City struggles with garbage truck troubles
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The fate of a broken down garbage truck was the main topic of discussion at the regular meeting of the Mount Ayr city council Monday, December 4.
The council considered whether to leave a garbage truck, that had been used for over 7 years with 84,000 miles on it, at Trivista in Altoona for repairs, or repair it locally.
Two repair quotes from Trivista were presented and reviewed by council:
- Engine rebuild was estimated at $41,737.30
Parts $26,077.30
Shop Supplies $175
Labor $15,485
TOTAL $41,737.30 - Engine replacement was estimated at $51,647.45.
Parts $39,502.45
Shop Supplies $175
Labor $11,970
TOTAL $51,647.45
A third quote from Mercer Motor and Repair, LLC was also considered to repair the truck locally. Mason Mercer estimated overhauling the truck would cost $16,700 plus towing fees to bring the truck back to Mount Ayr.
Mercer’s estimate included 60 hours of labor and parts including:
- Engine Overhaul was estimated at $16,700
Parts $10,400
Shop Supplies $300
Labor $6,000
TOTAL $16,700
Further complicating the decision, the city discussed how to pay for the repairs and purchase a new garbage truck.
Prior to the truck breaking down, the city was planning on trading the garbage truck in to Elliott Motors, who had offered $25,000 trade in value. The city was then going to use $30,000 budgeted in the current year, plus $40,000 in reserve to help pay for a new garbage truck.
However, the cost to purchase a new truck combined with the cost to repair the broken down truck, increased the total amount needed to approximately $202,000. The city could either borrow the entire amount needed, or use some of the money they had budgeted to pay for part of the cost.
Brent Wise stated he had spoken with Mike Maloney, who suggested the city go through KS State Bank to simplify the bonding process, as they have their own bonding attorney at the bank.
City municipalities cannot borrow money without going through a bonding attorney, which was estimated to cost an additional $3,000-4,000 if the city looked at bonding with a different lending institution.
After considerable time, questions, and discussion, Ken Robertson put a motion forward to borrow the entire amount (not to exceed $165,000) from KS State Bank. The motion was seconded by Jessica Bishop, and unanimously passed by the council.
The council also unanimously agreed to move forward with towing the garbage truck back to Mount Ayr and have Mason Mercer (Mercer Motor and Repair LLC) repair the truck.
Regular Business
In other business, the council considered bids to remove the walnut trees at Loch Ayr Lake. One company noted they thought it would be unethical to cut the trees down presently, as the trees were 5-10 years too young to harvest.
“It’s just timber, it’s not hurting anything,” said councilmen Robertson, “I’d say leave it.”
No action was taken by the council to move forward with bids.
The council did approve pay request #7 for the Wastewater and Drinking Financial Assistance Program (WTFAP Grant #22-12).
Administrative Report
Brent Wise reported that sometime between Sunday morning and noon on November 26, the city brush pile began burning. Administrator Wise stated “I could smell it at noon.”
The fire was discovered Monday, November 27 when city crew members were performing their morning duties.
Wise reported “By Iowa Code, the city needs to have the area chained off, and we did that the first day.”
However, the chains had been broken through and people were still accessing the brush pile.
“I think it needs to be governed,” stated Wise, “that’s my concern.”
Wise suggested the city install posts, gates, and signage stating the area is under surveillance.
Wise also noted an insurance representative will come to the next meeting to review employee healthcare options.
