(Posted March 25, 2016)
By Sandi Latimer, Staff Writer
The village of West Jefferson is getting ready for the growing and mowing season.
On March 21, council approved the purchase of several items for the public service department, including:
- a new mower from JD Equipment Inc. for $11,041.25. The village is trading in its 2014 model for a $7,000 credit, thus paying only $4,041.25 for the new mower. The cost is being split between the street fund and the state highway fund.
- an asphalt roller from Southeastern Equipment Co. at a state bid cost of $16,300. This piece of equipment can roll asphalt on street repairs and roll grounds in parks, so the cost is being split evenly between the street fund and the Parks and Recreation Department.
- a John Deere Gator from JD Equipment at the state bid of $10,800.58. Because this piece of equipment can be used in many ways, the cost is divided equally among the street fund, state highway fund, water fund, and sewer fund.
- a truck cab and chassis from Middletown Ford at a state bid cost of $42,217.65. Upfitting it to make it a dump truck will cost another $25,425. However, the village is trading in its 1999 dump truck for $4,500 trade-in allowance. That means the final cost will be $63,142.65 and will come from the street fund.
Public Service Director John Mitchell said all the items are included in the 2016 budget and are being purchased at state bid prices. The village participates in the state bidding process every year.
Council members also voted to:
- purchase ferric chloride for the Wastewater Treatment Plant for $6,000. The chemical keeps phosphorous levels at the plant within EPA requirements, Mitchell said.
- purchase Mosquitomist One and Duet for mosquito spraying this year. The chemical Duet is for the Zika mosquito disease control. The cost is $8,000.
- the purchase a communications system for the water towers and the sewer lift stations for $27,700. Mitchell said the current system is antiquated and parts are no longer made for it. This was not in the 2016 budgeted, so the cost is being covered with Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds from Duke and MTB.
- hire Mannik Smith Group of Columbus to do construction administration, inspection, and material testing on the Madison Drive North waterline replacement project. Their contract is for $26,000. “They did the Westwood project and did a good job there,” said Mitchell.
Council also gave a first reading to two ordinances that would establish a Commercial Building Department and fee schedule, and also a residential building fee schedule.
Upcoming events in West Jefferson include a Drug Take Back Day set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 30 and a Shred-It Day set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 24.
