Custer Public Power District's ~ June Board Notes ~ | Close Window | The Directors authorized the adoption of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA’s) Retirement Security Plan for the employees of the Custer Public Power District. The Plan was accepted by the Union when the union contract extension was negotiated in December, 2006. The Plan will become effective on January 1, 2009. Paul Greiger, bond consultant with D.A. Davidson, continued discussion from last month’s board meeting about the possibility of re-financing some of the District’s 2003 bond issue. Given the condition of the market, he did not recommend re-financing at this time. The Board authorized Paul and D.A. Davidson to move forward with the sale when the market reaches a point where the sale of the bonds will generate a $100,000 savings for the District. Director Bartak requested a monthly update from management on the condition of the market. Manager Nelson updated the Directors on events related to the Stapleton Irrigation Project. Using the map created for the customer meeting in Stapleton held on June 5, Manager Nelson reviewed the options offered by Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) commenting on the pros and cons of each option. The project involves 21 landowners and converting 47 irrigation wells, presently powered by diesel, to electricity. The projected cost to the District for substation and transmission line to handle the new load is approximately $2M. The cost for the distribution line would be paid by the customers and would be about $40,000 per well. The Board authorized management to proceed with the project contingent upon 80% of the landowners making a commitment to a socialized expenditure of $1.8M for the distribution system. If there is sufficient interest, management would like to have the project underway by January 2009. During lunch, Barb Jensen introduced Jason Chaplin and Dustin Miller. Jason told the Directors a little information about himself and what he and Dustin where doing with the GIS system by explaining and passing around a new staking sheet they prepared using the new technology. Bud Harvey and Gordon Eggers, Power Drive instructors from Stapleton High and Litchfield High, plus students Andrew Kittoe and Andrew Reynolds, Litchfield, were present during lunch to talk about their challenges and experiences in the program. The Litchfield Team placed 5th out of 30 at the State Rally held in Pacific Junction, Iowa on May 3. Tom Knott, Director of Operations/Loss Control answered questions relating to the Safety Committee Minutes from June 10, 2008. Manager Nelson asked Tom to explain the recommendations at the end of each incident. Tom explained both the committee and management recommend if the accident was preventable or not preventable; in the case of a disagreement, the recommendation by management over rides that of the committee. Under the new policy, the written recorded minutes serve as the first warning. Tom has a tracking report on the computer. Director Ramsey again expressed his disappointment with so many accidents. Manager Nelson gave an update on the “Our Energy” campaign. He thanked everyone who took time to log on to ourenergy.coop and send a note to their elected officials. Custer Public Power had over 120 emails sent to Washington D.C. Manager Nelson will make his third radio appearance on July 8 at 8:00 a.m. on KBBN (95.3) talking about our energy and energy efficiency. The dates of the July and August Board Meetings are as follows: June Board Meeting  - Wednesday July 30, 2008. July Board Meeting – Thursday, August 25, 2008 | Close Window |

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