Strafford County tables replacement of two institutional dishwashers pending administration review

The Strafford County Commissioners on an agenda item discussed replacing two institutional dishwashers — one in the county jail and one at Riverside dietary — and moved to table the matter to allow administration review.

The commissioners were told the machines are on the county capital plan and are old: the jail unit is about 20 years old and the Riverside unit “probably closer to 30 years old,” making replacement parts hard to find. “We had to pay about $3,000 to replace a motor recently just for the conveyor itself,” said Doug, a staff member, describing recent maintenance costs.

Staff discussed vendor bids and installation needs. One vendor quote referenced in the discussion listed a total in the $60,700 range for a single unit and another figure was cited of $69,000 including an $8,500 installation fee. Diane, a staff member, referenced a capital account line for Riverside dietary of $67,637.

Commission members noted additional costs beyond equipment: “there's gonna be some additional sheet metal work for the venting to attach it to our existing venting system,” Doug said, and conveyors and hookups would require fabrication and labor.

After reviewing the bid documents and budget references, the chair asked for a motion to postpone final action so administration could complete further review. A motion to table the bids until administration review was made and seconded; the transcript does not record a roll-call tally or a final recorded vote on that motion.

The chair directed Dr. Lothurne to pursue additional research on the equipment and options; staff will return with clarifications on budget lines and installation scope before the commission takes a final vote.

The discussion occurred during routine procurement agenda work and did not include a formal award or contract signature at the meeting.