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 8/17/06

HUNTER TO BE NEW GENERAL MANAGER

The Board of Public Works of the City of Auburn (BPW) has offered the position of General Manager to David Hunter, Jr.  BPW Chairman, James Grant III, announced that David has accepted the offer and plans to be begin employment on September 5, 2006.

“The Board is excited to have found a person who will come to the utility with expertise in the electric, water and wastewater utilities,” commented Grant.  “David has been the Utilities Superintendent at Holdrege, a community of approximately 5800, for the past eight years and currently serves on the Nebraska Municipal Power Pool Board and Rate Review Committee for Nebraska Public Power District.”

8/10/06

bpw customers break electric record

 The heat and humidity for the month of July caused Board of Public Works (BPW) customers to break both demand and energy records for electric usage.  The peak demand record was broken on July 19 between 2:00-3:00 p.m. when demand reached 16,255 KW breaking the 2003 record.  According to Power Plant Manager Mike Kralik , the temperature at that time was 102 degrees outside; however, inside the Auburn Municipal Power Plant it was 142 degrees!  The total system energy was a record amount of 7,077,525 kwh breaking the 2005 record.  During these extreme heat days, you can help keep the cost of electricity down by setting your thermostats to 78 degrees and conserving electricity from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. each day.    

BPW customers have been asked to conserve on water usage during the Water Watch, which is still in effect.  The peak day for water pumped was 903,000 gallons, but we have not broken the peak day on record.  Ken Swanson , Water/Wastewater Manager says “We appreciate our customers’ cooperation during this Water Watch and trying to conserve so that we do not have to implement stricter water regulations.”

8/4/06

HAHN NEWEST BOARD MEMBER

Deputy City Clerk Denise Eggers issued the oath of Office to Dick Hahn Jr. at the Board of Public Works (BPW) meeting on July 31, 2006.  Mayor Bob Engles appointed Dick and he was unanimously confirmed by the City Council at their July 24^th meeting.  Dick fills the vacancy left when Phil Hamilton submitted his resignation.

Dick was born and raised in Johnson, NE.  After 23 years as Director of Planned Giving for Nebraska Wesleyan, Dick and his wife Bev moved back to Auburn.  That was four and a half years ago and Dick has now become involved in the community.  Part of that involvement includes serving on the Library Board, member of the Auburn Development Corporation, and member of St. Paul Lutheran Church.  He is presently employed as a part-time funeral director with Hall Funeral Chapel.

James Grant, Chairman of BPW said “We are looking forward to having Dick join the Board.  His business experience and commitment to the community will be a big asset to the utility.”

6/20/06

WATER CONSERVATION

 The Board of Public Works of the City of Auburn (BPW) recently issued a water watch and asked customers to conserve on their water usage. All of us who live in Auburn own the water system.  If we, as a community, work together this summer to control our usage, we may be able to avoid restrictions.  Some heavy rains wouldn’t hurt either!  Here are a few ideas for you to consider:  

Bring in your old showerheads to our office and receive new, high quality, low-flow showerheads - FREE.  These showerheads will lower your water and sanitary sewer bills.  Wash vehicles with a pail of soapy water and use a hose only for rinsing.  

One of the main areas where we can conserve water is lawn watering.  BPW asked Gary Lesoing, County Extension Agent, about lawn care tips.  He provided this information from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension.  Many of these tips help conserve water as well as keep your lawn healthy.   

If you are going to irrigate your lawn, it is best to irrigate in the early morning (4-10 a.m.) if possible.  This will generally reduce the impact from wind, because it is usually calmer in the morning.  Irrigating at this time is usually more efficient because it is cooler and there will be less evaporation.  Finally it is better to irrigate in the morning because it will reduce the incidence of diseases.  By irrigating in the morning you will give the grass a chance to dry off.  If you irrigate at night, the grass will be wet for a long period of time and there is more likelihood of disease to develop.  When irrigating your grass, don't over irrigate.  Much of the soil in our area is clay loam to clay, with some sandy loam and a lot of silt loam soil.  You do not want to apply water at a rate faster than the soil can take it up.  Infiltration rate for clay to clay loam soils is .10 to .25 inches per hour.  For sandy loam to silt loam soil, infiltration rate is .25 to .50 inches per hour.  If you don't know how much water you are applying, you can put out coffee cans to measure the application rate per hour.  The amount of water (Evapotranspiration or ET) different grasses use per week is variable.  The ET in summer per week for Kentucky Bluegrass is 1-2 inches and Tall fescue is 2-4 inches.  While fescue will use a lot of water if it is available, it can generally do very well with limited water.  Kentucky bluegrass will require irrigation to keep it from going dormant.  Shaded areas will generally need less water.

For trees, especially newly planted trees, proper watering is also important.  If you have clay soil, you do not want to over water them or else you may drown them out and suffocate the roots from lack of oxygen.  It is important to monitor newly planted trees and not let them get too dry.   When planting trees, water the trees initially, again the next day, in 3 days and in another 3 days.  In clay soils, water trees every 7-10 days and in sandy soils once a week.  If we receive rain or if the trees receive water from irrigation in the lawn, they may be getting enough water.    

During a WATER WARNING, customers whose addresses end in even numbers may only water lawns on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.  Customers whose addresses end in odd numbers may water on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.  Rural customers who do not have street addresses use their Box number to determine their schedule.  It might be a good idea to set your automatic sprinklers to the even/odd schedule now so you won’t have to make any changes if a water warning goes into effect.  Make sure your sprinklers are not watering the streets.  

Auburn’s water is very high quality, but the quantity is limited.  We are working to find more water resources, however this has proved difficult in our area, commented Ken Swanson , BPW Water/Wastewater Manager.  Thank you in advance for your conservation efforts, concluded Swanson.

DATE:             MAY 26, 2006

WATER WATCH  DECLARED

The Board of Public Works of the City of Auburn (BPW) is issuing a WATER WATCH, which is effective immediately.

Water/Wastewater Manager Swanson said “BPW is asking customers to curtail any unnecessary water use and conserve water whenever possible.  The current heat and drought conditions are beginning to affect the water table, which isn’t being recharged due to the lack of rain.”  BPW feels it is necessary to issue this WATCH because of the current conditions and the peak summer usage months still ahead of us.

Water wise conservation now – may relieve the need for water restrictions later this summer.  Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated.  “Pray for rain,” concluded Swanson. 

This WATCH is in effect until further notice.

BPW - (402)274-4981

DATE:             April 19, 2006

BPW FEATURED WEBSITE

The Board of Public Works (BPW) was recently notified by Mary Fumento, Reference and Web Development Librarian of the American Public Power Association (APPA) that BPW’s website was being featured as the APPA Web Site of the Week from April 14-21^st and could be seen by visiting the APPA website www.appanet.org/index.cfm through the 21st.  BPW’s website is located at www.auburnne.net and provides a vast array of information to the public including minutes and agendas of the Board Meetings, rates and policies, news releases, application and other customer forms, names of contact people, and even a kid’s page.  

Action Technologies originally set up the website and it is hosted on their server for security purpose.  BPW staff maintains the site and keeps it updated with the latest information.  Check it out!

Date:  12/16/05

bpw plans no electric rate increase for 2006

The Board of Public Works (BPW) budget for 2006 has been approved with no electric increase planned.  The budget is tight and BPW is absorbing an 11.9% increase in power cost from the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA).  BPW receives about 20% of its’ energy from WAPA and the remainder from Nebraska Public Power District. 

BPW is hopeful that by holding the line on electric rates, our customers will be able to pay the record high natural gas and propane costs this winter.  “Hopefully, our customers will see the value of electric heat more than ever this winter”, said Richard Layson, BPW’s Chairman.  BPW needs about 100 residential customers to convert to electric heat and the utility will be winter peaking.  “When we become winter peaking, BPW will probably begin to phase out the rebate program,” said James Dietz, BPW’s General Manager.  BPW will continue the rebate program in 2006 with some modifications.  There will no longer be rebates for customers who replace electric heat with the same type of heat. 

Customers should be aware that the government is implementing higher efficiency standards for air conditioners and electric heat pumps.  The minimum SEER (seasonal energy efficiency rating) manufactured in 2006 will be 13, however, equipment that is sitting on the shelf will be allowed to be sold.  BPW will likely change the rebate program again when the older equipment is sold out. 

Customers should check with BPW before installing electric heat to make certain you qualify for the rebate you are expecting.  For more information call 274-4981.

Date:  September 1, 2005

BPW RECOGNIZES TERESA GARVER

Teresa has been helping the staff at the Board of Public Works (BPW) for several years by shredding paper to be recycled.  She comes down with her staff person Marci Boyer.  Teresa is a SENDS Client and does a super job.  The BPW wanted to acknowledge and thank her by presenting her with a “Barry Well Done Award”!

Teresa Garver (middle) receives the "Barry Well Done Award"

from Mary Michel, with Marci Boyer on the left.

Date:  August 10, 2005

AUBURN IMPROVES FIRE PROTECTION

RATING TO ISO CLASS 5

Effective August 1, 2005, Auburn’s fire rating improved to Class 5 according to Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO). The lower the classification, the better the fire protection. Auburn’s rating was a Class 7 before 1986, when it improved to a Class 6.

For many commercial properties, this will mean lower fire insurance rates after August 1. Residential property owners won’t see a decrease in insurance rates until Auburn reaches a Class 4; however, Class 4 is now in sight after reaching Class 5. A committee has already been established to move the city toward Class 4.

ISO uses a comprehensive grading system to evaluate fire protection, which includes: Receiving and Handling Fire Alarms with a score of 5.54 out of 10 possible points, Fire Department with a score of 19.87 out of 50 possible points, and Water Supply with a score of 36.11 out of 40. Auburn’s total score was 51.41% compared to 45.34% in 1986. According to ISO, only 22.7% of the U.S. has a fire protection rating as good or better than Auburn.

"Our Fire Department really stepped up to the plate to make this happen," said Robert Engles, Mayor of Auburn. "The amazing part is that this is accomplished with all volunteers. When Highway 75 was being rebuilt through Auburn, the folks along the route were told the water system improvements, that were part of the project, might lead to a better fire rating. They did," Engles concluded.

DATE:    AUGUST 8, 2005

bpw customers break electric record

For the month of July, Board of Public Works (BPW) purchased a record amount of electricity – 6,895,327 KWH – for its customers.   

The record amount would have been higher if not for a large power outage on July 23^rd affecting 397 customers for about one hour when a circuit breaker bushing at the Power Plant shorted to ground. 

The previous record for one month occurred in July 2002. 

The peak demand was on July 20^th between 3:00 and 3:30 p.m.  This did not exceed the record of August 18, 2003.  BPW issued Peak Alerts for July 20^th, 21^st, and 22^nd.  There was no shortage of electricity, but if customers can limit usage during these times, it may help prevent rate increases.  BPW believes the Peak Alerts were successful and is very appreciative of customer cooperation. 

Daily water consumption during 2005 has been far less than the record daily consumption of June 26, 2002.

DATE:   JUNE 16, 2005

EMPLOYEES RECOGNIZED 

On June 8, 2005, the Utilities Section of the League of Nebraska Municipalities hosted a regional employee recognition luncheon in Auburn.  The Utilities Section provides assistance to members and input to the League on issues relating to municipal utilities and public works operations, such as: Electricity, Drinking Water, Natural Gas, Wastewater, Streets and Roads, etc.  Another important part of the Section is recognition of city employees involved in utilities and public works departments. 

Mayor Bob Engles welcomed the group and thanked utility employees for their dedication in providing these services, which most people take for granted.  Lash Chaffin-Utilities Section Director and Rob Pierce-Utilities Field Representative, both of the Utilities Section of the League of Municipalities, participated in the event.  

Sara Volkmer entertained with a trumpet solo accompanied by Teresa Fletcher on piano, while participants enjoyed a buffet luncheon.  The three utilities participating honored 390 years of service between 21employees!  Employees receiving Service Awards and their years of service were - Auburn: Ron Behrends-35 years, Connie Searcey-20, Bob Wintz-15, Mike Kralik-10 and Chris Jones-5; Falls City: Larry Merz-25, Doug Wheeler-20, Jerry Rhodd-15 and Marilyn Capps-10; Nebraska City: Tom Lant-35, Leroy Frana-30, Howard Orndorff-15, Mary Lynn Hall-10, Miki Van Renan-10 and David Messing-10; also recognized but not able to attend were the following personnel from Nebraska City: Don Kingery-30, Ken Maybee-30, Rockie Bassinger-20, Todd Chaney-20, Tom Walters-15, and David Hoyle-10:  BPW personnel attending were Board Chairman Richard Layson, Board Members James Grant III, Jack Humphrey and William Lynch Jr., General Manager James Dietz, Electric Operations Manager Milo Leslie, Water/Wastewater Manager Kenneth Swanson and Accounting & Finance Manager Betty Filbrandt. Other attending for the Auburn group were Linda Bantz, Mary Michel & Sue Kralik.  

All three managers of the utilities emphasized that their Utility’s biggest assets were their dedicated and enthusiastic employees!

Honored Employees:  Ron Behrends, Chris Jones, Bob Wintz, Connie Searcey, Mike Kralik

DATE:    JUNE 9, 2005

BPW PROVIDES ITS FIRST IRRIGATION POWER

In the three county area where your Board of Public Works (BPW) operates, electric service is provided to almost every type of customer including: factories, river boats, a winery, a hospital, ball fields, emergency sirens, etc. and customers connected to agriculture such as grain elevators and a dairy farm.  Each type of customer has unique electric service requirements.  With such a great diversity of customers, it seems BPW would have supplied some irrigation.  Crop irrigation is not prevalent in this area due to a thin ground water aquifer in many areas, hilly terrain and normal precipitation being adequate in most years.  

In 2005, BPW will supply power for its first electric center pivot irrigation system including electric pumping.  The owners looked at using engine pumping and decided electricity from your Board of public Works was more economical.  

Your BPW had to construct approximately 0.7 mile of three-phase high voltage power line for this project.  Almost all center pivots require a three-phase 480 Volt service and this one was no exception.  The project was completed safely, on time and within budget by BPW’s electric line technicians in May.

BPW’s Line Technicians string a portion of the high voltage conductor for the new line.

June 1, 2005

SUMMER RATES BEGIN

The Board of Public Works (BPW) would like their customers to know summer electric rates will go into effect when meters are read beginning June 1.  In the summer, there are no declining block rates, which means, for most customers, electric rates will be higher.  Summer rates will continue until meters are read beginning October 1.

The wholesale cost of electricity from BPW’s primary power supplier, Nebraska Public Power District, is higher in the summer and lower in the winter.  Your BPW passes this price signal along to its customers.  If customers can cut back on electric usage in the summer they will see the benefit with lower bills.  On the highest usage days, BPW will again issue Peak Alerts this summer.  By reducing electric usage during peak times, customer can help prevent rate increases. 

For more information, call BPW at 274-4981. 

May 26, 2005

BPW RECEIVES

FIRST PLACE SAFETY AWARD

The Board of Public Works (BPW) recently received a 1^st Place Safety Award from the American Public Power Association (APPA) for 2004.  BPW had no reportable accidents in 2004 in any department.

Accident records and employee work hours for the electric utility are submitted to APPA.  Three years of data are required before a utility is eligible for an award.  APPA then determines awards for various size utilities.  No other Nebraska utility received a 1^st place award for 2004.  BPW has received a 1^st  place award three times in the last five years.

“Our Board management and employees are committed to having the safest work place possible,” said James Dietz-BPW’s General Manager.  “BPW’s safety program also helps keep the general public safe as employees are trained to construct and operate the utilities in a safe manner, to report hazards, etc.,”  Dietz concluded.

Greg Nelson (l), BPW’s electric utility safety instructor from Northeast Technical Community College, presents Milo Leslie, BPW’s Electric Operations Manager and charter Safety Committee Member, the 2004 award.

April 20, 2005

 RECENT RATE SURVEY SHOWS

BPW CUSTOMERS PAY LOW ELECTRIC RATES

A recent survey of 2003 electric rates released by the American Public Power Association shows your Board of Public Works (BPW) customers continue to pay low rates.  Municipal utilities, like your BPW, continue to have the lowest residential electric rates in Nebraska.  Of the 160 Nebraska utilities surveyed, only the municipal utilities of Broken Bow, Chappell, Crete, Fremont, Hildreth, and Spalding had lower rates.

Most of the nation is served by private, for-profit, electric utilities.  The survey shows BPW customers paid 35% less than the private utilities national average.

The table included with this article gives the breakdown for electric utilities serving southeast Nebraska.

SOUTHEAST NEBRASKA 2003 RESIDENTIAL ELECTRIC RATES

     April 15, 2005

BPW PROVIDES

WATER QUALITY REPORT

The Board of Public Works (BPW) will be mailing the 2004 annual water quality report - entitled “QUALITY ON TAP” – to all their water customers with this month’s utility bills.  The report is also available at several locations:  BPW’s website at www.auburnne.net under “Water Department” or BPW’s main office and City Hall.   

In conjunction with the report, BPW is announcing a new program this year – get the lead out!  Some Auburn homes and businesses that are over 50 years old may have lead water service lines.  If you live in an older home or have an older business building, we would like you to check where your water service line enters your building to see if it is lead.  The property owner owns the water line from the curb-stop (shut-off), near the property line, into the building.  There is no lead in your source water or in the water mains.  The service lines are the only components of the water system that BPW believes may contain lead.  Please let BPW know if you find you have a lead service line. 

And again this year, the report has a suggestion on how customers can help keep Auburn’s water safe by making sure water softener drains are plumbed correctly.  BPW is asking customers, with a water softener, to look at the pictures on the Water Quality Report and compare it with your softener drain and if yours is not plumbed correctly, please correct it this year. 

Customers can see displays on get the lead out and proper plumbing for water softener drains at the BPW’s main office. 

 “If any customer has any questions or comments regarding the report, they can call the BPW Office at 274-4981 or email us at bpw@auburnne.net”, said Ken Swanson-BPW’s Water/Wastewater Manager.

April 14, 2005

On Wednesday - April 20 at 4:00 p.m., the Board of Public Works (BPW) plans to shut off the power to all of its customers west of Auburn for five minutes or less.  This includes the Village of Johnson, all customers between Auburn and Johnson, and all customers west of Johnson, including those in Johnson County.

The purpose of the outage is to bypass a voltage regulator.  The regulator needs to be repaired to maintain proper voltage during times of heavy air-conditioning load in the summer.

Customers affected should shut down computers and other sensitive electrical equipment before the outage.  In the event of inclement weather on Wednesday, the outage will take place on Thursday - April 21 at the same time.