information discussed by the Public Works and establish a plan of action. 

(6)        Tour of Trimble County Power Plant in May 2004

The IMEA is putting together a Tour of the Trimble County Power Plant on May 13-14. The trip includes bus transportation from Springfield, Illinois and includes an overnight stay in downtown Louisville, Kentucky to be paid for by LG&E. The Committee agreed to participate and will get a list together of those wishing to participate. Reservations need to be submitted no later than 27 February. 

Having no other business to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

________________________________

William B. Wescott, recorder

City Clerk