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Daniels County approves mower cooler purchase and hires seasonal road worker
Summary
The board approved purchase of an oil cooler (estimated ~$5,000) to fix a overheating mower and unanimously moved to hire applicant Colton Nelson pending pre-employment testing; staff also discussed fleet condition and a possible donated pickup.
Daniels County commissioners voted Aug. 5 to buy an oil cooler for a newly acquired road mower and to hire a seasonal road department applicant, actions intended to keep mowing operations on schedule.
Road Supervisor Michael Berson briefed the board on recurring overheating and oil loss in a new John Deere mower (referred in the packet as model 4105/40105), reporting that midday temperatures caused poor mowing performance and damage to sight glasses. He recommended installing an oil cooler to reduce operating temperatures; he estimated the cooler would cost about $5,000. After discussion about warranty, hydraulic layout and installation, a motion to purchase the cooler was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.
Berson also asked for approval to hire an applicant recorded in the transcript as 'Colton Colton gold Nelson.' Commissioners approved the hire on the condition that the candidate complete a pre-employment drug test and background checks. County staff said the new hire would be assigned to mowing crews alongside an experienced operator.
The board discussed other fleet needs including a slipping transmission on a pickup used for parts runs; staff recommended deferring the pickup transmission repair until winter unless longer trips become necessary. Berson also said the road crew may adapt a donated pickup from the fire department for sprayer or service use if available.
Motions to purchase the cooler and to hire the applicant were passed by voice vote; the meeting transcript does not record a formal roll-call tally.
