By AMY ROSE

Staff Writer

The Greeneville Light & Power System received high marks in a recent safety audit, General Manager Bill Carroll told the utility's board of directors Monday.

The board delayed action on a $61,945 change order for renovation of its headquarters until details of the changes can be reviewed by board member Paul Hite.

The safety audit was conducted by the Tennessee Valley Public Power Association (TVPPA), Carroll said.

He read a letter dated March 9 that said GL&PS passed all but seven of 236 items checked during the two-day audit.

Six of the seven items discovered in the audit were "minor infractions," Carroll said, and the other infraction involved an employee not wearing safety glasses.

"Our people are doing a fantastic job with safety," Carroll told the board.

He noted that auditors said the utility's record keeping was "exemplary," and all files were maintained in a complete and orderly manner.

He added that auditors commended the utility for taking a proactive approach to safety.

The positive audit results will result in a 5 percent reduction in worker's compensation premiums, Carroll noted.

Transformer Purchase

The board voted to spend $38,540 for a new replacement transformer for the MPI International Inc. plant, formerly A.M.S.E.A, which is along Snapps Ferry Road.

Carroll recommended the bid from HD Supply.

The board also voted to increase monthly rental rates for security lights.

The new monthly rates for mercury vapor lights are: $7.92 175-watt, $14.38 for 400-watt and $30.82 for 1,000-watt, Carroll said.

The new monthly rates for high-pressure sodium lights are: $7.65 for 100-watt, $9.03 for 150-watt and $18.41 for 400-watt, Carroll said.

The new monthly rates for metal halide lights are: $20.12 for 400-watt and $34.29 for 1,000-watt.

Line Construction Bid

The board approved a new bid for its contractor to construct power lines.

Carroll explained that a new bid for the line-construction contractor is approved every five years.

The board approved the lowest bid from Pike Electric, the current contractor, which was recommended by Carroll.

He presented a list of items included in the bid, which totaled $958.

The board also approved a new limit for the amount of purchases that can be made without the board's approval.

The amount was increased from $10,000 to $25,000, upon a recommendation by board member Sam Miller.

Easements Approved

The electric utility's board also approved two items related to property easements.

City Attorney Ron Woods said property-owners have asked for a quit-claim deed for an old easement from the Nolichucky Dam to the Hawkins County line.

Woods said GL&PS engineers have determined that the utility does not foresee a use for the property.

The other request involved moving a sewer easement 10 feet on property near the new Pioneer delivery-point substation on Rockwell Drive, off Industrial Road.