The Auburn Board of Public Works (BPW) Monday, July 9, accepted the resignation of Connie Searcey, a customer service specialist.

The board action followed an executive session of about 25 minutes. The resignation was accepted “with deepest regret and sincere appreciation” for her service.
Searcey is retiring effective Saturday, Sept. 29. She has been employed with BPW since July 29, 1985. Melissa Sierks, accounting and finance manager, called Searcey a “highly valued” employee.
Searcey said that she is retiring to spend more time with her grandchildren. She and her family have lived in Auburn since 1977.
“I’ve enjoyed my time here. We’ve got a good crew to work with,” she said.
Approve Filing Counterclaim; Suit for Easements
The board approved filing a counterclaim against Eriksen Construction regarding construction of the wastewater treatment plant. No dollar amount was specified in the motion.
The BPW action followed a 28-minute executive session to discuss pending litigation. Eriksen Construction filed a suit against Auburn city officials Wednesday, June 27, in Nemaha County Court for breach of contract.
The board also approved filing suit for pre-emptive easements for utility distribution systems. The BPW action followed a seven-minute executive session to discuss pending litigation.
Approve Contracts for Contracted Computer Services
Four contracts from Action Technology for computer services were approved. The costs increased because of additional computers at the water and wastewater treatment plants. BPW officials said that service with Action Technology has improved and Action Technology has become more pro-active. The contracts include:
–$300 annual fee for network disaster recovery service agreement;
–$3,820 annual fee and $955 monthly fee for network administration and service agreement;
–$100 monthly managed services agreement and
–$500 annual network hardware maintenance and service agreement.
Well Repairs
A submersible pump for a well east of Auburn from Layne Western was approved at a cost of $8,400 plus SCADA of $1,000. That was recommended over vertical turbine repairs, which would have cost $14,300 plus SCADA of $1,000. The well has been removed from service. The pipe was installed in about 1981, said David Hunter, BPW general manager.
Water Leak on Q Street
The board directed Hunter to use his best judgment on resolving the void under the street caused by a water leak. The leak was at 16th and Q Street in the Witzenburg Apartments area.
Repair recommendations presented by Hunter were: hiring someone to mudjack or tearing the street out. Mudjacking would involve drilling holes, figuring out the void and filling it. That would prevent tearing out the street. Estimated cost of mudjacking was $2,000. Estimated cost of tearing out the street was not available.
Hunter said that the issue requires further investigation. BPW staff needed to get the camera in the area to find out what was going on. The storm sewer has a hole in it and the sewer line may have a hole in it.
Fiduciary Liability Insurance
Sierks will notify the board via email before acting on renewal of fiduciary liability insurance.
The insurance covers trustees on the pension plan. Two representatives each from BPW and Auburn city officials comprise the trustees. Sierks and Mike Kralik, production manager, represent BPW. The city treasurer and an individual appointed by the City Council represent Auburn city officials.
The policy lapses Wednesday, Aug. 1. The current carrier no longer will issue fiduciary liability insurance. BPW paid $923 last year. The premium cost is split between BPW and Auburn city officials. The insurance, with a $5,000 deductible, covers against bad decisions or outright fraud.
Hunter said that officials need to obtain cost figures but did not want the insurance to lapse. Officials did not see anything happening until Aug. 1.
Sick Leave Bonus, Miscellaneous
The board allowed employees to retain one-half of sick leave accrued from bonuses paid.
Representatives of the employee wage and benefit committee had questions regarding the new personal day policy. Effective Sunday, July 1, all BPW employees receive three personal days. Employees who had used their birthday holiday before July 1 receive two personal days for the rest of 2012.
Committee members said that some employees already had their birthday this year. The policy is that employees get their birthday off but do not have to take it on that day. Committee members asked if those who had used their birthday holiday if it counted as one of their three personal days. Hunter said that employees cannot take their birthday holiday before it occurs. BPW staff said that personal days are to be taken at the discretion of the general manager.