Local & Regional News

KENNETT, Mo. - Kennett businessman and property owner Dustin Pritchett addressed the Kennett Board of Public Works Board of Directors during its Jan. 6 meeting, raising concerns about his treatment by KBPW management and CEO Jamie Chitester. Pritchett, who operates a Farm Bureau Insurance office and owns more than 40 residential and commercial properties within city limits, described a dispute involving access to the city transfer station, alleging inconsistent enforcement of policies, improper billing, and unprofessional communications from KBPW leadership. He also questioned recent utility policy changes affecting landlords and expressed concern that employees fear retaliation when reporting issues internally, urging the board to hold all employees to the same standards of accountability and to revise human resources oversight to protect workers and restore public trust. Following Prichett’s comments, the board reviewed and approved updates to internal employee policies, including changes to vacation time accrual and public image standards. Under the revised vacation policy, employees who meet quarterly performance requirements will now receive 10 hours of vacation per quarter instead of the previous eight-hour allotment, maintaining a total of 40 hours annually, with an additional bonus incentive available at year’s end for employees who qualify in all four quarters. The board also approved updates to uniform and public image policies requiring employees to maintain natural hair colors and traditional hairstyles while on duty, prohibiting non-natural colors, as part of an effort to standardize professional appearance. Marty Johnson provided departmental updates, reporting that sanitation operations were generally running well, though turnaround times at the transfer station were longer than anticipated. Johnson said the department recently purchased a fourth trailer and may acquire a fifth to improve efficiency. In December, the transfer station processed approximately 1.5 million pounds of trash, or 737 tons. In early January alone, more than 852,000 pounds had already been received, nearing December’s total despite fewer operating days. Johnson reported that the electric department is performing routine maintenance in several areas, including replacing utility poles and conducting tree trimming in the Old Mill Circle, American Legion, and Country Club areas. He also noted a brief power outage caused by a squirrel earlier in the day. The gas department continues routine operations, including new installations. At the power plant, Johnson said total generation hours increased to 11,393 in December, up from approximately 8,400 the previous month, reflecting colder weather and higher demand. Average power costs also rose from about $35 to $50 per megawatt hour. In water and wastewater operations, Johnson said smoke testing has resumed in an effort to identify infiltration and inflow issues in the sewer system. Crews have identified 13 uncapped sewer lines and Johnson said KBPW has worked for more than a year to reduce inflow issues that increase treatment costs and strain the system during heavy rainfall. He also reported that internet services continue to expand, though the department has a vacant position and is seeking applicants. Solar generation has reached peak output of approximately 3.3 megawatts so far, with higher production expected during cooler spring conditions, Johnson said. KBPW CEO Jamie Chitester also delivered his report, noting progress on multiple capital and operational projects. Chitester said KBPW is prepared to move forward with the potential acquisition of a deteriorated property previously offered to the utility more than a year ago, though any purchase would require city involvement and funding. He emphasized that the matter was informational and did not require board action at this time. Chitester reported that the utility has fully paid for its solar field installation in order to secure available federal tax credits, resulting in an estimated 40% credit totaling approximately $3.7 million expected to be received this year. He said delaying payment could have jeopardized eligibility for those credits. In power plant operations, Chitester said KBPW is planning control system upgrades for generators No. 9 and No. 10. Generator No. 9, the oldest unit, is expected to require a transformer with a lead time of approximately 40 weeks, while generator No. 10 is expected to require eight to 10 weeks. Chitester said generator No. 10, which experienced damage to a line between the generator and substation several months ago, has since been repaired and returned to service. Chitester also provided an update on water treatment planning, stating that engineers are evaluating potential water softening options and treatment plant configurations. He said those decisions will be guided by engineering recommendations rather than administrative preference. Additionally, Chitester said KBPW’s prepay utility system is nearing completion, with implementation expected in mid-February. The system will allow customers with past-due balances to transition into prepay billing before disconnections occur. He said the remaining work primarily involves customer messaging to ensure clear communication regarding balances and potential shutoffs. Chitester noted that sanitation operations at the transfer station continue to improve, praising staff for maintaining cleanliness and minimizing odor. Financial data from the first billing cycle is still limited because of the timing of the transition and the holiday period, and additional months of data will be needed to accurately assess revenue and operating costs, the CEO noted. The board also conducted its annual election of officers during the meeting. All directors were re-elected to their existing positions, with John Robertson continuing as chair, Towny Sparks as vice chair, Randy Baker as secretary, and Tony Parr serving as the fourth board member. The board then retired into executive session to discuss personnel and legal matters. The KBPW Board of Directors meets again at noon on Jan. 20, at the utility’s office.