Pulaski County Sewer District officials agreed Tuesday to pursue two pieces of equipment that ultimately could render better service to its 2,720 customers.
PCSD officials have agreed to amend its proposals for a diesel engine sludge pump and a line jet sprayer to include used as well as new equipment.
“I’ve been looking on-line, and there’s a lot of equipment out there. I suggest we make modifications (to the bid requests) to include used as well as new equipment,” Trustee Mark Cortesini said.
Board member Terris Cates, of Integrity Engineering, made the purchase suggestions to the board, indicating the district may get a better deal should it elect to purchase both pieces from the same supplier.
“We’re talking about $40,000 for the trailer and another $90,000 for the other unit,” Cates said. “The company may consider a (rebate) if we purchase both pieces from them.”
Cates explained the “sewer jetter” as a device that will clean pipes of varying diameters from eight- to 15-inches with the capability of clearing a 500-foot section at a time.
“We’re talking about some big-money items here,” said Board Chairman Bob Simpson. “I don’t think we have the luxury of waiting. Right now, we’re really handicapped. We’re depending on our sister cities (for assistance),” Simpson said.
“For what we’ve paid in rentals, we could have gone a long way toward purchasing our own,” he said of the sludge-suction and jet sprayer equipment.
Board Vice Chairman Jim Parsons said he would like to see the district consider video equipment that could snake through the lines and photograph their condition.
“We really need the camera,” Parsons added.
At Cortesini’s request, the district agreed to have Cates write the bid specifications to include used as well as new equipment in the bid letting.
Sewer District employees also reviewed a report from Professional Services Unlimited, the agency hired to recoup past-due accounts.
Of its 2,720 customers, 213 are on the past-due list. Those customers combined owe the Sewer District $43,824 or an average of nearly $206 each.
“I can see they’re trying. I’ll say that for them,” Chairman Simpson said flipping through the pages of the report. “Every one of these that we can recoup will help us keep the rates down.”
Board Attorney Bill Hickle downplayed the inference that some of the past-due accounts are customers, who for whatever reason, are refusing to pay their bills.
“The board is aggressively pursuing those who do not pay their bills,” Hickle said. “Those who have not are turned over to this collection agency. I can’t say that anyone is not paying their bills in protest.”
That point was not wasted on Simpson, the chairman.
“Many of these are transients . . . I don’t know of anyone refusing to pay,” Simpson said echoing Hickle’s comment.
Board Treasurer Doug Richardson, a certified public accountant, presented the financial report that listed the district’s assets and liabilities as $17.138 million. Its current operating revenue through Nov. 30 as $122,215.
Operations Manager Don Theberge asked for clarifications on overtime, specifically whether an employee who takes vacation time during a pay period is entitled to overtime when time worked and vacation time total more than 40 hours a week. Board attorney Hickle told members he would review labor laws and report to the board. Hickle said he would then modify the board statement to more clearly define policy.
The board also agreed to pursue the contents of its safety-deposit box at the Bank of Crocker.
“We’ve had some turnover on the board, and I really don’t know if anyone here now knows the contents,” Simpson said.
The board agreed to amend its bylaws to make it mandatory that at least two members be present when viewing the contents.
After a short recess, the board reconvened in executive session to discuss legal and personnel issues.
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