Huron-Kinloss council

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Huron-Kinloss council has approved the purchase of a new compressor at the Ripley-Huron Complex.

During the council meeting last night (Dec. 19), facilities and recreation director Mike Fair said the 50-horsepower compressor at the arena had a sudden mechanical failure and has been shut down for the night.

"The crankshaft is cracked and we're looking at either repairing or replacing that compressor," said Fair.

He said replacing the inside of the 30-plus-year-old unit would cost $12,000 to $15,000 in parts and labour. The cost of a new compressor would be $18,500 installed, he added.

"We're not sure why the crankshaft cracked but it's done," said Fair. "We can limp through the night tonight. If we get a new compressor here tomorrow, we could have it installed by Wednesday and be back in business by Thursday."

The other compressor, a 30-horsepower unit, continues to maintain the ice surface, he said.

If council agreed to purchase a new compressor, Fair said the old one would be kept around for parts. Also, because it was a sudden mechanical failure, the township would have some insurance coverage for this, he said.

"Get a new unit and keep the ice going," said councillor Don Murray.

"There's such a minimal difference in cost between repairing the old one and getting a new one, it makes no sense to fix the old one," said deputy mayor Wilfred Gamble.

When asked about the deductible, Fair said it is $5,000 in this case.

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Monday, December 19, 2011