Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Council Buys Tractor For City

BY AUTUMN LEAMONS

The Prescott City Council jumped right into discussing the purchase for a new tractor needed by the parks and recreation workers, on the Monday, November 16, meeting.

In last month's meeting, George Odom, parks director, and Gary Lewis, a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission, had addressed the council with the issue of replacing the motor in the tractor that they already have, or taking bids on a new tractor.

Odom said that the Kabota tractor that they had now could be fixed, but the parts to fix it could not be found since the factories were all overseas. He had also said that Fallin Tractor in Magnolia had made the best offer on a trade-in and on the price of a new tractor, thus beating out the John Deere bids.

At Monday night's meeting, Rick McGough of Southwest Equipment Company was there to state his case on the John Deere bids.

McGough said that he didn't want people to believe that John Deere was not a good option for the council to consider. He handed out some information on two different John Deere tractors that would fit the Parks and Recreations needs.

Odom agreed that both tractors were adequate and that both of them would give a better trade-in next time around, being that they are John Deere.

After roughing the ideas around and asking McGough several questions, the council voted on a brand new 22-h.p. John Deere tractor costing the council around $7,788.75, with the $500 trade-in on the old tractor.

The tractor chosen by the council was the favorite of Odom's, although he said that it wasn't his decision to make and he would be satisfied with whatever the council felt was right.

Prissy Traczewitz was on hand to inform the council of the progress that was being made at the county's recycling center. Traczwitz told the council that they were not even close to getting rich with the center, but that it was a wonderful program for the county and its residents.

Since the center opened its doors it has recycled over 137 tons of materials, which is a big accomplishment, according to everyone.

The center has plans for a new building, which will cost about $115,000. Traczewitz said the agency has already received a $50,000 grant to go toward the new structure. Traczewitz asked the council to consider giving the center $6,000 dollars for matching funds. She said that they would receive money from Medicaid that would require matching funds.

The council immediately agreed to her request and wished her the best of luck with the program. Traczewitz was thankful and then asked if she might address the council with a problem she has been having.

Traczewitz said that when she opened the recycling center that she had a deal with the Sheriff that she would be allowed a 309 prison worker to assist in the heavier, harder work that was required before the recycling materials could be baled. The Sheriff had agreed to this and abided by the agreement for a while, but then the 309 worker she has now does not show up to work. She said she has talked with the Sheriff about the matter, but nothing has been done. The Sheriff has been letting the worker hang Christmas lights and do other things around the courthouse, she said.

The council reminded Tracewitz that the 309 prisoner was specifically brought here to work strictly for her. It should be in the Quorum Court's minutes and should be taken care of by the court. She agreed that this was correct, but stated that she just wanted to let people know what was going on and that she had been trying to work with the Sheriff on the matter, but was not gaining much ground.

The council was handed out information by Mayor Howard Taylor on the purchase of a model 1500 leaf loader. The leaf loader would be used to suck leaves out of ditches and gutters. Taylor said that he gets lots of calls every fall about people burning leaves and it seems to be a problem with some people. However, it is not illegal to burn leaves; it is just annoying. The mayor wanted the council to look over the idea and give him a little insight on the idea.

The council also reminded everyone that the library committee was to meet Tuesday, November 17, with the library board. They were to discuss some ways to better the use and the looks of the library. It is a big part of the town and is used more than most people realize. The outcome will be discussed at next month's city council meeting.

The council did not include the town's electrical rates on the agenda, but it was brought to the council's attention that in last month's meeting it was in the minutes that the council would decide on the city's rates. Steve Crow was quick to let the council know that if it was in the minutes then it would be discussed.

Mayor Taylor told the council that he would like to meet with the electrical committee in a private meeting after the council was adjourned. Councilman Danny Beavert said that was not possible since a committee meeting could not be a private one. Taylor didn't have much to say and the council decided to stay regardless.