Lamar Utility Board Holds Brief Meeting

Lamar Wind Turbines

Just a few agenda items were listed for the Lamar Utility Board’s bi-monthly meeting this past Tuesday, April 15.  Light Plant Superintendent Houssin Hourieh noted that All Rite Paving & Redi Mix has begun a second gravel pit west of Hasty at the intersection of CRJJ and CR22 in Bent County.  Hourieh noted the operation is near the Light Plant’s 69KV line west.  An agreement drawn up by attorney John Lefferdink is similar to one developed for another gravel pit in November 2012.  The addendum for the second pit was approved by both parties and protects the Light Plant’s interest in the event of any damages to the transmission line by All Rite Paving. 

The Light Plant wind turbines are performing well into the first quarter of the year.  Hourieh informed board members the three units have generated 3075 MWH of electricity, year to date and is about 8% higher than last year’s production numbers.  The turbines have an average capacity factor of 31.74%.  Each turbine will be off line for two days in the near future for routine maintenance.  The turbines were recently used by the Light Plant crew and Lamar Fire Department for three days of high rescue training. 

A bid of $10,458 to Stuart Irby out of Denver was approved for the purchase of several Distribution Pole Mount Transformers.  Purchase orders totaling $796,848.32 and assorted bills totaling $939,263.40 were approved. 

Board members went into executive session to receive legal advice on questions related to an update on power supply contract extension negotiation; a report on multi-party mediation for the Lamar Repowering Project, to include attorney/client communication.  The next Lamar Utility Board meeting is scheduled for April 29.

By Russ Baldwin