New Albany Utility Board Meeting - May 28, 2026

The New Albany Utility Board held its regular meeting on May 28, 2026, at 2:15 PM. The board approved minutes from May 14, 2026, and several routine items including a construction observation agreement, the purchase of an electric pickup truck, billing adjustments for five accounts, and a claims report. Updates were provided on the public works building and wastewater plant operations.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The board approved the minutes from the May 14, 2026 meeting as presented, with a motion and second, by unanimous voice vote.

Discussion Items

• Construction Observation Agreement: Mike presented an agreement with Clark Deeds for observation of a 24-inch force main relocation at the public works facility. The project involves approximately 670 feet of ductile iron rerouting, with two hours per day observation over an estimated six-week construction period, not to exceed $15,000. The board approved the request by unanimous voice vote.
• Pickup Truck Quotes: Two quotes were presented for the utility's first electric vehicle (EV). John Jones offered a 2026 Chevy Silverado EV LT for $49,842.50 (with a $4,250 trade-in for a 2014 Ford F-150). Coil Chevrolet offered a 2026 GMC Sierra EV Elevation for $50,783.50 (with a $4,000 trade-in). A board member stated the EV will be a trial to compare with gas trucks. A motion to approve the John Jones quote passed unanimously.
• Billing Adjustments: Finance official April (Lonnie?) presented five adjustments for water leaks:
  • Scott Abbott: $1,520.69 (leak from water main by road, affected three billing cycles). Approved.
  • Josh Adwell: $1,464.08 (leak in yard, affected three cycles). Approved.
  • A resident (name unclear): $2,022.23 (leak at meter in yard, affected three cycles). Approved.
  • Melissa Hadley: $1,464.08 (leak in cross-based cellar, required replacement of water line and drainage; plumber invoice from Inline Plumbing LLC, affected two cycles). Approved.
  • Alper Cardoso: $2,381.53 (leak at trailer park on Corn Pike, lots 8 and 16, water into yard, affected one cycle; plumber repaired two water pipes). Approved.
• Claims Report: Linda presented claims for the period May 14–27, 2026, totaling $336,229.06. The board approved the claims unanimously.
• Utility Report: Mike (Ike) reported February 2026 had no violations. The lab received the IWA lab association award. New gates were installed, completely confining the plant, and fence removal began. Materials for the force main relocation have been ordered. A board member asked about a large motor that experienced wear; Mike explained they are waiting for drier weather to clean the IPS tank, which requires shutting off flow.
• Billing Report: Ed reported that the previous month's billing was approximately $1,195,000, right in the middle of budget, with expenses slightly under budget and cash flow steady.
• City Officials Update: A board member (likely the president) noted multiple upcoming summer projects: public works building, communication center, and parts department, with dirt moving soon. The street department has moved into the new building with no major issues except minor HVAC, parking lot, and foundation water repairs.

Key Outcomes

• Approvals: All five billing adjustments, the claims report, the construction observation agreement, and the pickup truck purchase (John Jones) were approved unanimously.
• Next Steps: The force main relocation construction is expected to begin within weeks. The utility will operate the EV pickup as a one-year trial and report back on cost comparisons. Cleaning of the IPS tank is deferred until weather permits.