By JONATHAN SNYDER
A 2023 Ford F250 will join the Water Distribution Department fleet after the Bluffton Board of Public Works and Safety approved the purchase in its Tuesday meeting.
The truck costs $62,490.35. It comes with a Knapheide service body, which is an open cargo attachment on the back of the truck with doors on the sides of the truck bed for transportation of tools, and a 10-speed transmission.
The department will replace a 1999 Chevy Silverado 1500 — which needs a lot of repairs according to Water Distribution Supervisor Dave Hendricks. Hendricks said that the shift cable broke in the Silverado the other day and that the steering column needs rebuilt. The 1999 truck currently has approximately 167,000 miles on it.
Out of the four quotes given the Board of Works, the low bid was for a 2022 F250 valued at $59,601.65. Hendricks stated that the 10-speed transmission will help with fuel mileage, which is why the board did not take the low bid at Hendricks recommendation. Board member Scott Mentzer and Utility Director Jon Oman noted that the expense is part of the capital asset plan for Bluffton, so the money is available.
Additionally, Anita Ybarra came to the board to discuss her nuisance dog order. On April 23, Ybarra discussed the incident where her dog attacked another at a boarding facility in Ossian, leading to the death of the other dog. She updated the board saying that a trainer came to her residence and the dog listens to commands better. She also asked the board about the purpose of the muzzle training if the dog is to never leave the property.
“All these trainings that we are going to put him through. It doesn’t mean anything if we can’t implement them,” Ybarra said.
Mentzer stated that he is willing to hear from her and discuss the matter further. Board Member Josh Hunt clarified, however, that the muzzle requirement is to ensure the dog can go to the required obedience training and that the initial discussion was for an extension on the required time to get her dog trained.
“I’m certainly willing to have another conversation after the training’s done,” Mentzer said. “Let’s get through those steps (first), but we’re certainly willing to dialogue with you once we’re past those milestones.”
Furthermore, the board approved a design change that will allow traffic on Perry Street to access the city parking lot across from city hall. The success of Mt. Fuji restaurant saw the need for the change, according to Street Commissioner Tim Simpson.
Simpson stated in a letter to the board that they would close off one of the entrances to Market Street traffic, and give Perry Street traffic the access point on their side. Simpson also noted that they would change the parking stall direction only on the west side of the lot to allow for parking from the north to pull in. Signs will also be posted to assist with the change of direction.
“It’s always confusing if you’re in that alley,” Hunt said. “To me, it’s a no-brainer.”
The board also approved a motion to block two parking spots on Market Street next to the Foundations building sometime in June, so that construction workers can work on elevating roofing materials for Foundations. The board also approved a raise for Electric Department Substation Maintenance Employee Matt Moore, which takes him to the maximum allowed by salary ordinances.
jonathan@news-banner.com
