Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Equipment Purchase topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County approves grant-funded ripper ("backscratcher") and walk-and-roll compactor purchases for graders
Summary
The board authorized purchase of a grant-funded ripper attachment (dubbed the "backscratcher") and a walk-and-roll compaction attachment for graders to improve winter ice scarification and post-grade compaction; both purchases were approved unanimously.
Highway staff explained two equipment purchases intended to improve road maintenance. Matt described a grant-funded ripper attachment—nicknamed the "backscratcher"—that scarifies ice using a moldboard on a ripper to address freeze-thaw conditions; staff said the grant will fund production and the county will document the process through technical assistance. "We got a grant to produce what we call the backscratcher," Matt said.
Board members also approved a walk-and-roll attachment that compacts material after grading to create a harder wearing crust. Commissioners praised the department's resourcefulness in identifying grant funding and efficient procurement; both motions to authorize purchases passed unanimously.
