Three bids were submitted for the Noxious Weed Department tractor/roadside mower, and the bids were reviewed at Monday’s Riley County Commission meeting.
The first bid came from KanEquip Incorporated in Wamego. Option number one was for a tractor with a mounted rotary side mower, for $83,697. Option number two involved a rear mower, for $23,250. The corporation also submitted an alternate bid of $96,024.
Concordia Tractor, out of Abilene, submitted an option of $93,989.85 for the tractor with a mounted rotary side mower. They also provided an option of a side mower and a rear mower combined, at $106,316.85.
The final bid came from Murphy Tractor, out of Topeka. The total bid submitted, including a $1,000 freit charge, was $114,400.
The commission approved moving the bids forward for evaluation and recommendation.
Public Works Director, Leon Hobson presented a projects update to commissioners. Hobson reported during a previous meeting that the new wind turbines were not yet up and running. A company out of Colorado recently came in and managed to get most of them up and running.
The Northwind wind turbine has yet to budge. Hobson told commissioners the company brought in parts to fix it, but it didn’t work. “They recently left the site to go and find other parts to try, right now it’s kind of a trial and error process, they assured us they will return to fix it though”, said Hobson.
Hobson also spoke about the extra funding that could possibly turn up in the budget as the end of the year approaches. McDowell Creek Road is one of the road projects on the top of the list in terms of priority, and Hobson said, “with NBAF on hold right now, this might be a good time to consider it”. This over three mile long project is estimated to cost $3.5 million.
A consensus was reached by the commission to revisit this topic when the new commission is appointed.
Commissioner, Dave Lewis started off the meeting’s press conference by mentioning an upcoming ceremony. This Friday at 2 p.m., Commission Chair, Alvan Johnson will be honored during the dedication ceremony at the Riley County Law Enforcement Center. The center will be named “The Alvan Johnson Law Enforcement Center”.
Johnson served three terms (12 years) on the commission, and served 34 years with the RCPD, the last 23 of which he served as the RCPD Director. Johnson announced his retirement earlier this year, and plans to move to Springfield, MO with his wife.
The event will feature guest speakers and refreshments. The public is invited to attend the event
Commissioner, Karen McCulloh mentioned that Howie’s will be holding another hazardous waste collection this weekend. Howie’s accepts all E-waste, but asks that truck loads of waste be taken to the household hazardous waste building on Highway 24.
