Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Jail Maintenance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Wichita County jail to repair failed heating motor, weld kitchen sink instead of full replacement
Summary
County maintenance reported a failed heating motor in a cell unit and a plan to weld a three-compartment kitchen sink rather than pay a full $26,100 replacement; staff described steps to preserve service while work is done.
Will, a county maintenance staff member, told the Wichita County Commissioner's Court that a heating motor in one jail cell unit failed this week and crews will repair it to restore normal operation.
The report said the failed motor served one cell unit; the common-area heating remained functional and the problem did not shut down housing pods. Will also said the three-compartment kitchen sink used for dishwashing will be removed, rewelded off-site and reinstalled the same day so the kitchen line can continue to operate. "It's $26100 to replace it, but we're gonna reweld it and keep it as a backup," Will said.
The maintenance briefing noted that the sink has industrial epoxy caulking that must be chipped away before removal. A presiding official suggested contacting Mike Wyatt of Cam Aiken to perform the stainless welding on-site or at an outdoor work area. Will said crews would remove the sink from the wall and address the epoxy and caulk so the unit can be reinstalled.
Commission meeting participants also praised the overall condition of the facility. One county official who inspected the jail last Friday said the site "looks fantastic," and Will reported that visiting U.S. Marshals called it "one of the best" jails they had visited.
Commissioners did not take formal action on the repairs during the report; staff described the planned repairs and next steps for scheduling welding and removal.
