Representatives from Murphy Tractor were on hand to discuss problems with the countys rock crusher at Tuesdays meeting of Allen County Commissioners. Purchased a little over a year ago, the machine has a $1 million price tag.
Problems with the crusher have been well publicized its latest troubles have kept the machine out of commission for over a month.
However, the much-needed parts ordered from Germany have arrived in the U.S. and they should be installed within the next two weeks.
Three representatives as well as Murphy salesman Travis Clinesmith attended the meeting, which allowed both parties to clear the air without any finger pointing.
Murphy Tractor agreed to hold a weekly meeting with county employees who use the rock crusher, teaching them maintenance tips and going through a weekly checklist.
The county agreed to go through a daily checklist to make sure the machine was in proper condition to run.
With Murphy Tractor opening a store in Humboldt around July, they will look to stock parts there, alleviating delays for new parts.
We realize that we are not your only customer, but you have to realize this is our only rock crusher, commissioner Jerry Daniels said. We need rock, not a broken down machine.
Murphys Dan Locke said the county needs to go through the checklist at least an hour before starting the crusher. He went on to say weekly maintenance should add up to a full day of work.
COMMISSIONERS re-appointed hospital board trustees Loren Korte, Jim Gilpin and Jeff Johnson. They also appointed Mary Kay Heard, John Brocker, Korte, Terry Sparks and Allen Weber to the St. Lukes Allen County Operational board.
Commissioners also approved new equipment for training exercises on how to use the new boat.
The county received two more bids for flagpoles at the two ambulance stations being built in Humboldt and Moran. The bids were higher than those received a week ago from Koehn Construction.
PUBLIC WORKS director Mitch Garner said crews were working on roads from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday and Monday. He said once temperatures plummet to 20-25 degrees, salt is no longer effective and they change to a mixture of rock and salt to give drivers more traction.
Garner said he believes the concrete pad at the Moran ambulance barn site will be poured this week.
Commissioners approved two liquor licenses for the Mildred Store.
Commissioners approved a one-year contract with Advantage Computers in Iola. Advantage will host the Allen County website for $1,487.
