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Utility manager reports turbine insurance claim, planned generator overhaul and broadband talks with schools
Summary
Utility Manager John told the council that insurance accepted a wind-turbine claim and work is proceeding with EWT for parts; Generator 15 is scheduled for a $600,000 overhaul; the utility is also pursuing broadband cooperation with local schools and testing redundant circuits to reduce outages.
The city’s utility manager, John, updated the council on several operations and infrastructure items: an accepted insurance claim for a damaged wind turbine, a planned major overhaul of Generator 15, and discussions with a communications provider to reduce school Internet costs.
John said the city’s insurer has accepted the claim on the wind turbine and an agreement with EWT is in place so parts can arrive; the city is still evaluating a potential claim against EWT because the policy carries a $150,000 deductible and the city believes EWT may bear some responsibility. "We haven't given up on the potential that we will have a claim against EWT that's still being evaluated because there's a $150,000 deductible on the insurance policy," John said.
On generation, John said Generator 15 is scheduled for a 25,000-hour overhaul beginning April 11 and running through about May 25, with the overhaul estimated to cost about $600,000. He said contractors have begun delivering parts and that the schedule is planned to limit outages.
John also described discussions with a communications company that serves local schools to explore cooperative ways to reduce the schools' costs and increase bandwidth; he noted federal programs cover much of school Internet but schools still pay a share that could fall if overall bills decline. He reported progress with Tallalaska to establish a test circuit intended to improve redundancy after past fiber outages. John clarified that a reported 911 outage was not an internal utility issue but likely the result of an outside telecommunications provider problem.
The utility manager said staff are setting up a new card reader and an in-house billing database; tests look positive and staff expect the system to be operational within about 30 days to improve billing and membership tracking. He also described grant activity — applications for rec-center and sauna repairs and anticipated FEMA funding for planning work — and said the city continues to reconcile prior-year NSCDC funds before spending newly available NSEDC allocations.
Councilors asked for a written memo on PCU/communications outcomes and for comparative budget reports; John said staff will work to provide that information and publish clearer updates to reduce repeated inquiries from the public.
