Funding included for cemetery, trash improvements

About $44,0000 worth of purchases will be made for the city cemetery, trash collection and transfer station this year.

This includes an upgraded sprinkler system and snow plow for the cemetery, trash containers and a water tank for the transfer station.

Capital improvement plans for these departments, including the recycling center, were presented by Public Works Department Director Kyle Potthoff at the regular city council meeting Monday night.

Purchases for 2008-09 and later years include:

CEMETERY:

* 2008-09: upgrade sprinkler system at Riverview Cemetery, $8,000 with general funds: would allow to the city to water in a more timely fashion, such as at night.

* 2008-09: snow plow for pickup, $7,000 with general funds: a new eight-foot snow plow for pickup. Pickups with snow plows are faster and more easier to move than the big trucks.

* 2009-10 to 2013-14:land acquisition reserve, $25,000 annually from general fund: Money saved annually would be used to purchase property to expand the city cemeteries. The best piece of property for expansion is 7.33 acres north of the Riverview Cemetery. The asking price is $125,000 or $17,053 per acre. The other option is to begin looking at residential properties surrounding Memorial Park

* 2009-10, mower rotation, $21,000; trade-ins in 2011-12 and 2013-14 at $8,500: would allow the department to rotate mowers eliminating the majority of repair and maintenance cost. Rotation of mowers also means better trade-in values.

RECYCLING

* 2008-09: two recyclable collection trailers, $20,000 with a federal grant: to be used in the community for 24-hour recycling drop-off site. This would give the public a 24-hour recycling option and reduce tonnage going to the landfill. The trailers, which could be offered to other communities, would reduce congestion at the recycling center and be more convenient for recyclers.

* 2009-10: $21,000 for a four-wheel drive pickup, paid for by user fees. This would replace the current 1995 vehicle with 57,587 miles that is owned by McCook Recyclers. The city hopes to gain ownership of this vehicle in the future

* 2010-11: replace bailer, $62,000 with user fees: used to bail recycled material. It would replace the current bailer that is aged and difficult to repair. Glass processor, $10,000 with user fees, $10,000 from grant: pulverizes container glass, finished product can be used for reflective beading used for painting and sandblast media.

* 2011-12: replace skid loader, $28,000 with user fees: would replace the current Bobcat that is owned by McCook Recyclers. This equipment would be more versatile and safer than current smaller unit

TRASH COLLECTION

* 2008-09: collection containers, $26,000 annually, paid for by user fees: annual replacement of trash receptacles. Large units cost several hundred dollars, smaller ones at $100 each, said Public Works Director Kyle Potthoff.

* 2009-10: replace west side collection truck, $160,000, using $50,000 in collection reserves plus user fees. The purchase would include the trade-in of the 1995 vehicle with 63,284 miles and 12, 005 hours.

* 2009-10 to 2011-12 : old facility upgrade, $10,000 annually: begin improvement of the current facility so that it could be more useful and valuable. Currently is used for equipment storage and minor vehicle maintenance. With the upgrades, it could be used for larger equipment.

TRANSFER STATION

* 2008-09: water tank, $3,000 using user fees: a 2,000 gallon poly tank with pump, this equipment would add water to the compost to promote breakdown of material.

* 2010-11: replace front end loader at $120,000 using user fees: a key piece of equipment that is needed for operation. Also used for snow removal.

* 2011-12: replace scale, $60,000 using user fees: current scale was installed in 1990, moved in 2006 to current location. The scale is passing state inspection but showing signs of age.