Road supervisor recommends hiring, approves cooler purchase to steady mower operations

Daniels County Road Supervisor Michael Berson told commissioners the road crew is short-handed for peak mowing season and outlined equipment problems that threaten operations, recommending two immediate actions: hire applicant Colton Gold Nelson and install an oil cooler on a recently purchased mower.

Berson said the prospective hire is a young applicant who will complete a required pre-employment drug test and that the employee would help the mowing crew. Commissioners moved and seconded to hire Colton Nelson pending routine checks; the motion carried on a voice vote with no opposition recorded.

Berson described a recurring overheating problem with a newer John Deere mower (identified as the 40105/6420 family) and said the sight glass and associated components have been damaged by heat. He recommended adding an oil cooler to the mower to prevent ongoing leaks and ensure reliable mowing through the summer. Commissioners voted to approve purchasing the cooler after Berson said the repair would keep the mower running during the remaining mowing window.

He also reported other vehicle issues: a pickup with a slipping transmission that can be deferred until winter, and routine maintenance needs for tractors and trailers. Berson said the crew has identified a potentially available used pickup from the fire department; commissioners said they could delay some purchases if serviceable alternatives were found.

The board approved the cooler purchase and the hire by voice vote. Berson said he will proceed with the parts order and return to the board if timing or cost changes.

The meeting record shows the cooler estimate discussed verbally as “five five grand”; the board did not provide a formal exact contract amount in the meeting packet.