City street sweeper sidelined

Colfax has lost the use of its number-one street sweeper which will require repairs estimated in the $10,000 range. Matt Hammer, public works director, reported at the Feb. 21 city council session a bearing for the sweeper’s fan, which generates suction for the vacuum system, failed Feb. 17. The failure resulted in damage to the housing around the fan which is expected to lead to the extensive repair bill.

The sweeper is a 2004 Tymko model. City crews also have a 1988 Athey sweeper. Hammer said the Athey uses a combination sweeper and conveyor belt system and is not as efficient at picking up gravel off of the streets.

City crews at this time of year face a major sweeping task in removing gravel which was placed on the city’s streets during the winter. Hammer said an estimated 150 tons of gravel went down during the long winter campaign.

Hammer told the council the first step in repairing the sweeper will be finding funds in the city budget to cover the repairs which cannot be absorbed in the public works budget.