Potential changes to the Fleet Maintenance Facility design
The Pottawatomie County Commission discussed a potential change to the public works Fleet Maintenance Facility design during a meeting Monday.
The change would involve lowering the grade and elevation of the facility’s base from what was recommended in the original design to what county public works employees are wanting.
“The slopes around will now be flatter,” Peter Clark, the Public Works director, said. “So as we drive our vehicles in and out, we’ll be able to maneuver more easily in and out of the building. And it’ll require less dirt for the overall construction of the building pad.”
This adjustment, in addition to a few minor changes, would cost about $28,000.
The commission also discussed purchasing a generator for the Fleet Maintenance Facility that would cost about $72,000 plus installation fees.
Commissioner Pat Weixelman is wanting more information on future phases of the facility’s construction before either project is undertaken.
Potential sewer system upgrades
The Pottawatomie County Commission discussed a potential change to parts of the sewer system in the Blue Township area that could save the county thousands of dollars.
The upgrade would include replacing sewer pipes powered by lift stations with a system that uses change of elevation and gravity.
Doing so would ultimately eliminate the need for multiple lift stations and, according to Clark, would get rid of risks created by the current system.
“If the lift station fails, it would cause backups because it’s pumping, by pressure, the sewer up and over a certain elevation,” Clark said. “If we can get the sewer to gravity flow, that is a much less risky operation. It’s more guaranteed to operate. You just have to make sure the line is staying clean. It does require ongoing electrical power.
The proposed system has risks of its own, but Clark says these would be more manageable.
While the new system would cost about $500,000 dollars to construct, the old system would cost the county about $640,000 over 20 years.
The commission wants more information on right-of-ways and easements before moving forward with a decision.
In other Pottawatomie County news:
- The commission discussed different approaches to treating gravel roads, such as using a ditch-cleaning machine and using rock quarries with higher-quality rock.
- The commission approved the purchase of a semi truck for the Public Works dept. for about $100,000.
