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Public works outlines equipment needs: landfill loader search, roll-off truck bids and park dock plan among priorities
Summary
Public works officials told commissioners a 2014 loader at the landfill needs replacement, roll-off trucks will be bid, and park staff proposed installing donated docks and pursuing swim-beach planning with state agencies and insurance review.
Public Works Administrator Sean West and staff briefed commissioners on a package of equipment and maintenance needs affecting the county landfill, parks and recreation facilities.
Landfill equipment: West said a 2014 loader used at the landfill has a failed bottom end and should be replaced. He recommended seeking a similar used, warrantied loader rather than buying new and asked permission to solicit bids and inspections of candidate machines. He also recommended bidding three roll-off trucks and noted funding already set aside in the county equipment reserve and ARPA rollover funds for these capital items.
Park improvements and boat slips: Park manager Sherry Vikes updated the board on park matters, including donated dock sections currently stored on-site. Vikes said parts for the donated EasyDock system were priced at about $5,300 plus freight and that an installer could waive delivery if hired to install. Commissioners discussed procurement rules; staff said parts pricing and a vendor quote would satisfy purchasing policy for parts-specific repairs.
Swim beach planning and insurance: West and park staff said Kansas Wildlife and Parks and state tourism staff responded positively to the countys initial swim-beach concept but requested more detailed plans, including bathymetry, depths and safety controls. Commissioners asked staff to develop a draft plan and to have the countys insurance carrier review it before committing funds.
Cabins and Airbnb operations: Park staff reported one cabin currently on short-term rental platforms and presented revenue figures for 2024 showing the single Airbnb earned about $4,240 while the other six cabins together brought about $47,155. Staff outlined the operational workload (laundry, cleaning and equipment needs) and suggested piloting upgrades to one or two cabins rather than outfitting all seven at once.
Next steps: Commissioners asked staff to solicit parts quotes for the docks, prepare swim-beach drawings for review with Kansas Wildlife and Parks and the insurance carrier, and obtain a cost estimate from county maintenance for refurbishing a single cabin as a pilot project. West also will begin searching for used loader options and prepare specifications for roll-off trucks.
