Water Committee

VILLAGE OF BIRON 451 KAHOUN ROAD, WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI 54494 WATER UTILITY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES April 8th, 2026 8:30 A.M. Members Present: Jamie Biegel, Chairperson; Patty Gapen and Mark Honkomp, Committee Members Others Present: Kayla Lumaye, Water Superintendent; Peggy Doughty, Utility Clerk 1. Chairperson Jamie Biegel called the meeting to order at 8:29 A.M. 2. Discuss updates on PSC rate case study The committee reviewed the PSC’s letter of reprimand regarding the unauthorized construction of Well 3. Kayla noted that we are currently awaiting the PSC’s response to our most recent information request. 3. Discussion and possible action on resolution 26-03 Kayla explained that the utility owes the general fund for salaries and wages paid by the general fund over the past three years. Staff believed that the wages were being reimbursed during this period, but only the fringe benefits were actually being repaid. She noted that the utility now has a process in place to ensure proper repayment going forward. Kayla also mentioned discrepancies between the auditor’s total for wages and the figures in Workhorse. She is coordinating with the auditor to confirm which total is correct. The committee asked about which line-item the repayment will come from. Kayla will consult the auditor to determine their recommendation. Motion Honkomp, second Gapen to adopt the resolution, contingent upon the balance owed matching the auditor’s spreadsheet. Motion carried. 4. Discussion and possible action on coin acceptance policy The committee reviewed the coin acceptance policy, which limits the amount of coins accepted for payment. They recommended reducing the maximum per-transaction limit for loose coins from $25.00 to $10.00 and the limit for rolled coins from $25.00 to $10.00. Motion Biegel, second Gapen to adopt the revised coin acceptance policy with these changes. Motion carried. 5. Discussion and possible action on resolution 26-04 This resolution is to adopt the coin acceptance policy. Motion Honkomp, second Biegel to adopt resolution 26-04. Motion carried. 6. Discussion on well 3 problems Kayla provided an update on the cla-valve issue discussed at the last meeting. The valve problem has been resolved: the crew disassembled and cleaned the valve and found no issues. However, vibration remains a concern, varying in intensity on different days. This issue has persisted since Municipal Well and Pump rehabilitated the well. During the rehab, the motor was sent to Motors and Controls for rebuilding. When the well was restarted, slight vibration was observed. Municipal Well and Pump returned to inspect the well and suspected the motor. They temporarily installed one of their motors while our motor was re-inspected by Motors and Controls. Their motor did not resolve the issue, and Motors and Controls found nothing wrong with our motor. They then disassembled the well and inspected all components at their shop but found no issues. The well was reassembled with our motor, yet the vibration persisted. Recently we had a lot of air coming from the well. Municipal Well and Pump tested for air in the line and  measured vibration using their tester. They reported that the vibration was within specifications, though it could still be felt through the floor and walls. Kayla then had Sabel Mechanical inspect the well. They observed that the vibration was strongest in the downstream piping and motor, less on the shaft, and not present in the well bowl. They suggested either testing the motor again or rebuilding the cla-valve. Since the cla-valve is functioning properly, it will not be rebuilt. Kayla does not believe the motor is the source of the problem, though the shaft wobbles noticeably when the well stops. Mark suggested checking the bearings. Water Well Solutions is scheduled to inspect the well on Thursday at noon. Their plan includes conducting a full performance test into the system, measuring drawdown, GPM, discharge pressure, and amps as well as performing a comprehensive inspection of above-ground components, including vibration and electrical tests. The committee asked if the well is unsafe to operate. Kayla stated it is not, but if the vibration persists, it could become a serious problem that may lead to well failure. She hopes to provide an update by Monday’s meeting. 7. Superintendent’s report - Kayla reported that the Village’s water won 3rd place in the WRWA water taste test competition. Kayla stated that the fence at the tower was installed on April 1st. Kayla reminded the committee that she will be on vacation from May 1st through May 23rd. 8. Set next meeting date and time The next meeting will be held on May 6th at 8:30 AM. If any PSC updates happen prior to May 1st another meeting will be scheduled. Motion to Adjourn: Jamie Biegel, second by: Patty Gapen Time: 9:28 a.m. Minutes Respectfully Submitted by: Kayla Lumaye, Water Superintendent