Authority approves VFD replacement, discusses ferry propulsion and generator problems

The Charlevoix County Transportation Authority voted May 13 to replace a variable frequency drive (VFD) and heard reports on several ferry mechanical problems that have affected operations.

Gordie Russell, Manager, told the board the ferry runs about 240–250 cars per day and that a new captain has started; deckhands are set to begin work on Memorial Day weekend. Russell reported one engine still requires an oil-pressure gauge.

Joe Kroll, Transportation Coordinator, described recent mechanical problems: a thermal issue on Easter that produced a small fire which was extinguished, repeated alternator replacements on a generator whose pulley has been overheating and locking up, and a west propulsion unit that failed and has since been returned to service. Kroll said the authority’s secondary propulsion unit has not yet been rebuilt.

A motion to have contractor Wilmot rebuild the existing unit and, when the other came out, to rebuild that as well was offered but withdrawn; no work was authorized on that motion.

Scott Hankins moved and Michael Cunningham seconded a motion to approve replacement of the VFD at a base cost of $6,727.50 with expedited delivery, programming and installation not to exceed $1,200, for a total not to exceed $7,927.50. The motion carried on a roll call vote of 3-0.

Staff presented no schedule for further major repairs beyond the approved VFD replacement. The Authority received a separate update from Machin regarding a pending Ironton Ferry dock replacement and a request to review repair receipts from the past 10 years.