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Chippewa County Road Commission approves purchase of used CASE loader; manager reports fuel shortages and pipeline discovery
Summary
On April 10, 2025 the Board of Chippewa County Road Commissioners approved buying a used 2023 CASE 821G loader for $223,000 and heard Manager Laitinen report localized fuel shortages after an ice storm and the discovery and safe removal of an old underground fuel pipeline during Chub Creek Bridge work.
The Board of Chippewa County Road Commissioners voted April 10, 2025, to purchase a used 2023 CASE 821G loader from Miller Bradford for $223,000, the board's manager recommended and the motion carried.
Manager Laitinen told the board that a recent ice storm had limited the commission's operations but triggered localized fuel shortages when stations nearest the Mackinac Bridge ran out of fuel and bridge closures delayed deliveries. Laitinen said the Road Commission had low fuel on hand pending a delivery; the commission coordinated with its fuel contractor and local agencies to secure temporary deliveries and to prioritize its own operations.
During excavation for the Chub Creek Bridge project, crews uncovered an old fuel pipeline that ran from St. Ignace toward Kincheloe. According to Manager Laitinen, the pipe was drained of about 700 gallons, cut, capped and removed with no spill; MDOT's environmental process for such finds was followed and the project schedule experienced only minimal disruption.
The board also approved routine financial motions recorded in the minutes: payroll of $254,752.40 and vouchers listed as $508,6111.68. The minutes record these motions as "MOTION CARRIED" but do not provide roll-call tallies; the vouchers figure in the minutes appears to contain a typographical or transcription error and should be confirmed from the commission's accounting records.
Other items on the agenda included reports from staff: Fleet Manager Donajkowski attended the Highway Conference and is updating equipment records and GPS testing; Office Manager Bobbie Livermore announced the annual Spring Safety meeting on April 29 at Bruce Township Hall with MSHA training at 8 a.m.; and Manager Laitinen said MDOT guardrail training is scheduled next week. Laitinen said the road commission is tentatively planning to move crews to 10-hour days beginning Monday, April 21, weather permitting.
County Commissioner Jim Traynor reported he was awaiting additional information about a garbage/recycling arrangement. No members of the public offered comments during the public-comment period. Chairman Jeremy Gagnon closed the meeting by wishing attendees to "stay safe," and the board adjourned at 8:40 a.m.
