JOHNSTOWN - The Fulton County Department of Solid Waste is seeking authorization to replace its original, 20-year-old conveyor system at the county Recycling Facility on Mud Road.
The Board of Supervisors' Economic Development and Environment Committee voted Tuesday at the County Office Building to advertise for bids for the conveyor.
The full board will consider the final vote June 11 to go out to bid. Bids would be due in July, with the final bid selected in August.
Department Director Jeff Bouchard said the conveyor is slated for purchase under the county's 2012 capital plan. He said the unit - estimated to cost about $65,000 - is needed to replace the original main conveyor at the recycling building.
"It's never been replaced," Bouchard said. "It's been there since 1992."
Bouchard said the county's present incline conveyor system that transports recyclable materials to the horizontal baler is original equipment from when the county launched its recycling program. He said those materials include corrugated cardboard, chipboard, plastics, tin and aluminum cans, and mixed paper.
The new conveyor will be included in the Department of Solid Waste's upcoming recycling-equipment grant application to request 50 percent state reimbursement, Bouchard said. He said the county cost will come from the department's equipment reserve, which is not attached to the tax levy.
In another recycling matter, the committee supported acceptance of a $94,775 bid from HL Gage Sales of Albany for purchase of a recycling truck. Requests for quotes were sent to nine companies.
After review of the bids, Bouchard recommended the low bid from HL Gage Sales, without trade in.
The full board will vote on the bid June 11.
Bouchard said the item is included in this year's capital plan, with an estimated cost of only $85,000. He said he has sufficient funds to cover the extra cost.
Michael Anich covers Johnstown and Fulton County news. He can be reached at johnstown@leaderherald.com.