Lamar Utilities Board meeting April 28, 2026

All board members were present for the meeting.  Also in attendance was Lamar Mayor Kirk Crespin, City Administrator Mitch Hammes and City Treasurer Kristin Schwartz, who answered questions from the board regarding the city’s software conversion and small glitches experienced as part of that processs.  City Attorney Lance Clark was absent from the meeting. Minutes from the Monday, April 14, 2026 meeting were approved by the board members.  Also approved were purchase orders number 2025-04348 through 2025-04622 in the amount of $87,012.88, $80,523.13 of which needed board approval.  Large purchase orders were for Stuart Iby in the amount of $19,902 for light fixtures and photo controls, $21,326.25 for Border States Industries for 10-foot fiberglass crossarms, and $14,349 for Power Substation Services for transformer maintenance services.  Bills totaling $697,249.34 were approved as well.  $584,480.42 was paid to ARPA for power purchase, $33,235.35 to Sensus, and $21,326.25 to Border States Industries.

Bid #2081 for iron ductile poles was awarded to Energy Reps (McWane) for $96,515.26.  This was the lowest of 3 bids received.  Items listed in this bid were fifteen 40-foot poles, nine 45-foot poles, five 60-foot poles, and two 65-foot poles.  This bid from McWane was more than $5,000 lower than the next closest bid, which was from Stuart Irby.

Superintendent Hourieh’s System Operating Report is as follows:

The wind turbine data for the first quarter of 2026 indicates that our three turbines have generated 2,085.38 megawatt hours of electricity with an average capacity factor of 32.26%.  The wind turbines analysis showed that 2026 first quarter generation is approximately .87% higher than the same period in 2025.  The increase in wind production is contributed to having T-2 back online.  The wind turbine crew have completed the semi-annual maintenance and inspection program on all turbines per GE’s guidelines.  Linear Labs are continuing with T-2 commissioning process.  They were able to put it online, generating 400 KW and 1,000 KW, while checking the generator’s vibration levels.

The 2026 LUB/ARPA Scholarship deadline has arrived.  This year, a total of 6 completed applications were received for the combined $1,400.00 scholarship.  We received 1 from Lamar High School, 5 from McClave High School and none from Wiley.  The selection committee members were given the applications without any identifying information on the applications.  The anonymous process has allowed the students to be judged solely on the academic achievements and community support.  The winners for this year are:

Lamar High School: Keiton Chavira

McClave High School: Jaquelin Canales

McClave High School: Zachary Jackson

The next meeting of the LUB board will be held Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at noon.

By: Barbara Crimond