Byron Approves Disposal of Old Fuel Tanks and Considers Chipper Refurbishment

BYRON — The Byron City Council Wednesday night approved disposal of old fuel tanks and other surplus items as the public works department moves into the new facility. Public Works Director Aaron Vincer said the two single-wall, above-ground 1,000-gallon tanks cannot be reused by another municipality. The council also discussed refurbishing the city’s used wood chipper. Vincer said drum bearings and other parts are worn, and a rebuild over the winter would cost about $30,000, compared with $50,000 or more for a used unit or $100,000 for a new one. The refurbished chipper would be included in next year’s budget, if approved. City Engineer Jason Stoll said the city also secured a $30,000 EPA grant with no matching requirement to assess sewer system capacity and explore expansion possibilities, including flow meters to identify inefficiencies caused by stormwater or broken pipes.