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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 12081987 - 1.39 al C, 4 TO BOARD OF SUPERVISORS 1-0`3'9 FROM: Phil Batchelor, County Administrator Contra / Costa DATE: November 19, 1987 SUBJECT: FEASIBILITY OF PURCHASING A "CRUSHER" FOR ABANDONED VEHICLES SPECIFIC REQUEST(S) OR RECOMMENDATION(S) & BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION RECOMMENDATION- Accept report form County Administrator concerning the feasibility of purchasing a "crusher" for compacting of abandoned vehicles. FINANCIAL IMPACT: Purchase of a "crusher" can be accomplished depending on the equipment recommended by county staff, and cost from $75 , 000 to $240 , 000. However, additional support equipment will be necessary to customize the crusher for County needs. It is estimated that an additional $200, 000 to $250 , 000 would be required for support of this machinery. This would entail a tow truck, tractor-trailerflatbed truck as well as personnel to operate • each piece of machinery. BACKGROUND- The Board of Supervisors had referred to the County Administrator on June 23 , 1987 a request to report on the feasibility of purchasing a "crusher" for compacting of abandoned vehicles. with an estimated 3 , 000 abandoned vehicles uncollected in Contra Costa County, disposal of these vehicles is a continuing problem which requires constant effort and attention. To purchase a . crusher would allow the County, by that constant effort, to eventually dispose of the glut of abandoned vehicles. Unfortunately, purchase of a crusher .would only be a piece part of the entire mechanism required for operation and support of a County-wide sponsored abandoned vehicle abatement system. Operating a crusher will require some if not all of the following machinery: • Tow trucks will be necessary to haul the abandoned vehicles into place for crushing. Estimated costs of two.'trucks would be $70,000 . • A tractor-truck would be necessary to haul a portable crusher , and would cost approximately $30,000. CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT; YES SIGNATURE/,/ Rt`C OMMENOATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION Oe 41 BOARD COMMITTEE APPROVE OTHER SIGNATURE(S1: n ACTION OF BOARD ON DEC 8 W7 A-'PROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER VOTE OF SUPERVISORS - I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE X UNANIMOUS (ABSENT Z� ) AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN AYES; NOES: AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE, BOARD ABSENT: ABSTAIN: OF SUPERVISORS ON rrT(H��E DATE SHOWN: CC: County Administrator ATTESTED _ DG" 8 1987 Buildina Inspection PHIL BATCHELOR, CLERK OF THE BOARD OF Tony Enea SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR' BY �� _— DEPUTY M381/7-83 - -2 • After crushing the vehicles, a tractor trailer will be necessary to haul the material to a yard for disposal. Such a trailer would cost approximately $20 ,000. • In addition, removal and disposal of all hazardous materials i.e. oils, fluids, gas tanks, plastics etc. must occur before the vehicle can be crushed for disposal. Such an effort is estimated to cost $60 , 000 annually. • Cost for staff to operate and maintain this equipment is estimated to be $100, 000 in salary and benefits. Furthermore, purchasing a crusher may be seen by local towing companies and wrecking yards as competition. Such a feeling might alienate the private enterprises to a point where towing agreements with the County could be terminated and depriving the County of a valuable support source for abatement activities. In summary, it does not appear feasible under the present motor vehicle laws for the County to purchase a crusher and commit to the associated equipment and personnel. The number of cars that would be towed and the return on the substantial capital investment, do not justify the expense of this type of operation.