Asphalt laying machine purchased by county
Staff reporter
New equipment was approved for road and bridge department Monday by Marion County Commission.
A machine used to lay down asphalt will be purchased for $69,500 from Berry Tractor.
Road and bridge superintendent Jim Herzet told the commission that the machinery would be a "plus" to the county's blacktop road project and reduce labor.
The demonstrator model would be able to patch an area from four feet to 14 feet.
Currently a motorgrader operator spreads the material over a hole with a blade. The lay-down machine would take the guesswork out of patching.
Millings, hot or cold mix, or gravel can be used.
The county had the option of paying half now and the other half in February. A $1,100 interest fee was waived by Berry Tractor. Herzet said he had funds in the blacktop fund to pay the first half.
In other business:
— The commission approved gravel on six-tenths of a mile in the USD #397 per a request. The cost would be $3,650 on 300th Road, between Sunflower and Remington.
— Ag Services of Hillsboro had the low bid of $1,367 for 29 gallons of Crossbow chemical for the noxious weed department. Markley Service of Marion presented a bid of $1,375, and Cooperative Grain and Supply's bid was $1,655 for the same.
— Geotechnical Services will install give gas wells for monitoring at the former landfill for a cost of $3,687. Continental Analytical Services of Salina, will provide ground water well sampling and analysis for $8,952 for a year.
County consultant Jack Chappelle had talked with McPherson County about sharing a gas monitor and they agreed. McPherson County will purchase the monitor and provide monitoring services to Marion County for $100 per test plus mileage.
— The commission approved quarterly write-offs for the ambulance department for $6,760. Those write-offs now will be turned over to a collections agency.
— A portable lectern was approved by the commission for the health department. Carlson's Radio and TV Service of Marion presented a bid of $955. Bioterrorism grant funds will be used.
— More discussion will come at a future meeting regarding recycling. Interim transfer station manager Rollin Schmidt will continue gathering information and visiting transfer stations.
— Drapes will be replaced on the west windows of the courthouse. Custom Threads of Marion presented a bid of $1,080 for 36 yards of fabric, $200 for lining, and $150 labor.
— County planning commission chairman Eileen Sieger said the special meeting Thursday night was a public meeting but not a public hearing.
The agenda item for the meeting is to discuss zoning regulations and related matters.
— Numerous executive sessions to discuss personnel were requested and permitted.
County planning and zoning director Bobbi Strait requested and received a 10-minute session with no decisions; county treasurer Jeannine Bateman a 10-minute session, no decisions; commissioner Randy Dallke a five-minute session with Thiesen, no decisions; Herzet a five-minute session, no decisions; and commissioner Bob Hein a 10-minute session with Maggard, no decisions.
Eighth judicial district administrator Cecil Aska requested a 15-minute executive session to discuss personnel that resulted in the commission approving the termination of the community corrections director per the recommendation of the corrections advisory board. Other counties in the district also will consider the termination before any more information will be available.
The next commission meeting is at 9 a.m. Thursday in the courthouse. There will be no meeting next week.
