i a of m u n e w s l e t t e rarchive.iamu.org/news/newsletters/archive/2006/2006-05.pdf · 2008....

May 2006

The 2006 General Assembly finally ended on May 4in the wee hours of the morning, 15 days past thescheduled 100th day.

The session was marked by several issues, includingwater quality, eminent domain, TouchPlay and thediscovery of irregularities at CIETC. The Govern-ment Oversight Committee continues to holdhearings to investigate the activities of CIETC. Thesession was full of big changes too – such as theouster of Stew Iverson as the Republican Co-Majority Leader in the Senate and his replacementwith new Majority Leader Senator Mary Lundby.For cities in general, the session was busy; formunicipal utilities, the session was relatively quiet —at least in comparison to past sessions.

The following issues that have a direct relationshipto IAMU members were discussed during the 2006session:

I. Energy-Related IssuesRenewable Energy. Senate File 2399 addressedseveral issues that developed from last years’renewable energy bill – for chapter 476B entities (BigWind) it extends the date by which an eligible facilitymust be placed in service from July 1, 2008 to July 1,2009 and for chapter 476C entities (Small Wind) thedate is extended from January 1, 2011 to January 1,2012; allows the IUB to accept an executed intercon-nection agreement or transmission service agree-ment if the owner has agreed to sell electricity fromthe facility directly or indirectly to a wholesale powerpool market and extends the requirement that a476B qualified facility be operational in 18 months toan additional 12 months when it is not operationaldue to the unavailability of necessary equipment.For small wind facilities, the requirement to beoperational is extended from 18 months to 30months.

The bill doubles the tax credit available for smallwind production (Chapter 476C) from the original90 MW to 180 MW. It creates a tax credit for refuse-derived fuel production by providing for 167 billionBritish thermal units of heat to be used for a

commercial purpose. The bill defines “refuse conver-sion facility” to mean a facility in this state that convertssolid waste into fuel that can be burned to generateheat for a commercial purpose in this state. Of the 167billion BTUs, 55 billion must be used for processed,engineered fuel from a multi-county solid wastemanagement planning area. The total amountallocated for the refuse-derived fuel tax credits is$750,000.

The bill requires the IUB to maintain a waiting list forthose facilities applying for the credits. If a projectbecomes ineligible it is to be removed from the list andeach facility must verify eligibility each year by August31. It requires the IUB to submit to the governmentoversight committee by January 1, 2007, a proposal tostudy the transmission of electricity in Iowa. Theproposal must include an examination of the reliabilityand limitations of the primary grid system and thedevelopment of additional small wind projects in allregions of the state. The study is also to include issuesrelated to the security of Iowa’s energy supply in theevent of a national or local emergency affecting theprimary grid system. The bill has not yet been signedby the Governor.

SF 2402 creates a tradable tax credit for the use ofsoy-based transformer fluid by electric utilities.The credit is equal to the costs of changing to soy-based transformer fluid. The costs are limited tothose incurred between June 30, 2006 and December31, 2007 at $2 per gallon, up to 20,000 gallons perelectric utility. Congratulations to Glenn Cannonand the folks at Waverly Light & Power. TheGovernor has not yet signed this bill. fluid. The costsare limited to those incuSolar Energy Sales Tax Exemption. Senate File 2398exempts the sale of equipment capable of collecting andconverting solar energy into another form of energyfrom the state sales tax. The tax credit is limited to“equipment that is primarily used to collect and convertsolar energy into another form of energy or equipmentthat transforms this solar in energy to a storage point ora point of use.” IAMU registered FOR this bill. This billhas not yet been signed by the Governor.

Continued on 0

LEGISLATIVE WRAP-UP: BILLS & ISSUES AFFECTING UTILITIES

Legislature2006

IOWA ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPAL UTILITIES

N E W S L E T T E R

"To support and strengthen Iowa's municipal utilities"

IAMU Newsletter May 2006

A crowd of more than 100 filled a conferenceroom at the Adventureland Hotel in Altoonafor the recent IAMU Power Supply Work-shop.

A number of electric industry professionalsrelayed valuable information in the day-longworkshop, discussing such topics as con-tracts; whole supply issues; retail rate design;coal options & costs; demand side manage-ment; wind generation; the Iowa StoredEnergy Plant; combined heat and power/methane; biomass; generation pooling andowning transmission.

Speakers included Bruce Weier of Mid-StatesPower Consulting; David Berg of the R.W.Beck Co.; Tom Heller of Missouri RiverEnergy Services; Bill Leung of the MunicipalEnergy Association of Nebraska; John Bilstenand Kent Holst of the Iowa Stored EnergyProject (ISEP); Jennifer States of JW PrairieWindpower; Steffen Mueller of the MidwestCHP Applications Center, University ofIllinois-Chicago; Royce Hammitt of DesMoines Water Works; and Jim Kochevar ofHibbing (MN) Public Utilities.

NOTED SPEAKERS, TIMELY INFO AT POWER SUPPLY WORKSHOP

David Berg of the R.W. BeckCo. (above) and Bruce Weierof Mid-States Power Consult-ing (below) were just two ofthe notable speakers at thePower Supply Workshop.

Berg (far left) and Weier (far right) also took partin a panel discussion that also included BillLeung of Nebraska Municipal Power Pool(second from left); and Tom Heller of MissouriRiver Energy Services (with microphone).

. . . . .

PowerSupplyWorkshop May 10, 2006

Adventureland Inn

Gas industry personnel, pipeline operators,managers, trainers and technicians are allurged to attend the 2006 Iowa TSI PipelineSafety Conference June 6-8 at theAdventureland Inn in Altoona. Participantswill learn about new products, services andupdated regulations. Exhibitors will also beon hand. The conference is sponsored by theIowa Utilities Board.

Registration will be held from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.June 6, with the conference beginning at 8:30a.m. General sessions will be held each day,in addition to various “breakout” sessions.Just some of the topics to on the conference

proposed agenda include: PHMSA and U.S.DOT Federal Relationships; Iowa Update; RP1162 Public Awareness policy; a DIMP panel;Remote Methane Leak Detection; Incidents –Lessons Learned; Subparts L&M – SystemO&M; OQ Update; and Dealing with theMedia, in addition to many others.

The registration cost for the conference is $115per person. To obtain a brochure and registra-tion form, or for more information, contactCynthia Munyon at the Iowa Utilities Board,350 Maple St., Des Moines, IA 50319; 515/281-5740 (phone); 515/281-5329 (fax);[email protected] (email).

TSI PIPELINE SAFETY CONFERENCE COMING IN JUNE

GASNEWS


In January 2006 IAMU Gas Services was onceagain asked to assist with a national commit-tee to deal with the Operator Qualification(OQ) regulation for natural gas systems. RudyParcel, IAMU Gas Services Coordinator, RodParcel, IAMU Gas Services Specialist andDave Hraha, IAMU Program Manager, joinedthe Security and Integrity Foundation (SIF)committee, along with other industry andregulatory personnel to help in this endeavor.

During the past two years, enforcementprotocols have identified compliance gaps,particularly with very small operators. Smalloperators include utilities with limitedpersonnel and financial resources and“master meter systems” — apartment com-plexes, trailer parks and other businesseswhich buy gas from the local utility anddistribute it to two or more end users throughburied piping. Unlike small utilities, operat-ing and maintaining the gas piping is not theprimary function of master meter operators –their primary business is managing theapartment, trailer park or other business andso are even less likely than small utilities topossess the expertise to properly train and testtheir employees; not only for knowledge butalso for skills, abilities and knowing theabnormal operating conditions that they mayencounter while working on a gas system.

The SIF is addressing these challenges in fourPhases of work.

Phase One: Identify covered B31Q tasks (anAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers[ASME] voluntary standard for operatorqualification.) The now completed goal was toidentify approximately ten covered tasks thatare common to a majority of master meter,propane and small system operators. The list

of approximately ten covered tasks is thebasis of the SIF operator training programsfor the rest of the phases.

Phase Two: Assess Training and EvaluationMaterials. Lists of one or more training andevaluation tools that can be used to qualifyindividuals in each of the covered tasksidentified in Phase One were established.

Phase Three: Acquire/Develop/ModifyTraining and Evaluation Materials (thecurrent process). The committee will:3 Acquire the necessary licenses to use (andadapt as needed) the training/evaluationmaterials that will be used in Phase Four.3 To identify gaps in the subject mattercoverage and approaches of the materials.3 To develop a curriculum for each coveredtask that ensures uniformity of training andevaluation, including:

> Training and evaluation materials> Pass/fail criteria> Detailed guidance for instructors> “Train the trainers” workshopagenda and materials

3 To identify, by geographic regions, severaltraining facilities willing and able to conductSIF training/evaluation. The facilities will beconvenient to the largest possible number ofsmall operator/master meter employees.

Phase Four: Conduct Training and Evalua-tion. Qualify, through evaluation, 1,000 verysmall operator and master meter systememployees in the covered tasks identified inPhase One in the current year of 2006.

IAMU’s Gas Services Department and the SIFcommittee goal is to help gas operators protectthe public and themselves from injury andlosses.

IAMU GAS DEPARTMENT ASSISTS WITH FEDERAL OQ REGS

HELP US KEEP THEIAMU NEWSLETTERMAILING LIST CURRENT!

Please let us know!Contact John Burnett

Ph: 800/810-4268Fax: 515/289-2499

email: [email protected]

Board/Council Changes?

Retirements?New Hires?

GASNEWS


A number of gas operators received qualifica-tions on a variety of hands-on activities atIAMU’s Plastic Pipe Joining & OperatorQualification Workshop.

Despite a wet weather forecast, the vastmajority of the workshop remained rain-free,allowing for direct applications performed onIAMU’s Safety & Training Field. They in-cluded polyethylene fusion; mechanicalfitting joint methods; emergency valve replace-ments; squeeze-off procedures; insertion; andabandoning facilities. Qualifications werereceived in butt, saddle, electro and mechani-cal on Drisco techniques; backhoe andtrencher operation; installing tracer wire;excavation; pressure testing; purge safety andmore.

Once again, Denny Miller, a retired utility workerfrom Gilmore City, treated all on hand for theworkshop to an on-site pork barbeque the firstevening of the workshop. A thanks is extended toIAMU associate members Bates & Associates;Ditch Witch – Iowa; Forrer Supply Co.; Groebner& Associates; Industrial Sales Company; Mid-west Underground Supply; Vermeer Iowa; andZiegler Power Systems for their equipmentdonations and workshop assistance.

Highlights of the workshopincluded (right, top tobottom): The annual work-shop pork barbeque, withportable grill/smoker andmeat supplied by Denny Miller of Gilmore City; plenty of hands-on activity inthe training field. Above (top to bottom): IAMU's Roger Griffith conducting awork zone safety presentation; Trooper Doug Cutts of the Iowa State Patrol,who spoke about the threat of meth labs in the field.

SUCCESSFUL PLASTIC PIPE/OQ WORKSHOP DODGES RAIN

. . . . .

HAVE YOU COMPLETED AWELLHEAD PROTECTION PLAN?A Wellhead Protection Plan is a voluntaryprogram that is encouraged by the Iowa Depart-ment of Natural Resources. These plans include amap delineating the area(s) where water is beingdrawn into the wells, information on potentialcontamination from sources around the wells,management strategies to reduce the likelihoodof contamination and an emergency plan ofaction if a contamination or natural disasterincident should occur.

For more information or to start your Plan,contact Jill Soenen at IAMU, 800/810-4268 oremail [email protected].

WATERNEWS

Congratulations to Stuart MunicipalUtilities for receiving approval from theIowa Department of Natural Resources fortheir Wellhead Protection Plan, devisedwith assistance from IAMU.


SAMPLING TECHNIQUES/PLAN DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPSThe IAMU Sampling Techniques & Plan Develop-ment Workshops will again make a tour of the statein the month of June. Designed for systems thatserve under 3,300 population, the workshops are freeof charge ($35 per person from systems over 3,300population – price includes template and CEUs). 0.3CEUs for Water Treatment or Water Distribution willbe offered.

Subject matter to be included in the one-dayworkshops includes: Total coliform bacteria samplingprocedures and plans; lead and copper samplingprocedures and plans; disinfection by-productssampling procedures and plans; and public notifica-tion. A diskette containing sampling plan templateswill be provided to each workshop participant.

The workshop dates are as follows:June 1: Ankeny (IAMU Training & Office Complex,1735 NE 70th Ave.)

June 2: Atlantic (Iowa Western Community College,705 Walnut St.)June 7: Mason City (Lime Creek Nature Center, 3501Lime Creek Rd.)June 9: Storm Lake (Prairie Lakes Education Building,824 Flindt Dr.)June 14: Independence (Falcon Civic Center, 1305 5th

Ave. NE)June 15: Washington (Pizza Hut Meeting Room,1018 W. Madison St.)

Each workshop is limited to 50 participants. Aworkshop brochure has been distributed. Mail or faxthe brochure’s registration form to IAMU; or,register online with the IAMU website(www.iamu.org – click on “Upcoming Workshops”).Registration deadline for all workshops is May 26.

For more information, contact Eric Halligan atIAMU, 800/810-4268, or [email protected].

WATERNEWS

The busy spring season for IAMU’s safety &training facilities included the Water LeakDetection and Water Distribution TrainingWorkshops, held on two consecutive days.Designed for water systems serving under3,300 population, rotating hands-on trainingwas offered in different techniques, alongwith CEUs for attendees.

The two workshops will again be offered inthe fall, with the Leak Detection WorkshopSeptember 27 and the Distribution WorkshopSeptember 28. As always, a workshopsbrochure will be mailed and registrationinformation will be posted on the IAMUwebsite, www.iamu.org (click on “UpcomingWorkshops”).

LEAK DETECTION/DISTRIBUTION WORKSHOPS, SPRING EDITION

As always, a number of hands-on tasks awaited attendees at the Water LeakDetection and Water Distribution Workshops (above).

A special thanks to Midwest Underground Supply for again supplying a backhoe(left) for use with the workshops.


You’ve probably heard about GIS (GeographicalInformation Systems) at conferences, fromcolleagues, or in trade magazines. GIS can be apowerful mapping and data management toolthat can greatly reduce the amount of time andmoney it takes to evaluate information andanswer questions. It is basically a “smart map”that shows geographical features and linksinformation to those features.

If you’ve looked into starting a GIS at yourlocation, you may be feeling overwhelmed bywhat seems to be huge start up costs. Not onlydo you have the hardware and softwarerequirements, but data acquisition can be verycostly as well. You’ll be happy to know that theremight be a way to get the base information at avery low cost, or even no cost at all!

Many counties in Iowa have a GIS or are startingone. This means that information that you needmay have already been compiled or created bysomeone else. Many of these counties are willingto share their information with the cities withintheir boundaries because they understand thatthe taxpayers have already paid for this data.

The most critical pieces of information you needto start a utility system are aerial photography,parcel lines, street centerlines, and corporatelimit lines. With these, you have the base on whichto build your utility systems. It’s extremely helpful ifthe parcel lines come with ownership information(name and mailing address as well as propertyaddress) and that centerlines come with a nameyou can use to label the streets.

In addition to these four items, your county mighthave additional information that you would find

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have abecome a "hot topic' among utilities over the pastfew years, and while the larger utilities may have adedicated staff person or department for GIS,smaller utilities may not even know where to begin!There seems to be a disconnect between countiesand utilities in the sharing of information. Manyutilities may not know what information is out thereand who to contact to get it. Anne Packard, GISCoordinator of Fox Engineering of Ames, Iowa, hasseen the disconnect that exists, and wrote thefollowing story in the hope it will help your utility inthe world of GIS.

useful. Often they have township and sectionlines, rivers and streams, lakes, floodplains,drainage districts, drainage tiles, school districtlines, voting precinct lines, subdivision lines,county zoning lines, and railroad lines.

The best place to find out more is from yourcounty GIS staff members. Sometimes there areGIS people on staff and other times the GISperson is the Assessor or Engineer or an ITperson. Contact them and ask them what theirpolicies are about sharing information withmunicipalities. Find out who the “go-to” person isto get the information and to be kept up tospeed on what new information is beingplanned or added. Don’t forget to talk aboutgetting regular updates as parcel lines andownership change fairly often.

As you build a relationship with your county staff,you may be able to collaborate on projects andwork towards common goals. Ultimately, you’reboth working towards providing better service.

If you reside in a county that does not have aGIS currently, you can possibly start working withstaff members to build a mutually beneficialsystem. If they aren’t planning to start a system,there are several places online where you canfind data. You may still need to get better aerialsand draw the parcels yourself, but you candownload some features to use right away.

Yes, starting a GIS can be a daunting, some-times overwhelming task. But if you know whereto look, you can jump start your GIS with little orno cost for base data. It’s not about what youknow, or even who you know but do you knowwhere it is?

Online sources for data:http://www.gis.dot.state.ia.us/downloads/default.asphttp://www.gis.iastate.edu/http://www.ia.nrcs.usda.gov/http://www.igsb.uiowa.edu/nrgislibx/

Resource Books:Measuring Up – The Business Case for GIS, Thomas, ESRI PressThe GIS Guide for Local Government Officials, Fleming, ESRI PressGIS Tools, Shamsi, ASCE Press

"JUMP START" YOUR GIS

WATERNEWS

Aerial flights are done atdifferent altitudes,which affects theresolution of photos –or what the size of thepixels in the photos willbe. Pixel resolution isoften expressed in aform of measurement.For example, a 6-inchpixel resolution is clearenough to see hydrants,manholes, intakes andpoles. This may beimportant if you'regoing to use the photosto determine thelocations of things.

Many counties take 6-inch pixel resolutionphotos for urban areas,but 2-foot pixelresolution for ruralareas. If you're in acounty that does notnormally take 6-inchpixel resolution photos,talk to officials aboutincluding that resolu-tion in future flightsover cities. It can save agreat deal of moneyover contracting tohave separate urbanflights performed later.

A Word AboutAerial Photos.....


WATERNEWS

The Intended Use Plan (IUP) for the CleanWater State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) has beenreleased by the Department of Natural Re-sources and public comment is now beingsought, with written comments being acceptedthrough May 24, 2006. The IUP outlinesprogress made to date in the CWSRF and setsplans for operating and managing it duringFiscal Year 2007. It is anticipated that theEnvironmental Protection Commission will acton the IUPs at its June 19, 2006 meeting. Thefund applies to wastewater treatment; sewerrehabilitation; on-site septic systems; soil,sediment and nutrient control; manure man-agement; storm water management; lakerestoration; habitat restoration; habitat restora-tion; and landfill closure. It makes available$500 million for water quality.

The CWSRF provides low-interest loans forwastewater infrastructure improvements andnon-point source water quality projects. Itfunds municipally owned wastewater treat-ment and sewage facilities as well as stormwater management improvements. In addition,low-interest loans for non-profit sourceprojects are available through this fund.

Iowa municipalities are the primary borrowersfrom the CWSRF, and it now offers two types ofloans for municipal borrowers, one for plan-ning and design and one for construction.

The Iowa CWSRF is one of the state’s primarytools for funding water quality improvements.While many municipalities and other entitiesprefer to or need to receive grant funding fortheir water quality efforts, grant funding islimited and varies from year to year. As a loanprogram, the CWSRF can complement otherstate and federal grant programs as well asproviding a source of funding over and abovewhat is available through grants. The CWSRFis the lowest cost source of loan financing

available. Calculations by the Iowa FinanceAuthority (IFA), based on January 2006interest, rates, show that on a 20-year, $1million loan, using the CWSRF will save acity more than $262,000 compared withmarket rates. On a $10 million loan, thesavings will exceed $2.1 million.

The IUP will be amended quarterly, withprojects added and funding amounts ad-justed. While the plan of action outlined inthis SFY 2007 IUP may be amended insubsequent quarters, it is intended to lay outthe general direction and goals of the CWSRF.The plan is based on anticipated use of newand revolved funds available in the CWSRFfor funding water quality protection needs,including both publicly owned wastewaterand storm water facilities, and non-pointsource water protection projects.

The SFY 2007 Plan of Action covers thefollowing areas:

r CWSRF goals and objectivesr Current and projected financial capacity ofthe CWSRFr Financial management strategiesr Plan for the SFY 2007 project priority listfor direct loansr Plan for Iowa Water Quality Loan Fundprograms (non-point source set-asides)r Plan for use of administrative accounts

For more information on the CWSRF and IUP,or for copies of the IUPs and written com-ments, contact Patti Cale-Finnegan, StateRevolving Fund Coordinator, Water QualityBureau, Iowa Department of Natural Re-sources, Wallace State Office Building, 502East Ninth, Des Moines, IA 50319-0034.Phone: 515/242-6043. Fax: 515/281-8895.Email: [email protected].

THE LATEST ON THE STATE REVOLVING FUND FOR WATER

www.iamu.orgwww.iamu.org

www.iamu.orgwww.iamu.orgwww.iamu.org

www.iamu.org

www.iamu.orgwww.iamu.orgwww.iamu.org

check it outThe IAMU web site

www.iamu.org


MunicipalStormwater

IAMU reminds you that if you are planningconstruction projects where one or more acresof soil will be disturbed, you will need tocreate a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan(SWPPP) and then file the necessary paper-work with the Iowa Department of NaturalResources (IDNR) for a Stormwater GeneralPermit Number 2. To learn more, visit theIDNR website: http://www.iowadnr.com/water/stormwater/forms.html

Order of activities before construction begins:1. Print and read paperwork from IDNRwebsite.

2. Develop Stormwater Pollution PreventionPlan (SWPPP). This plan needs to addresserosion prevention and sediment control andon-site waste containment, along with a numberof other details that are listed in the IDNRSWPPP guidance document for GP No. 2.

3. Two Public Notices of Stormwater Dis-charge.

4. Submit Notice of Intent and Public Noticesto IDNR Central Office-Stormwater ProgramCoordinator.

Once permit is issued and constructionbegins:1. Update the SWPPP to reflect changes inand locations of pollution prevention prac-tices.2. Conduct weekly (and after a half inchrainfall) inspections and keep records ofinspections.

CONSTRUCTION SEASONSTORMWATER REMINDERS

Since its inception onJanuary 1, 2005, theIowa StormwaterEducation Program(ISWEP) has grown to 35

members (primarily consisting of MS-4communities). ISWEP develops and deliversprofessional urban water quality educationalresources for those involved with waterquality issues in Iowa. Materials are deliv-ered on a quarterly basis with a new topiccovered each quarter. The program wasoriginally developed for those entities thatwere required by an NPDES stormwaterpermit to develop an education and outreachprogram for urban water quality protection.

Due to the overwhelming response to thisprogram by non-NPDES permitted entities,IAMU has received permission by ourmembers to begin offering Associate Member-ships to the following:

r Non-permitted municipalities that want toprovide good, quality education to theircitizens at an affordable price.r Non-profit, governmental organizationsinvolved with environmental education.

In addition to the Associate Membershiplevel, a third membership is being offered to“Clean Water Professionals” – those entitieswho market a quality product or servicedesigned to aid in the implementation ofstormwater control. We have recently addedone Associate Member and two Clean WaterProfessionals to our program. For a listing ofall members, please go towww.iowastormwater.org.

The 2006 program year promises to be an activeone, with new materials being developed onWatershed Assessment and Protection;Pollution Prevention at Construction Sites andMunicipal Operations; Post Construction; IllicitDischarge; Soil Quality Restoration and NativeLandscaping, just to name a few. If you areinterested in finding out more about thisprogram, please visit the website listed above,or contact Pat Sauer at IAMU, 800/810-4268.

STORMWATER EDUCATIONPROGRAM MOVES AHEAD

www.iamu.org

Back Issues of the IAMU Newsletter

Onthe

IAMU website

(look for the linkson the front page)


Beginning in July 2006, IAMU memberelectric utilities involved in the Electric LineMechanic Apprenticeship Program will havean opportunity to send apprentices to IAMUfor annual skill evaluations.

There will be no additional charge incurredwhen the evaluations are done at IAMU’sTraining & Office Complex. Evaluations maybe arranged at the utility, but the utility willincur a half-day or full-day charge.

IAMU Electric Services Coordinator Eric Stollwill routinely be scheduled the secondWednesday of each month at IAMU (begin-ning in July) to provide this service. Duringthe months of May and September, whenIAMU hosts the annual Overhead and

Underground Electric Distribution work-shops, apprentices may come for evaluationduring the morning prior to the start of eachrespective workshop.

In all cases, utilities will need to contactIAMU in advance to state that they areplanning to send an apprentice or appren-tices. Registration forms for the overhead andunderground workshops will also include aspace to sign up apprentices to receive thisservice.

To schedule your apprentices, contactMelody Taninies at IAMU, 800/810-4268([email protected]). For more informationcontact Melody or Eric Stoll at 515/971-8481.

LINE MECHANIC APPRENTICESHIP EVALUATIONS FREE AT IAMU

"BACK TO BASICS" WITH SAFETY COORDINATORS WORKSHOP“Back to the Basics & Reducing Costs,” thenext IAMU Safety Coordinators Workshop,will present a number of important safety-related topics at IAMU’s Training & OfficeComplex June 22-23.

The two-day workshop will cover: What’sNew With OSHA; OWI & CDL – Disqualifica-tions & Vehicle Inspection, Hours of Serviceand Driver Disqualification; Prescription andOver-The-Counter Drug Use; Confined SpaceFatality Review; Emergency Action & RiverElevations; OSHA Program Review (ConfinedSpace & Emergency Action); Lockout/Tagout;Risk Management; Basics & Updates ofHazard Communication, Bloodborne Patho-gens & Respiratory Protection; OWI Viola-tions and Determining Procedures; IowaMunicipal Experience Rates.

.45 CEUs will be offered for Water, Wastewa-ter and Water Treatment, for a cost of $10 per

person. The workshop registration fee is $175per person for IAMU members and $200 perperson for non-members. IAMU Risk Manage-ment Coupons will be accepted as payment.

Workshop participants can also enjoy abonus, with complementary tickets to theIowa Cubs vs. Omaha baseball game in DesMoines the evening of June 22. Transporta-tion will be provided.

A workshop brochure has been distributed.Register by mailing or faxing the completedform in the brochure; or register online withthe IAMU website, www.iamu.org (click on“Upcoming Workshops”). Registrationdeadline is June 15, 2006.

For more information contact Dave Hraha([email protected]) or Melody Taninies([email protected]) at 800/810-4268.

SAFETY

Electric News

Workshop attendees will have the option of taking in an IowaCubs baseball game the evening of June 22. Enjoy complementarytickets and transportation provided by IAMU.


House File 2741 would have required the state-wide licensure of electricians. Despite its move-ment out of subcommittee and many versions of“agreed to” amendments, the bill did not move.

II. Water Issues.A major issue for cities this session was seeking away to comply with the new DNR water qualitystandards, mitigating the effect those standardswould have on city wastewater treatment facilitiesand pursuing funding possibilities for cities.Senate File 2363, the Water Quality bill providesprotections and assurances to cities when the DNRapplies the new standards. The bill passedunanimously in both the House and the Senate.This bill was sheparded through the legislativeprocess by Senator Mary Lundby and SenatorFrank Wood and Representative Rich Andersonand Representative Donovan Olson. The billaffirms the “top down” rebuttable presumption

Energy Building Standards. House File 2361requires the state building code commissioner toadopt energy conservation standards for homeconstruction based upon a nationally recognizedstandard or code for energy conservation.Currently, the minimum energy efficiencystandard is used for new single-family or two-family residential construction and is stated interms of the home heating index as developed bythe physics department at Iowa State Universityand as determined by a survey conducted by theDepartment of Natural Resources of the averageactual energy consumption. The Governor signedthe bill on April 26.

LIHEAP. In an amendment, H-8650 to House File2734, the Department of Human Services appro-priations bill, Iowa’s LIHEAP program was givenan additional $3 million in state funds. Theamendment language also requested an interimreview of the LIHEAP program. The Governorhas not yet signed the DHS Appropriations bill.

Senate File 2381 places combustion with energyrecovery as a higher preference above otherapproved techniques of solid waste management.This bill comports with a provision in Senate File2399 which allows for a tax credit for a businessthat uses solid waste for energy recovery. TheGovernor signed this bill on April 20.

IUB/OCA Office Building. An amendment toHouse File 2782, the Infrastructure Appropria-tions bill allows for a new office building for theIowa Utilities Board and the Office of ConsumerAdvocate. The building must be a model energy-efficient building that may be used as a publicexample for similar efforts. The building mustcomply with the life cycle cost provisions andmust be located on the capitol complex groundsor at another convenient location in the vicinity ofthe capitol complex grounds. The IUB stated that“using 30 year, 4.9 per cent state bonds to fund aprojected $7.5 million building investment, theannual debt service payment is estimated to be$590,000. While $590,000 is higher than the currentrent allocated to debt service, it is a savings overthe projected cost of leasing for 30 years.” This billhas not yet been signed by the Governor.

Bills that Died:Municipal Gas and Electric Property Tax. HouseStudy Bill 294 would have imposed a property taxon municipal gas and electric utilities. The taxeswould have been appropriated to the generalfund to be used for funding of the school aidformula. Despite concerns that this bill which wasintroduced in the 2005 legislative session wouldreceive some attention this year, it did not movethis session.

House File 2271 by Representative Rob Hogg is acomprehensive energy rewrite. Municipal utilitiesare not in agreement with the entire bill, but thebill does include a green building tax creditprovision. Senator Joe Bolkcom filed a somewhatless comprehensive bill, Senate File 2206 that alsoaddresses “green buildings. These bills alsomandated an expanded alternative energyrequirement.

Senate File 2004 which provided for additionalLIHEAP moneys and Senate File 2084 whichwould have required the Department of PublicHealth to certify low income households withchildren under the age of 5 or persons over theage of 60 whose income is 200% or more of thepoverty level. A utility would be prohibited fromdisconnecting service to a certified household.The bill provides a tax credit for investor-ownedutilities for the amount of monetary loss incurred.Municipal utilities would not have been eligible fora tradeable tax credit or any other monetaryreimbursement for losses under the bill. Look forthis discussion to continue in the interim, anamendment to the DHS Appropriations billregarding LIHEAP (see above) also requested thatthe legislative fiscal committee review the low-income home energy assistance program andweatherization program during the 2006 legisla-tive interim. The issues reviewed are to includefinancial assistance, the application and intakeprocesses, and the community action agenciesassessment and resolution proposal. The reviewshall also include involving the department ofhuman services in the administration of theprograms to enable low-income persons to accessadditional assistance programs through a singlelocation.

LEGISLATIVESUMMARY

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r A city (or adjacent property owner)can request meeting with Director to discuss usedesignation within 30 days of written determina-tion being released to public

r By December 31, 2006 DNR mustpublish a list of all designated streams segmentsfor which a use designation has not beencompleted, has been completed and whererecreational use has been determined to be notattainable.

r By December 31, 2007, UAA should becompleted for all newly designated streamsegments that receive a permitted discharge

r Prohibits the DNR from renewing NPDESpermits with the new standards until a useattainability analysis is completed. Allows forcontinuation of current operating permits.r Creates a Watershed Quality Planning TaskForce and requires a report to the GeneralAssembly by June 30, 2008 on recommendationsfor voluntary statewide water quality program.Members are environmental, government,business and agriculture groups. The goal of theTask Force is to improve water quality, optimizevoluntary efforts, create economic incentives forvoluntary nonpoint source reductions, pointsource discharge reductions, implementation ofpollution prevention programs, wetland restora-tion and creation and the development ofemerging pollution control technologies and toprovide greater flexibility through community-based, nonregulatory, and performance-drivenwatershed management planning.r Creates a Wastewater Treatment FinancialAssistance Program to assist cities with low-interest, no-interest loans, forgivable loans, orgrants. The program is directed towardsdisadvantaged communities to install or upgradewastewater treatment facilities. The bill does notinclude money for the program, however, themoney was included in House File 2782.

Water Quality Funding. The funding for thewater quality initiatives started in Senate File2363 were contained in House File 2782, theInfrastructure Appropriations bill. The billcontains four major provisions for water qualitymoneys – all of which are available to assist cities.r $4 million is appropriated to the Iowa FinanceAuthority to be used for a new wastewatertreatment financial assistance program. Themoney is appropriated from interest andearnings from the federal economic stimulus andjobs holding account. Assistance under theprogram is limited to smaller disadvantagedcities and is to be in response to compliance withthe new more stringent water quality standardsthat were adopted by the DNR in March.

that all waters of the state are fishable/swimmableunless a completed use attainability analysisproves otherwise. Although the bill originally didnot recognize the “rebuttable presumption” weadvocated for the “bottom up approach,” theDNR and the EPA both insisted that to do other-wise would be a clear violation of the federalClean Water Act and EPA rules.

Key Provisions of the bill include the following:r Requires DNR to conduct an economic analysisbefore designating a particular use and issuingpermits to determine if a city would suffersubstantial widespread economic and socialimpact. The analysis must include:

r A financial analysis of the city todetermine if the capital, operating, and mainte-nance costs of pollution control will have asubstantial impact

r The financial impact on householdsresulting from compliance

r The availability of pollution controlfinancing and the general economic health of thecity.

r The change in socioeconomic condi-tions that would occur as a result of compliance.Includes median household income, unemploy-ment, and overall net debt as a percent of fullmarket value of taxable property

r The benefits of improved water quality,such as expansion of competitive markets en-hanced recreational use, and increased propertyvalues.

r Allows DNR to grant a variance from waterquality standards upon a finding that the citywould suffer substantial widespread economic andsocial impact.r Requires DNR to allow for the use of alterna-tive treatment technologies to meet technologystandards and requires a review process forstandardized treatment systems, and expeditedtechnical reviews.

r Requires DNR to use a water quality standardsadvisory committee when setting narrative andnumeric water quality standards.r Provides designated use categories for settingwater quality standards.r Requires a use attainability analysis be con-ducted in accordance with certain criteria and bythe DNR or a professional designee.r Specific procedural timelines and protectionsare included.

r DNR must respond to professionaldesignees UAA within 30 days to inform as towhether complete

r Within 90 days DNR must providewritten determination of appropriateness ofdesignated use for stream and release to public

LEGISLATIVESUMMARYContinued fromprevious page



The bill applies only to information held by agovernment body that has adopted a rule orpolicy identifying the specific records or class ofrecords to which the bill applies. The bill wassigned by the Governor.

Water-Related Bills that Died.House File 2435, the rural water two mile limitbill. This bill would have clarified that a ruralwater district and a rural water association mustcomply with the provisions of the two-mile limitlaw. The bill would have required that notice begiven to the governing body of the municipalutility as well as the city council. This bill wasassigned a subcommittee in Local Government,but was not considered by the entire Committee.

r Language was included to specifically statethat it is the intent of the legislature to appropri-ate $4 million per year for the next nine years forthe wastewater treatment financial assistancefund.r $750,000 is appropriated to the DNR for theuse of outside consultants to complete useattainability analysis required under the waterquality bill, Senate File 2363.r $5 million is appropriated from the Environ-ment First Fund for the Watershed ImprovementReview Board that was created last session.

NPDES Permits. House File 2540, the Agricul-ture and Natural Resources Appropriations billwent to Conference Committee. The conferencecommittee report amended the House version ofthe bill relating to NPDES permits. It retained theseparate fund which allows permit fees to beallocated directly to the DNR and specificallystates the amount of the fee that an NPDESpermit holder will pay. The amount is arguablyless than what it would have been under theSenate version which left it up to the DNR to seta reasonable fee and is more than what originallypassed in the House. Moneys are allocated fromthe new fund to the Department of EconomicDevelopment to support an environmentaladvocate to provide technical assistance to citieswho need help with the NPDES permittingprocess.

Public Records. Four years ago IAMU workedon legislation that protected public records thatcould affect the security of utilities. That lawsunsets on June 30, 2007. House File 2590 wouldreplace the expiring law by protecting informa-tion developed and maintained by a governmen-tal body for security and emergency prepared-ness, but requires that the information can onlybe kept confidential if disclosure of the informa-tion could reasonably be expected to jeopardizeemployees, visitors, persons or property.

House File 2423 was a new version of ourperennial favorite the landlord lien issue for waterbills. This bill would strike the requirement thatthe owner of residential rental property notify thecity utility each time there is a change in tenants.

Senate File 2302 would have required that NPDESholders post signs at discharge points.

III. Telecommunications.Senate File 2390, the M & E tax exemption billexempts telecommunications central office equip-ment and transmission equipment sold or rentedfor use in transporting communications services bylocal exchange carriers, competitive local exchangeservice providers, certain franchised cable televi-sion operators, mutual companies, cooperativesand municipal utilities, long distance companiesand commercial mobile radio services from thesales tax. The bill would provide a seven yearphase-out of the tax. The full exemption goes intoeffect beginning July 1, 2012. Prior to that time, thetaxes on the equipment must be paid, but a refundmay be applied for, which increases each succeed-ing year by one-seventh of the tax paid. “Centraloffice equipment” is defined as equipment used ininitiating, processing, amplifying, switching, ormonitoring of telecommunications services andany ancillary equipment. “Transmission equip-ment” is equipment utilized in sending informationand any ancillary equipment.

Telecommunications-Related Bills that Died.In a perfect example of the saying “politics makesstrange bedfellows,” our worst enemies during the2005 legislative session became our best friendsduring the 2006 session. Mediacom and the IowaCable Association joined with IAMU to oppose thestatewide cable franchise bills. The bills, supportedby Qwest, the Iowa Telecommunciations Associa-tion, A T & T, the Communication Workers ofAmerica and Iowa Network Services - House File2647 and Senate File 2361 would have eliminated acities local control over a cable franchise andreplaced it with a meaningless process in theSecretary of State’s Office for issuance of a state-wide franchise. The proponents of the bill used theargument that allowing issuance of a statewidefranchise which would eliminate “build out”requirements would promote competition through-out the state and reduce prices for consumers.

Until the last week of session, it was thought thatthis bill may have a chance of moving this year.Word went out that the bill would only be consid-ered by the House if it passed the Senate first.Several other states have passed versions of thisbill which began as model legislation from theAmerican Legislative Exchange Council. An




amendment was filed to the bill (S-5131) which wasbased on Kansas legislation. While purporting toimprove the bill, it actually made the bill worse forcities. In an effort to hedge our bets on whetherthe bill would move or not, Senator Jeff Danielsonfiled amendment S-5187 on behalf of municipaltelecom utilities. The amendment (1) protectedmunicipal cable utilities’ existing contributions tothe city in lieu of a franchise fee and (2) clarifiedthat a municipal cable utility is not subject to thefranchise requirements of the bill.

During the last week of session, six amendmentswere filed by Senator Mike Connolly that ad-dressed specific concerns that have been raised bycities. These amendments were developed by thecity of Dubuque and other cities to protect thecities’ franchise interests. The filing of the amend-ments created quite a stir – fueling rumors that thebill wasn’t dead. The amendments are S-5246, S-5247, S-5248, S-5249, S-5251, and S-5252. However,thanks to many Senators supporting their munici-pal utilities behind the scenes, the session endedwithout the issue being voted on or moved anyfurther. Expect to see this bill next session.

House File 843, the municipal utility cable propertytax bill did not pass this session. The bill wouldhave implemented a property tax on that portionof the telecommunications system used for cable.The bill as amended last year would have imposedthe tax over a 20 year time period for existingsystems and for new cable systems one hundredpercent of the tax would be imposed in the firstyear. The bill was voted out of Ways and MeansCommittee during the 2005 legislative session, butwas referred back to subcommittee. Despitehaving two subcommittee meetings this year andadditional amendments drafted for the purpose ofmoving the bill, it did not move out of the fullWays and Means Committee this session. Forawhile, it appeared that the modifications to the billwe had won during the past session would nothold forth this year. Expect to work on this issueagain next session.

House File 861, the Mediacom bill from the 2005legislative session that was prompted by theOpportunity Iowa, despite being eligible forconsideration did not move any further.

Action taken in 2005 to create a process at the IUBto bring a predatory pricing action received someattention during the 2006 legislative session. TheIUB ruled in Docket No. FCU-06-31 that CoonCreek Telecommunications Corp., a member ofthe Iowa Telecommunications Association (ITA),did not have standing to allege a predatory pricingclaim against Iowa Telecom. The Board cited IowaCode section 476.55 (2), a provision that was

included in the 2005 QWEST deregulation bill,after a hard fought battle on behalf of themunicipal utilities, did not apply to independenttelephone companies and therefore they did nothave standing to seek relief from the IUB.During the 2005 legislative session, the indepen-dent telephone companies opted not to beincluded in the new statutory provisions.

With some of the independent phone companiesfacing very aggressive price competition, therewas a short-lived attempt to broaden protectionof the anti-predatory pricing law during thelegislative session. Of course, IAMU wassupportive of closing the “predatory pricingloophole” in the process that we advocated forlast year. The proposed amendment would haveallowed any IUB-certified local exchange carrierto bring a predatory pricing action to the IUBagainst any other local exchange carrier. How-ever, a decision was made by the primaryproponent of the amendment, the Iowa Tele-communications Association not to proceedfurther.

In response to the IUB’s denial of the petition,Representative Clel Baudler filed House Resolu-tion No. 175. The resolution requests an interimcommittee to study the issues related to competi-tion in rural telephone exchanges. The resolutionstates specifically that the legislative committeeshould study competition in those exchanges thathave been ”deregulated since December 2004,including any issue raised but not resolved incomplaints made to the Iowa Utilities Boardregarding alleged price predation in ruralexchanges described in [the] resolution.”

IV. General City Issues.One of the last bills to pass this session was theAccountability bill, Senate File 2410. This billwas developed in response to the CIETChearings. The purpose of the bill is to providemore accountability over those governmententities that are 28E agencies. The bill providesthat all 28E entities are subject to the openmeetings and open records requirements ofchapter 21 and 22 and requires that the “proceed-ings” of a 28E agency must be published. Thereis an outstanding question as to the extent thisapplies to city utilities as an amendment wasadopted that exempts city utilities from an earlierpart of the bill.

Eminent Domain. House File 2351 dominatedthe focus of much of the session on city relatedissues. The bill promoted by the United StatesSupreme Court decision in the Kelo case beganas an attempt to remove all city ability to use




condemnation except in the most extremecircumstances. This bill was amended at everystep in the process so that despite the fact that itstill restricts the use of eminent domain, it does soin a more workable fashion.

As originally proposed this bill would have limitedthe ability of a city to condemn property for cityutility purposes, including specifically prohibitingthe use of eminent domain outside the city limits.The House added an amendment that excludesthe condemnation of property for city utilitypurposes, including condemnation outside the citylimits.

At the same time, the bill was improving anamendment was added to require that a jointaction agency did not have the underlyingauthority of the city to condemn property, butinstead had to have the permission of its memberagencies. Besides presenting practical problemsfor cities, this amendment raised Internal RevenueService problems regarding a joint action agenciesability to obtain tax exempt financing. Anamendment was added to the bill that nowrequires that if a joint action agency wants to usethe power of eminent domain they have to getthe approval of the board of supervisors in whichthe property is located. However, municipalutilities joint action agencies are protected by thefollowing language which IAMU added to the bill.This “section does not apply to an entity createdby or on behalf of one or more political subdivi-sions if the entity is authorized by statute to act asa political subdivision and if [the] section wouldlimit the ability of the entity to comply withrequirements or limitations imposed by theInternal Revenue Code to preserve the taxexemption of interest payable on bonds orobligations of the entity.”

Thanks to the efforts of a coalition of contractorgroups and public entities and after a great deal ofnegotiation and compromise, an issue that hasbeen worked on for several years, finally passedthis session. House File 2713, increases thecompetitive bid threshold for all public entitiesfrom $25,000 to $100,000. Special thanks is owedto Representative Jack Drake and Senator DougShull for taking the lead to see that this issuemoved forward this session. The bill raises thecompetitive bid threshold from $25,000 to

$100,000 and creates an interim quotation processthat requires a city get two quotations prior toawarding a contract. A city of 50,000 populationor higher must get quotes if the estimated cost ofthe public improvement is valued between$51,000 and $100,000. Cities with less than 50,000population must get two quotes if the estimatedcost of the public improvement is greater than$36,000 and less than $51,000. Construction,repair and maintenance work performed byemployees of a city utility is specifically excludedfrom the definition of public improvement and isnot subject to the bidding or quotation require-ments.

The bill creates a vertical infrastructure committeewithin the DOT that is given the power to increasethe competitive bid threshold amount based uponthe construction price index, the building costsindex, and the materials costs index. The bill alsorequires a public entity to release funds to acontractor if the project is “substantially com-plete”. If any portion of the project remainsincomplete, 200% of the value of the incompleteportion can be retained. This bill was signed bythe Governor, but doesn’t go into effect untilJanuary 1, 2007.

Senate File 2393, a bill that would have given theIowa Ethics and Campaign Finance DisclosureBoard jurisdiction to investigate and adjudicateviolations of chapter 23A – the chapter thatrestricts competition by government entities withprivate enterprise – passed the Senate and passedout of the House Government Oversight Com-mittee. Municipal utilities are specifically ex-empted from the provisions of chapter 23A andtherefore the actions of a city utility would not bewithin the board’s jurisdiction. The bill did NOTpass this session.

House File 2521, the administrative and regula-tion appropriations bill contains a provision thatallows local governments to utilitize the depart-ment of revenue’s centralized debt collectionprocess. This process was started for the collec-tion of debts owed to state agencies. The Gover-nor has not yet signed this bill. House File 2705amended section 8A.504 to include a “politicalsubdivision of the state” for purposes of the setoffprocedures provided for in that section.


Register online for IAMU workshops! (No writing...no ripping...no faxing...no mailing)

1. Go to www.iamu.org 2. Click on "Upcoming Workshops" 3. Click on the workshop you want....type....submit!


Do you have an upcoming Customer Apprecia-tion day, local school visit, or Energy Fair in yourcommunity? Are you looking for a uniqueadvertising approach?

Then consider renting IAMU’s new energy andelectrical promotional tool, an inflatable compactfluorescent lightbulb. This balloon promotesenergy efficiency concepts while attractingattention for your event. The balloon stands 12 feettall and is designed for indoor or outdoor display.There are two strips of Velcro around the entirewhite base, so you can attach your utility’s signageor advertisements to the balloon. The balloon alsohas tethers that can be used to secure it.

When renting the balloon, you will receive a tarp,a balloon repair kit and assembly instructions, anelectrical blower, and a tote bag for storage of theballoon. Rent it four times, and get the fifth rentalfree. Cost is $250 per rental for the first fourrentals. Non-members are also eligible to rentthe balloon. Contact Erin Peiffer at 515/289-1999or [email protected] if interested.

IAMU PROMO BALLOONAVAILABLE FOR RENT

You may have alreadynoticed a new look tothe monthly billingmaterial you receivefrom IAMU. Yourassociation office haschanged the system formember cities and

utilities, including using a new computerprogram to handle the paperwork.

From now on you’ll receive an “invoice,” asopposed to a “statement.” Our goal is toeventually send an invoice more often thanonce a month.

You will still remit payment in the usualfashion. We ask you to bear with us as wefine-tune the new system. If you have anyquestions about the new system, contactIAMU at 800/810-4268.

IAMU'S MEMBER BILLINGSHAVE NEW FORMAT

IAMU's Erin Peiffer shows offthe association's new energyefficiency promotionalballoon. In the shape of agiant compact fluorescentlight bulb, the balloon isavailable for rent to IAMUmembers.

worthy

NOTE


THREE NEW EMPLOYEES JOIN IAMU'S OFFICE STAFFIAMU's Office and Training Complex has recentlywelcomed three new employees.

Jessica Lillie is IAMU’s newest Water SafetySpecialist, and will work closely with WaterServices Coordinator Jill Soenen and fellow WaterServices Specialist Eric Halligan, with Departmentof Natural Resources grant work and municipalwellhead protection plans being two areas ofemphasis.

Prior to joining IAMU, Jessica worked for a privateenvironmental consulting firm, dealing with watercontamination issues. She holds a degree inEnvironmental Science from Iowa State University.Jessica and her husband live in Earlham.

Bryan Perry joins IAMU as a Safety Specialist, andwill primarily present safety and training classes toIAMU member cities and utilities. Bryan will befinishing a college internship through working atIAMU and will soon graduate from Iowa StateUniversity.

A six-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, Bryan workedin missile launching and guidance, and wasinvolved in operations in the Persian Gulf regionfollowing 9/11.

Bryan, his wife and 11-month old son make theirhome in Panora, on the shore of Lake Panorama.

Alma Bisanovich will serve IAMU as an account-ing assistant, and will work closely with account-ing assistant Connie L. Cook.

Originally from Bosnia, Alma has lived in theUnited States for six years. She graduated fromIowa State University in December 2005 with adegree in accounting.

Jessica Lillie

Bryan PerryAlma Bisanovich


MayMay 23 – 26 Electric: Basic Electric Overhead Distribution Workshop

May 25 Water/WW: Cross-Connection Control Workshop, Atlantic

JuneJune 1 Water/WW: Sampling Techniques & Plan Development Workshop, Ankeny (IAMU)

June 2 Water/WW: Sampling Techniques & Plan Development Workshop, Atlantic

June 7 Water/WW: Sampling Techniques & Plan Development Workshop, Mason City

June 9 Water/WW: Sampling Techniques & Plan Development Workshop, Storm Lake

June 14: Water/WW: Sampling Techniques & Plan Development Workshop, Independence

June 15 Water/WW: Sampling Techniques & Plan Development Workshop, Washington

June 22 – 23 Safety & Compliance: Safety Coordinators Workshop

SeptemberSeptember 12 – 15 Gas: IAMU/APGA Midwest Regional Gas Operators Workshop

September 19 – 22 Electric: Underground Electric Distribution Workshop

September 26 Safety & Compliance: Human Resources Employment Policy Manual Workshop

September 27 Water/WW: Water Leak Detection Workshop

September 28 Water/WW: Water Distribution Workshop

Register for IAMU workshops online at www.iamu.org (click on "Upcoming Workshops")

NEW LOOK FOR IAMU WORKSHOP BROCHURESIAMU's printed workshop brochures are sporting an all-new look.

A standardized format will now be used for all workshop brochures, and willfeature icons to show whether the workshop is for electric, gas, water or telecomutilities – or all utilities. The new brochure will also be self-mailing – therefore, theywill no longer arrive in envelopes.

Most brochures will have the registration form printed on a separate insertedsheet for your convenience.

Look for the new blue and orange brochure design in your mailbox!

CALENDAR OF IAMU WORKSHOPS AND EVENTS

All information subject to change.Unless otherwise noted, all events held at IAMU Training & Office Complex: 1735 NE 70th Ave., Ankeny, IA

IAMU Newsletter May 2006 IAMU Newsletter May 2006 Page 18

— HELP WANTED —

IAMU Classified Ads areprovided on a space-availablebasis at no charge to IAMUmember utilities. At thediscretion of IAMU, ad spacemay be granted to otherentities for a fee. Please callIAMU for more information.

Ads will be run for a minimumof one month. Ads placed byIAMU member utilities may berepeated, at the advertiser'srequest, if space allows.

If an ad carries a specificdeadline for response, beforeplacing the ad, please call tocheck the Newsletterpublication schedule.

Mail, fax (515/289-2499) ore-mail ([email protected]) adcopy to John Burnett at IAMU.

CLASSIFIEDS

— HELP WANTED —DEPUTY CITY CLERK: The City of Stratford(pop. 749) is seeking to fill this position. Positionprovides administrative support to the citymanager/clerk, mayor, council, and other citystaff. Responsible for payroll, accounts receiv-able, accounts payable, utility billing, financialreports, official records, informing the public ofcity policies and procedures, and preparingcouncil meeting minutes. Preferred candidate willhave previous experience working for a munici-pality with electric utility, strong accounting/bookkeeping skills, and excellent customerservice skills. Salary $8.00-$11.00 per hourdepending on qualifications. This is a full timeposition with excellent benefits. Position openuntil filled. Send cover letter and resume to:

Travis CookeCity ManagerP.O. Box 218Stratford, IA 50249 4/06

WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATORS:Chariton Municipal Water Dept., a Grade 3surface water treatment facility with a Grade 2distribution system, is taking applications for aGrade 3 treatment plant operator with a Grade 2or higher distribution license; and is also takingapplications for a Grade 2 treatment plantoperator with a Grade 2 or higher distributionlicense. Each position requires work in thetreatment plant and in the distribution system.Applicants must have high degree of mechanicalaptitude, basic knowledge of the operation andmaintenance of pumps, motors and similarmachinery. Must have ability to operate smallmachinery, ability to work with variety of tools,meters and gauges. Positions involve manuallabor that includes lifting, pushing, pulling,bending and carrying objects that weigh in excessof 50 lbs. Must be able to follow written instruc-tions and able to get along well with fellowemployees and general public. Excellent benefitpackage that includes health, dental, life insurance,IPERS and prescription drug coverage. EOE.Positions open until filled. Send cover letter,resume and salary expectations to:

Chariton Water DepartmentPO Box 866Chariton, IA 50049 4/06

FINANCE & ORGANIZATIONAL SERVICESDIRECTOR: Cedar Falls Utilities is seeking anexperienced candidate with financial and adminis-trative leadership abilities. This senior levelposition reports to the CEO/General Managerand is responsible for directing and overseeing allthe financial and organizational activities of thecompany including general accounting, budget-ing, cash management, purchasing and stores,and information systems. A Bachelor’s degree andat least ten years of direct experience in the field isrequired. Must demonstrate expertise in a varietyof financial concepts, practices, and proceduresand rely on extensive experience and judgment toplan and accomplish goals. Public sector financework experience is preferred. Excellent salary andbenefits package offered. CFU is an equalopportunity employer. Send an introductoryletter and resume by June 9, 2006 to:

HR SupervisorCedar Falls UtilitiesP.O. Box 769Cedar Falls, IA 50613

Website: www.cfu.net 5/06

ELECTRIC LINEPERSON: Denison MunicipalUtilities has an immediate opening for this full-time position. Involved construction and mainte-nance of electric distribution system. Qualifica-tions include: CDL; high school diploma; twoyears experience or technical school graduate.Salary DOQ. Excellent benefits package. Pre-employment drug screening and post-offerphysical required. Must reside in service area.EOE. Position open until filled. Send resume to:

General ManagerDenison Municipal UtilitiesPO Box 518Denison, IA 51442

Ph: 712/263-4154email: [email protected] 5/06

Back Issues of the IAMU Newsletter

Onthe

IAMU website

> Archived issues (PDF format)> Subject Index

www.iamu.org(look for the linkson the front page)

IAMU Newsletter May 2006 IAMU Newsletter May 2006 Page 19

IAMU Classified Ads areprovided on a space-availablebasis at no charge to IAMUmember utilities. At thediscretion of IAMU, ad spacemay be granted to otherentities for a fee. Please callIAMU for more information.

Ads will be run for a minimumof one month. Ads placed byIAMU member utilities may berepeated, at the advertiser'srequest, if space allows.

If an ad carries a specificdeadline for response, beforeplacing the ad, please call tocheck the Newsletterpublication schedule.

Mail, fax (515/289-2499) ore-mail ([email protected]) adcopy to John Burnett at IAMU.

CLASSIFIEDS

— FOR SALE — — WANTED —FLOATING AERATORS: Good used floatingaerators, (2) 3hp & (2) 5hp, preferably 460V 3ph.Air-o-lator brand or similar. Contact:

Cody RensinkCity of BoydenPh: 712/725-2216e-mail: [email protected] 2/06

POOL HEATER: 2001 Raypak pool heater.Natural gas, BTU input 726,000. For additionalinformation, contact Steve Hix at 319/640-4950.Submit written bid to:

Dysart City Hall601 Wilson StreetPO Box 686Dysart, IA 52224 5/06

GENERATOR: Fairbanks Morse dual fuel Dieselengine Model 38DD8 1/8 HP 571 RPM 514 Jan1952/Oct 1954. Serial Number: 951215.Contact:

Dean Lyons, SuperintendentGrand Junction Municipal UtilitiesPh: 515/738-2726 for more information .

5/06

— FOR SALE —

PICKUP TRUCK: The City of Iowa Falls isaccepting bids for a 1999 Dodge Ram 2500HD, 4x4SLT. Air, cruise, automatic transmission. 37,400miles. Color: white. For more information call641/648-3714. Bids accepted until June 14. Sendbids to:

City of Iowa Falls315 Stevens St.Iowa Falls, IA 50126 5/06

CITY CLERK: The City of Mapleton (pop. 1,322)offers this position. Job duties include providingadministrative support to the mayor, council andother city staff; maintenance of official records;informing public of city policies and procedures;preparing council meeting minutes; city budget-ing; working with department heads. Preferprevious experience working for a municipality.Strong accounting/bookkeeping skills andexcellent customer service skills a must. Assis-tance in financial and economic developmentactivities, comprehensive planning and interactionwith city consultants. Salary range $20,000 –$25,000. Full-time position with benefits. Positionopen until filled. Send cover letter and resume to:

City of Mapleton513 Main St.Mapleton, IA 51034 5/06

— HELP WANTED —


NEWSLETTER, Volume 39 Issue V, The Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities NEWSLETTER, ISSN 10589597, is published monthly for $45per year by the Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities, 1735 NE 70th Ave., Ankeny, Iowa 50021-9353. Periodicals postage paid at Ankeny, Iowa.POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities Newsletter, 1735 NE 70th Ave., Ankeny, IA 50021-9353.

PeriodicalsPostage

IOWA ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPAL UTILITIES

N E W S L E T T E R1735 NE 70th Avenue Ankeny, IA 50021-9353

Help support IAMU'straining programs when youbuy safety equipment online

from Omark Safety.

Omark, an IAMU associatemember, will contribute threeper cent of each online sale tosupport the association's safety

programs. IAMU memberssimply enter the referencecode "IAMU" during the

checkout process ofan online order. Purchasescan be made through the

company's web site atwww.omarksafety.com

or through the IAMU website:www.iamu.org

under "Resources."

Questions? Call Omark Safety800/383-7233

The IAMU Newsletter is published monthly toprovide information to IAMU members on the safe,efficient and reliable operation of municipalelectric, gas, water and telecommunicationutilities. Contributions from members and otherswhich advance this purpose are solicited andappreciated. Address changes should be sent to:IAMU, 1735 NE 70th Ave., Ankeny, IA 50021-9353.

Communication Manager/Newsletter Editor:John Burnett

Telephone: 515/289-1999 FAX: 515/289-2499e-mail: [email protected]

IAMU web site: www.iamu.org

This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritativeinformation in regard to the subject matter covered. It is furnishedwith the understanding that the Association is not engaged inrendering legal or other professional service. If legal advice orother professional or expert assistance is required, the services ofa competent professional should be sought.

IAMU President ................................ John Bilsten,Algona Municipal Utilities

Executive Director .............................. Bob HaugLegislative Counsel ........................ Julie A. SmithLegal Counsel .................................. Jane RiessenDirector of Energy Services ........... Anne KimberElectric Services Coord. ........................ Eric StollGas Services Coord. ......................... Rudy ParcelWater Services Coord. ....................... Jill SoenenJob Training & Safety Coord. .... Mary Ann KinkadeProgram Manager .......................... David HrahaProgram Manager ........................ Tommi MakilaBusiness Manager .............................. Kris Stubbs

SOLD!

HIRED!

BOUGHT!

IAMU Classifieds Work!Send copy to John Burnett

Fax: 515/289-2499e-mail: [email protected]

or mail to:1735 NE 70th Ave.

Ankeny, IA 50021-9353 No charge to IAMU Utility Members

With theIAMUAward

Program!Nominate an individual

or organization. Call800/810-4268 or visit

the IAMU website:www.iamu.org

SMILE!

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