Jasper Northwest Substation Goes Online, Funding Opportunity for Lead Service Line Project

Electric Manager Stan Seifert reported the city's new electric substation has officially been energized after a long period of planning and construction. The Northwest Substation was brought online Thursday afternoon, although crews discovered a minor issue with the transformer's tap changer. That problem was resolved Monday, and Seifert said things are “good to go.” Utility staff expect to begin transferring electrical load to the new facility this week. 

Bids were opened for manhole rehabilitation in the wastewater department. Of the three bids received, the low quote was accepted from Advanced Rehabilitation Technology, pending a specification review. The contract will be for work not to exceed $40,000 as part of the capital expenditure plan. 

The board also approved the only quote received for the purchase of a walk-behind concrete saw, from Hamlin Rental for $15,579. Gas and Water Manager Tim Doersam said the department had a shared cost of $10,000 for capital expenditures this year. The board approved a price correction from the May meeting of $25,161 for the purchase of seven additional gas valves received from USDI. 

The Leopold Street water main replacement project has been completed, with asphalt installation expected after a year to give the ground time to settle. Work is also set to begin on the Genevieve Avenue water main replacement project following public notification earlier this month. Saw cutting began last week, and the department plans to begin work this week. The board further approved approximately $7,285 in repairs to three utility generators after annual maintenance inspections identified the need for additional repairs, including water pump replacements.

Wastewater Manager Ed Hollinden received approval for two employees to the Indiana Water Environment Association's annual state conference in Indianapolis in late August. The board also authorized the department to begin the hiring process for a Lab Technician due to a vacancy created from retirement. 

Business Manager Ashley Kiefer updated the board on implementation of Tyler Technologies' new accounts receivable module. Configuration work is underway following a July 13 kickoff meeting, with employee training scheduled for August and the system expected to go live in early September. The board also approved Resolution USB 2026-7, formally ratifying petty cash and change funds while adopting internal control procedures recommended by the State Board of Accounts. 

In June, Baker Tilly’s proposal was approved to assist with financial advisory services related to the Northside Wastewater Treatment Plant project. Because the project currently falls outside the State Revolving Fund's funding range, the additional work would allow Baker Tilly to explore open-market bonding options if necessary. The original scope of the project was $80,000, and the additional services would add $15,000 in fees. General Manager Rob Young requested and received authorization for the additional services not to exceed $15,000. 

Young said that EXOS identified critical IT upgrades needed in the department’s firewall and wireless network access points. The department’s allocation of the estimated $100,000 cost would be approximately 50%. The board also approved up to $50,000 for the utility's share of the costs. Young said the improvements are considered essential and should provide five to seven years of service while remaining within the utility's overall capital budget. 

Young also reported that the Electric building project kickoff meeting was July 14 with Universal Design Associates. UDA and Utility staff did a walk-through of the existing facilities. UDA is expected to present preliminary designs and recommendations within the next 2-3 weeks. An update was provided on the water lead service line project, which is focused on identification and potential replacement of identified lead service lines. The project was submitted to SRF for scoring this year. Jasper's application ranked fifth statewide for State Revolving Fund assistance, placing the project within the current funding range. Depending on final project scope, portions of the work could qualify for forgivable or subsidized loans. Because of those potential funding opportunities, the utility has temporarily delayed discussions on its water rate study until more details become available.