The Jasper Utility Service Board met Monday and:

Ӣ Heard from Utilities General Manager Bud Hauersperger that the water committee will meet prior to the next utility service board meeting to discuss the water level at Beaver Lake, which seems to be lower than in the past. He also cautioned the public to be extra careful around the shoreline since the level is lower.

Ӣ Learned from Gas and Water Manager Mike Oeding that a camera has been installed at the Beaver Lake dam because someone has been drawing graffiti on the dam.

”¢ Heard that customers in the utilities’ equal-pay program who are due to receive a refund will receive those checks in a mailing separate from their utility bills. A story about the program is on the front page.

”¢ Approved purchasing two membranes for the digester dome at the wastewater plant and having them installed, for a total cost of about $322,000. The membranes capture methane gas, which is then used to create electricity and heat the plant. The dome’s inner membrane has failed, reported Alex Emmons, wastewater commissioner.

Ӣ Opened three bids for a utility truck and gave Oeding permission to purchase from the lowest bidder, as long as the bid satisfies specifications. The lowest bid came from Sternberg Ford of Dale, for a 2013 Ford F150 for $14,125, including $4,000 for a trade-in of a 1999 GMC pickup truck.

”¢ Paid $4,880 to remain a member of the Indiana Municipal Electric Association in 2014. The dues increased about 20 percent over this year’s dues, Electric Distribution Manager Jerry Schitter said, but members will receive more services along with the training programs, classes and conferences the organization provides.

Ӣ Heard from Ken Sendelweck, electric commissioner, that the Energizing Indiana program has received about three requests from residents for energy assessments of their homes. He said the board and city should consider having more promotion to encourage residents to sign up for the free assessments.

”¢ Acknowledged Oeding’s retirement, which will happen at the end of the month, as well as five retirements from the electric department that have happened this year. Electric Generation Manager Windell Toby and electric line foreman Jim Reuber retired in May. Lineman Rick Vonderheide retired in April. Power plant Superintendent Raphael Fleck retired in February.
Substation technician Wayne Hopf retired in January.