By: James Pruitt
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
The county is trying to resolve a running issue with a fire suppression backflow preventer at the county’s East Annex.
The commissioners discussed the matter at their April 11 meeting.
The county has been rebuilding the unit on an almost annual basis and now will try a brand new unit and see if that works. The main problem is the aging pipes under the building, but replacing them would be too costly.
“We rebuilt it last year,” Maintenance Supervisor Josh King said. “It held until now.”
A talk with the service manager of Stark’s Plumbing and Heating yielded the concept of going with a new unit to avoid rebuilding the device every 12-18 months, King said.
Commissioner Alan Word thought the advice was on point.
“We should bite the bullet,” Word said.
Going with the new unit would be the same as two rebuilds, Commissioner Lewis Hilkert said.
Word told King to check with the city of Bryan to see if it was having similar issues.
The problem existed at the time the East Annex was remodeled, King said. The current problem was discovered after the annual state inspection, he said.
“There’s no (permanent) solution except for ripping out the pipes,” King said.
The commissioners approved having Stark’s install a new unit for $4,889.
The commissioners also awarded a contract with Stark’s Plumbing and Heating for work at the Alvordton Community Center project.
The amount is not to exceed $42,305 with the county picking up $40,500. All other funds and changes will be covered by Mill Creek Township.
The project will be completed by June 30.
In other news:
Commissioners approved the purchase of two cars for the Department on Aging.
One vehicle is a 2013 Ford Taurus from Bryan Ford Lincoln Mercury for $18,233. The car has 31,000 miles and comes with a three-year/$60,000 warranty.
The other is 2015 Chevrolet Impala from Montpelier Auto Sales. It has 7,877 miles and will cost $16,950.
The request came from Executive Director Maggie Fisher.
Commissioners also approved the purchase of a 2003 Ford 450 Super Duty Bucket truck for the Engineering Department.
The request from Todd Roth was for $10,913.80. The vehicle has 144,597 miles.
The commissioners approved $800 for the Park Board to purchase materials for metal roof for a shelter at Bible Park.
A local family had approached the Park Board about wanting to fix the shelter.
The board scheduled a hearing for a single county ditch for June.
The Leichty Ditch hearing will begin at 11 a.m. June 9.
The delay was due to the petitioner having a stroke.
James Pruitt may be reached at
publisher@thevillagereporter.com