By: Tim Kays
The Bryan Board of Public Affairs moved to secure some hard to find spare parts for two veteran workhorses at their February 2 meeting.
The Board approved Resolution 6-2021, authorizing Change Order #1 with Turbine Technology Services (TTS) Corporation for the Westinghouse Control System Upgrade Project.
The request would be for the supply of recommended spare parts for the turbine control panel, the generator control and excitation system, the valve and instrumentation spares and atomizing air control valve spares recommended by TTS for the two city-owned 1971 Westinghouse Model 191 Gas Turbines at a cost of $138,006.
The requested Change Order would maintain the reliability of these 50-year old turbines during critical use periods, and avoid potential long lead times in part replacements, and would bring the total project cost to $1,688,506.
“When we originally started this project,” said Power Production Superintendent Jim Coressel, “…one of the things that was supposed to be included was the parts. Due to some different direction in our past, and an external engineering firm getting involved, that was kind of left out to the point where they just were supposed to supply us a list of parts.”
“So upon looking at the parts when we got the list, there were some very critical parts that would have put us down for an entire season; we had to wait for them. The original list that they sent me was $221,720.”
“I got with the engineering firm and with their engineer…and we went through and looked at the items from a standpoint of how long it took to get them, how much setup it took to set them up and program them, and how long it would take for us to get them from someplace to actually have the machine operational.”
After reevaluating the list and trimming it down, the new total came to $138,006.
The Board adopted Resolution 7-2021, updating the Bryan Municipal Utilities compensation plan for non bargaining unit hourly and salaried staff.
Director of Human Resources Jackie Perry explained, “We look at the compensation plan annually and update it with the minimum wage. The minimum wage went up 1.15%, therefore in accordance with our compensation plan that the Board passed back in 2016, our minimum and maximum values all go up that 1.15%.”
“This is updating that to incorporate the minimum wage increase this year, and it is retro back to January 1. We will not have employees though that this affected, so we don’t have to do any type of back pay.”
Board Member Dick Long inquired, “I suspect if Mr. Biden raises the minimum wage, we’ll be doing this again?” “Yes,” Ms. Perry succinctly replied.
The Board agreed to a request to transfer Dave Herman from probationary status Water Distribution Operator III, to regular employment status Water Distribution Operator III.
Water Treatment Supervisor Derek Schultz said, “Dave possesses the qualifications and skills of this job classification, and holds the necessary license. Dave continues to be a great asset to the BMU team.”
The Board also approved a request to reclassify Jimmy Dunning from a Water Treatment Operator II, to a probationary Water Treatment Operator III.
“Jimmy can successfully perform the essential duties of this classification,” Schmidt said. “He also recently passed his Ohio EPA Class 3 water supply certification. He also holds a valid…Backflow Certification, and an Ohio EPA Bacteria Analyst Certification. Jimmy continues to display a strong commitment to Bryan’s water supply and to the customers.”
“I want to thank everyone that donated to our Good Neighbors Fund,” said Director of Utilities, Nathan Gardner. “It seems like during the hardest times, people are the most generous. It really surprised me. In, 2020 was the highest year of donations since the inception in 2005.”
“I think we’ve brought in over $13,000 in donations last year, which is amazing…and even January. I just got the numbers for January. It’s one of the highest numbers too, almost $1,900 for January. I think that speaks volumes about our community and how much they’re willing to donate, even during a pandemic. So I applaud those people for their donations.”
“I just thought it was worthwhile to call it out, and to make sure that those people that need help reach out to NOCAC (Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission). The money’s there, so if you need help and you’re struggling, please reach out to them.”
Prior to adjournment, the Board retired into executive session to discuss the employment and compensation of public employees and acquisition of property. No action was anticipated upon their return to open session.
Tim can be reached at tim@thevillagereporter.com
