Transfer station gets new torch, welder, driveway
Staff writer
The waste transfer station in Marion is up and running under county management, Transfer station manager David Brazil told Marion County Commissioners Monday.
"Trash is leaving the county," Brazil said. He noted loads have weighed around 19.5 to 19.8 tons. "We've been trying to get as close to 20 as we can."
Marion County took over management of the transfer station effective Jan. 1, although they officially purchased the station Dec. 19.
Answering a question from Commission Chairman Bob Hein, Brazil said several farmers had already used the new transfer station to dump their trash.
Brazil told commissioners Hein and Leroy Wetta the transfer station needed to purchase a torch and welder. Commissioner Howard Collett was out-of-town.
The commission voted to purchase a cutting torch from Marion Auto Supply for $534.99 with a lease agreement plus fuel costs. They also agreed to purchase a welder from Straub Farm Equipment for $672.95.
While reviewing the bids, Wetta questioned what type of penalty there would be if the county was to terminate the lease agreement on fuel bottles before the term was over.
The Marion Auto Supply bid included a cost of more than $200 for a 20-year-lease, while Straub's bid included $52 for a one-year lease.
"The Marion Auto bid does include all the equipment we need — helmet, gloves and rods — and there's no penalty for early return on bottles," Brazil told commissioners.
Wetta noted the county could pay that $200-some cost in four years. Also, since there was no penalty it would not be an issue.
In other transfer station matters, the commission voted to continue taking used tires at the transfer station.
"Tires are not specifically listed in our resolution," Brazil said, but noted the former transfer station owner KC Development used to charge for the dumping of tires.
The charge to dump a passenger car tire is $1, $5 for a truck tire, and $10 for a tractor tire.
In an unrelated matter, the commission approved the purchase of a computer from Great Plains Computer and Networking for $1,304, to be used by the health department, planning and zoning department.
Brazil told commissioners he preferred the bid from Great Plains because the company provided "wonderful (technical) support."
Bids also were submitted for Dell and Gateway computers. County Clerk Carol Maggard said those prices did not include anywhere between $50 and $100 shipping and handling. It was noted Great Plains would be available for immediately assistance, while there could be some downtime if the computers were purchased from the other companies.
Driveway
Road and Bridge Superintendent Gerald Kelsey said his department had begun building a driveway around the transfer station.
"We're creating a road around the building so we don't have to operate on city streets," Brazil explained, following the meeting. "We won't have to back across city streets.,"
During the commission meeting, Kelsey said his crews would use approximately 200 tons of dirt, then apply two-inch road rock for the base. Millings would then be placed over the top to keep down the dust.
The new area will include a 60-foot wide entrance and 120-foot wide parking area.
"We'll taper the entrance from 60 feet to 20 feet. That 60 foot is important in making sure there's enough turning room. We have to do that in building driveways for farm trucks," Kelsey explained.
He questioned whether the Road and Bridge Department would be paid for the project or whether it was to be donated to the transfer station.
Hein asked Kelsey to keep track of the total expense.
"I'm leaning real strong toward paying for the material cost," Wetta said.
Kelsey said he did not plan on billing the transfer station for his department's labor, but at this point he had no idea about the total project cost.
In an unrelated matter, Kelsey noted work was scheduled to begin Jan. 6 on the Wheeler Bridge, also known as bridge no. 240, located on 140th south of Marion.
King Construction crews were going to try and get most of the concrete work done during the winter, Kelsey said.
He said crews were starting in winter to avoid any problems which may be associated with spring rains.
If there's significant rain in the spring, Marion reservoir would open their flood gates which would bring water into the construction area, Kelsey explained.
The bridge project is a jointly funded county and state endeavor with the county paying 20 percent of the cost, while the state picks up 80 percent.
Health department SUV
After brief discussion, commissioners approved the purchase of a 2000 S-10 Blazer for use by the Marion County Health Department at a cost of $11,950 including trade differential with a 40,000 mile plus four-year warranty from Irv Schroeder County Motors, Hillsboro. The health department will trade in a 1996 Taurus for the Blazer.
Noting that Marion County Health Department supervisor Jan Moffitt could not be present, Brazil brought in bid information regarding the vehicle purchase.
Citing reasons for the purchase, Brazil said the Taurus has more than 72,000 miles. Also, health department personnel would like the four-wheel drive for traveling on county roads during home visits.
"Also the car seat program could utilize this vehicles," he said. "Now they use their private vehicles."
Commissioner Leroy Wetta questioned whether a four-wheel drive was necessary and if the money was available in the health department's budget.
After checking budget information, Wetta moved to approve the bid and the motion passed.
In other matters:
— Met with Brazil during a 10 minute executive session to discuss personnel. No action followed the executive session.
— Heard from Brazil that the commission would be receiving a proposal from Waste Management next Monday.
— Heard from Maggard that the Heritage Trust Fund had approved the specifications on the exterior courthouse renovation project with one small change on the north side concrete steps.
"They suggested we go down about one-half inch further into the concrete to mold the old to the new," Maggard said. "We'll be about six weeks ahead of schedule."
Heritage Trust Fund officials also approved the county's invitation to bid. The bid opening for the project will be held at 10 a.m. Feb. 10.
