Lamar Utilities Board meeting of August 11, 2026

Minutes from both the July 14 and July 28 meetings were approved by the board.  Purchase orders 2025-06365 through 2025-06628 were also approved.  Purchase orders totaled $914,677.65, of which $882,434.99 needed approval.  Large purchase orders were: $821,559.38 to ARPA for estimated power purchase for July, $31,013.22 to Sensus for utility meters, $10,272.24 to Digitcom Electronics Inc. for a SCADA radio support agreement, and $13,700 to 3s Americas Inc for annual inspections.  Bills totaling $83,351.78 were approved for payment.  The board also voted to award Bid #2086 to Stella Jones, who had the low bid of $32,360.92 for cedar power poles in various lengths.  Seven bids were submitted and four were returned.

Superintendent Hourieh’s System Operating Report read: “The line crew completed the installation of a 45-foot ductile iron pole and 3-37.5kva pole mount transformers at Vulcan Sand and Gravel. The new service will power a 480v lift pump.  They also completed the installation of a 15kva, 120/240v new service at the Blue Spruce Motel.  They replaced a 40-foot wooden pole that was damaged by high wind at County Rd LL.5 and 18, and they worked with LCC electricians on upgrading 1200A, 277/480v new service to the dormitory and cafeteria.  The crew has also been performing general line maintenance and tree trimming.  Linear Labs continues to have good results with T-2’s Pitch Pro 2000 system performance.  On July 29, they increased the power set point to 1.53 MW maximum production.  The system responded as expected to the storm shutdown without any faults.

By: Barbara Crimond