15:59The selection of WSB as the GIS vendor was a notable item of discussion. An internal working group carefully evaluated proposals from multiple companies before deciding on WSB due to their local presence and extensive experience with Minnesota utilities. Their proposal included several beneficial add-ons, which the commission found appealing for the project’s success. The current GIS system is already in use, particularly by the electric department, which is GPSing infrastructure. However, other departments have been slower in transitioning from older systems like AutoCAD.

With the GIS system experiencing issues such as crashes, the commission’s plan is to conduct a phased evaluation to address these problems and ensure robust maintenance. The approval of WSB’s proposal allows for the hiring of a dedicated GIS employee, further underscoring the commission’s dedication to operational excellence. The motion to authorize the city manager to accept WSB’s proposal was passed without opposition.

20:19The commission’s focus on infrastructure was further evident in the discussions surrounding the main wastewater plant replacement project. The project scope has evolved from the initial engineering proposal by Power Systems Engineering. The existing motor control center (MCC) equipment, around 50 years old, is deteriorating due to exposure to hydrogen sulfide gas. The new proposal includes constructing a new electrical building to house the MCC equipment in a more protected environment. Although this new direction results in costs exceeding the initial budget, the investment is seen as necessary to improve infrastructure and protect the equipment from harsh conditions. A motion to approve a change order for engineering services, totaling $50,488, was put forth and passed without dissent.

25:11Another infrastructure topic was the resolution for funding a gravity sewer and water main project. This initiative aims to complete the water and sewer main on Front Street and facilitate the demolition of the Center Street lift station, which is in poor condition and presents maintenance challenges. The commission is seeking alternative funding sources for this expensive project, as it is not part of the city’s utility street budget. Although previous bonding bills submitted in 2023 and 2024 were unsuccessful, the commission remains optimistic about gaining approval in the upcoming 2026 legislative session. The resolution to request funding from the state of Minnesota’s capital investment bonding bill was introduced and approved through a roll call vote, with full support from the commissioners.

04:57Additionally, the meeting highlighted operational updates from the director’s report, noting an increase in the frequency of requests to operate gas and steam turbines due to weather conditions and other unit downtimes. The director remarked on the rising number of calls to run these units, with six or seven occurrences that summer alone.

07:06Furthermore, the commission recognized Mike Huffman as the employee of the month for June. Huffman, with the New Ulm Wastewater Plant since 2000, was commended for his reliability and mechanical aptitude, which benefit the plant’s operations. His recognition was approved without further discussion.

09:37In a presentation by an intern from Germany, Nxan, who has been working on the Green Step Cities program, the commission learned about progress towards advancing the city’s sustainability initiatives. Nxan shared her educational background in chemical engineering and her main project focused on gathering necessary documentation to help New Ulm achieve step three of the Green Step Cities program. Despite missing documentation initially, much progress was made during her internship, with only two submissions still pending, particularly in sustainable purchasing.