Sep 11, 2008

City residents received a public notice in the mail yesterday –– a notice which contained important information about the testing of city water –– results that reported traces of bacteria. According to city administrator Janice Lorrain, the notices were mailed on Tuesday of this week to meet requirements set by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The letters explain the routine samples tested on Aug. 6 showed positive traces of total coliform bacteria. However, the letter also stated subsequent tests which were performed on Monday, Aug, 18, were negative for the bacteria. According to DNR information, there are many reasons why tests register positive for total coliform bacteria. A positive test can be an indication of a problem in the water treatment system, or a problem with the distribution pipes. But, there is also the possibility testing methods failed, water samples were mishandled or contaminated at the site. No one can say for sure. According to DNR standards, most generally the presence of total coliform bacteria is not harmful, but in some instances, it can be an indicator of a flaw in the system, consequently, the city officials took action and flushed the distribution lines and checked city water tanks. At this time, follow-up samples have tested negative for bacteria, but additional tests are scheduled for this month. Lorrain updated council on the City's continued efforts to remedy Sho-Me Power electric rates. Lorrain noted city officials continue to meet with Sho-Me representatives to discuss options, however, city officials also continue to research other venues. Lorrain explained that acquiring energy from a new supplier will not result in significant decreases in costs for the short term, since costs are continuing to increase. However, Lorrain said that in spite of the odds, the City is exploring every option for obtaining reasonable rates and this includes opportunities for alternative energy sources, such as wind and solar power. Although present circumstances are limiting, city officials will con¬tinue to negotiate with Sho-Me as they have a 40-year contract with the firm, and the success of other proposals is contingent upon reaching an agreement with Sho-Me. An option which may be doable in the future is for the City to join the Missouri Public Energy Pool (MoPEP), and engage the Missouri Joint Munici¬pal Electric Utility Commission (MJMEUC) as a purchasing agent. This would allow the City of Ava to buy power on the open market or con¬tract with another supplier, such as Ameren. However, even if this step were to bring a lower rate of electricity, Sho-Me Power still owns the transmission lines in Ava and additional charges would be added by Sho-Me. The Missouri Public Energy Pool (MoPEP) is a coalition of cities partnering to purchase power and develop electric supplies through contract and ownership interests. It allows greater diversity in supplies, and is governed by a pool of members in which each member city has one vote. The Missouri Joint Municipal Electric Utility Commission (MJMEUC) is an electric joint action agency formed to provide community-owned utilities the ability to pool resources, to buy and sell electric power, or to join together and invest in power generation and transmission facilities. These two entities, MJMEUC and MoPEP, are separate but affili¬ated organizations operating under the umbrella of Missouri Public Utilities Alliance (MPUA). The MPUA is an organization that rep¬resents (municipal) community-owned electric, natural gas, and water utilities and helps them work together for the benefit of their customers. Lorrain said joining the MoPEP pool would offer no immediate relief, but future rates would be better. In the report, Lorrain noted several meetings had transpired with the latest session held on July 16. Meetings had also been scheduled with Ameren, who is considered an alternative supplier. A local resident appeared before council requesting the City build a sidewalk on NE 11th Ave. between NE 5th and NE 10th streets. The citizen said this was a dangerous area for students walking to and from school. He also noted several handicapped individuals travel by wheelchair, and since there are no sidewalks in the area, they travel on the street. In response, Mayor Leon Harris said phase one of the city sidewalk project had included sidewalks for NE 11th Avenue, but unfortunately two property owners would not comply to easement require¬ments. Mayor Harris said he would ask the engineers to review the plan and see if other provisions could be made. As a follow-up, Mayor Harris reported bids on gas and diesel fuel had been received from Hunter Oil, of Mountain Grove, and from MFA. Costs from Hunter Oil were accepted as their bid was 8 cents lower. Council approved monthly bills for payment, and no actions were taken during closed session. Councilmen in attendance were Ric Engelhardt, Judy Lovan, David Norman and Burrely Loftin. The next city council meeting is Tuesday, Sept. 23, 6:30 p.m. in City Hall.