By: Daniel Cooley
The Bryan Board of Public Affairs (BPA) held a special board meeting on December 30, 2021. All five board members, Dick Long, Karen Ford, Jim Salsbury, Tom Sprow and Annette Schreiner, were in attendance.
The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance. That was followed by the BPA approving the minutes of the BPA regular meeting, held on December 21.
After a short discussion, the BPA approved the election of Jim Salsbury as chair. Annette Schreiner was then approved by BPA as the vice-chair.
Next, the BPA decided to hold off until the next meeting on January 4, to designate one of its members to serve as an OMEA Board Alternate.
Then, after the semi-monthly disbursements were presented, the BPA unanimously approved payment of the bills.
Next, Bryan Utilities Director Nathan Gardner gave an update on the AMI Project. First, Gardner stated that a lot of things are on back order. However, almost all the Gatekeepers, or data collectors, are close to being completely set up.
Only a couple more poles have yet to be completed. To be specific, there are 10 gatekeeers, which are on electric poles and are strategically placed in various places within the city of Bryan. Only a couple more poles have yet to be set up.
Gardner reported that the water meters have all come in, but the waiting game now is for the electric meters, which could come in during March, April or May. When they come in, the electric meters can then be plugged into the gatekeepers.
Gardner explained that the water meters talk to the electric meters and the electric then talk to the gatekeepers. The wait, now, of course, is waiting for the electric meters to come in.
Next, Mayor Carrie Schlade reported that city council passed the budget at its last meeting.
BPA board members then unanimously approved the vote to adjourn the meeting.
Dan can be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com