Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Equipment Problems Discussed

Gurdon's Water and Sewer Commission discussed its expensive backhoe problems.

At the monthly meeting Harold Hurst, water department manager informed the commission the motor on the backhoe has 'messed up.' "The motor is weak and it smokes," Hurst said.

Jackie Rhodes of Rhodes Truck and Trailer had found one used for the department and gave a 30-day warrantee.

After speaking with Hurst, Rhodes worked to find a replacement motor, not finding one he offered to rebuild the motor with free labor should the GWSD pay for half the cost of parts.

Hurst said there were the options of having this motor rebuilt or purchasing a new motor. Danny Paull, commission member, spoke of the credit amounts for the core and other parts. The estimated cost for the rebuilding of the motor will be around $500-600. No decision was made at the meeting.

The department is still experiencing computer problems. The hard drive failed on the departments older computer, when Charles Failla checked for the Y2K glitch. The hard drive will have to be replaced, after Hurst and Failla discovered they couldn't find parts for this model with the Pinnacle Computers.

Commissioner Bill Dunlin commented on the inexpensiveness of hard drives. Dunlin stated "I saw where there was a 400 megahertz hard drive for $169 the other day." No action was taken at the meeting.

The Greenville Water Project will proceed as soon as possible with McClendon Construction Co. But the construction will be sub-contracted by Charles McClendon's brother in- law.

"They will be out there (to begin work) November 1," Hurst stated.

The commission went over the details of the Whelen Springs Water Project. In discussing the cost to the GWSD, the commission learned approximately 80 customers will be served with the GWSD receiving $515 per customer for meter reading and service. There may be in time 107 customers.

Hurst reported no new information on the search to fill the vacant commission seat.