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MEMORANDUM <br /> <br />TO: <br /> <br />FROM: <br /> <br />DATE: <br /> <br />SUBJECT: <br /> <br />Mayor and City Council <br /> <br />Gary Leirmoe, W.W.T.P. Chief Operator <br /> <br />November I I, 2002 <br /> <br />Replacement of Jet Truck and Vacuum Trailer <br /> <br />The City of Elk River Wastewater Department 2003 budget contains funding ($250,000) <br />to replace the jet truck and vacuum trailer. The current jetting equipment is a 1961 <br />machine, which is mounted on a 1985 truck. This jet machine has long passed <br />reasonable life. The department uses this equipment to clean the Sanitary Sewer <br />System, which has grown to approximately 56 miles in length. It is also used to clear <br />sanitary sewer obstructions and back-ups. The equipment is showing signs of not <br />being dependable and could pose a major problem, should a severe back-up occur. <br /> <br />The Wastewater Department also has a 1992 Vacuum Trailer, which is used to clean <br />sand and debris from sanitary sewer manholes. There are currently numerous <br />manholes that are too deep for this machine to pump. When this occurs, department <br />personnel have to enter the manhole to clean the debris. This is a safety concern, as the <br />manholes are considered to be confined spaces. The Vacuum Trailer is also at the end <br />of its useful life due to heavy use. <br /> <br />The City of Elk River Street Department can use both of these old pieces of equipment <br />to clean the storm sewer system on an as-needed basis. The equipment would not be <br />needed on an emergency basis, as with the Wastewater Department. The Street <br />Department could expect a longer life from these due to lighter use. <br /> <br />The Jet/Vacuum combination track would replace these two (2) pieces of equipment. <br />Currently when we clean manholes at intersections, we have three (3) large pieces of <br />equipment in the intersection (jetter, pick-up, vac-trailer), which poses a traffic and <br />safety concern. The new track would be the only equipment in the intersection. It also <br />will greatly reduce our confined space entry instances. The jet/vac track should have a <br />life of 12-15 years with proper maintenance. The Department currently spends 5 - 5 1/2 <br />months, full-time, cleaning the collection system annually. As the system grows, this <br />time will only increase as will the need for updated equipment. This equipment is <br />available on the state contract and staff has already tested two models. <br /> <br /> <br />