The Allen County Landfill will get another tool to try to control wayward trash.
Commissioners approved the purchase of a new hydroseeder, a machine that sprays water and chemicals on the refuse pile to keep it from blowing into neighboring properties.
The machine also helps landfill crews minimize the amount of dirt they have to use to cover the pile.
“It’s very important we wet trash down during the day to keep it from blowing, and every day we spray a fire retardant chemical,” Mitch Garner, Public Works director, told commissioners.
Landfill crews currently use a machine that is pulled behind a tractor, which limits where it can travel. It is well-used and no longer performs well. It can only spray water a few feet with a total capacity of less than 700 gallons.
Garner proposed buying either a new or used hydroseeder that is on tracks, so it can be driven on top of the trash pile. It can spray 200 feet and has an attached 200-foot hose reel on the front, with a capacity of 1,500 gallons.
Garner presented two bids from the same company, Multi Machine Inc. of Asbury, N.J. One bid is for a new hydroseeder for $445,000 with a warranty on both the seeder and the engine. The other is a used 2021 model for $304,500, which already has 1,500 hours. There is no warranty on the seeder but the engine’s warranty will last until spring of 2024.
Commissioners decided to purchase the used model. They asked Garner to look at options to sell the older seeder.
SPEAKING OF equipment, Road and Bridge Director Mark Griffith told commissioners he plans to compile a list of items in his department that are obsolete because replacement parts are no longer being made.
An older mower in the county’s fleet needs a new electrical box. The item is no longer being made and Griffith said he believes it’s not worth the effort to try to find a replacement part.
He also has a distributor truck with obsolete parts, but found a company in Illinois that will overhaul it.
GRIFFITH and Garner also updated commissioners on ongoing projects.
The airport taxiway needs more sealant, after a recent renovation project.
A B-52 bomber and other classic planes stopped at the airport last weekend on their way to an air show. The bomber is expected to come back through and stop at the Allen County airport again Sunday morning, likely sometime between 9:30 and 10 a.m. depending on the weather. The public is welcome to come by to catch a glimpse.
Griffith also talked about chip seal projects in LaHarpe, Moran and Humboldt. He plans to start the work on Aug. 7.
Asphalt work in other parts of the county is expected to take place later in August.
