Infrastructure Updates and Rate Reviews Lead Jasper Utility Service Board Agenda

At the Jasper Utility Service Board meeting, officials reviewed equipment purchases, rate studies, and ongoing infrastructure improvement projects. 

Quotes were opened for the purchase of a walk behind saw for the Gas and Water Department. Only one bid was received from Hamlin Rental for $15,579.00. The quote will be taken under advisement, as the purchase price is more than what was listed in the capital expenditure plan. Results were also presented from the water filtration truck quote opening in May. The submissions will be rejected due to budget restrictions and the purchase will be revisited at a later date. 

General Manager Rob Young provided an update on the water rate study with Baker Tilly. The first draft of the rate analysis has been reviewed and requested adjustments are being made. Young said he expects to have a draft by the end of June available for the Water Department. The board also approved a proposal for an electric rate study not to exceed $15,000. The partner used for the study will be finalized within the next few weeks. 

Several infrastructure projects are underway, with more planned for the summer. The Genevieve Avenue water main replacement project is scheduled to begin soon. The Leopold Street main replacement project is coming to a close and should be completed within the near future. 

The board heard an update on the lead service line replacement project. Preliminary scoring on the SRF project priority list was drafted at the beginning of June. After final scoring, estimated at the first week of July, Young said the city will have a better idea of what grants and loans might be available to fund the project. 

Electric Manager Stan Seifert told the board that an issue was identified with the Northwest Substation project while checking breakers. Crews identified a broken mechanism that will be replaced under warranty with USDI. CenterPoint has completed their work, and the facility is expected to be powered by July. 

The Wastewater Department received permission to purchase a mini chain cutter from Brown Equipment for the low quote received of $4,134.38, which will allow crews to access 6-inch lines. The board authorized the purchase of steel tracks for a skid steer from Boyd & Sons for $4,712. They also granted permission to purchase a new grit classifier that needs to work with the existing pista grit system. The purchase, not to exceed $200,000, will be through sole source provider Smith and Loveless American Pump Repair. The bid from Insituform was approved for the CIPP lining project for $199,290.05.  

For more information on these and other updates, visit jasperindiana.gov or JasperGov-Indiana on Facebook.


- By Drew Hasselbring