Cost to replace campground water heaters generates sticker shock for Commissioners

 

Land Commissioner Bruce Cox brought a motion to the March 21, 2017 Board meeting for replacement of two 100 gallon commercial water heaters at the County Campground, but the staggering cost estimates to do so was as much a shock to the commissioners, as it was to him.

Mr. Cox said it was recently brought to his attention that rust is developing on the two commercial water heaters located at the Long Lake Campground, and that they are 30 years old. There are also some issues regarding the pilot lights malfunctioning. So he started investigating the cost to replace them and discovered that estimates show it would cost between $16,100 to over $23,000 to purchase the new heaters, which includes the installation work. 

“From the information I have gotten, it is the best to go with a similar type of commercial water heaters to what we have,” he said. “Since the previous water heaters have serviced us for 30 years, we can expect the new ones to take care of it for that long.” 

A discussion ensued to determine the necessity of using commercial water heaters, and whether a good quality non-commercial product might be sufficient, which would be significantly cheaper. 

However, it was pointed out that the commercial products are designed for the heavy usage they receive during the summer at the campground. There are six shower heads, four sinks, and washing machine serviced with hot water. New ones would be gas with an electric ignition, without pilot lights. It was confirmed that there are funds in the budget to cover the cost. 

In the end the motion was made by Arlen Syverson, and seconded by Neal Illies and received the approval of all commissioners for the replacement of two water heaters, and accept the proposal from Dakota Plains Mechanical for a total cost of $16,100 to purchase them, and do the installation work.

However, while the motion was passed, it was emphasized that this is not a final decision and if there are other solutions to be considered there is time to do that.

County Engineer, Dan Sauvé brought a motion to the County Board “To award the bid for SAP 015-630-004 & SAP 015-631-006: Grading and Aggregate Base to Dennis Drewes Inc. of Frazee, MN in the amount of $1,566,433.90”. Funding for the project comes from our County State Aid Construction fund account, which is funded through the Highway Trust fund (ie mostly gas tax and license tab fees). 

The Engineer received authorization to obtain quotes for a whole building gas generator for the Highway Department, which he estimates to be around $50,000. He explained that when the electricity goes out it is very difficult to open the large overhead doors at the building. They also lose the radio and telephone. 

“It will eventually pay for itself in approximately 12 years, and I have factored in the use of ripple and depreciation,” Sauvé stated. 

The Board gave approval to hire Thomas Maruska from the Gonvick area for the heavy equipment operator position. They also approved payment of the Clearwater County Highway Department bills as presented in the amount of $92,659. 

In other business, Neal Illies presented a motion to obtain bids for repairing or replacement of the roof at the Human Services building. 

Chairman Dean Newland said they received an application to request “Disposal Boxes” for flags, which are free.

“I will bring it up to Hutch (CVSO). The boxes can be installed at the Court House, the post office and banks.”

Flags collected would then be disposed of in the same way as previously through the annual Legion ceremony. 

County Auditor-Treasurer Allen Paulson received authorization to pay the submitted invoices of $29,279  for the County Revenue Fund, and $1,314  for Nursing Service.

Commissioners present at the meeting were Daniel Stenseng, Dean Newland, John Nelson, Neal Illies and Arlen Syverson.