Public Works Hopes to Add Two New Trucks to Fleet

The Public Works Committee is recommending the purchase of a new patrol/plow and is forwarding estimates on a vacuum truck to the Common Council. The two vehicles would replace older models in their fleet.

The plow and hauling vehicle will be recommended for purchase at a cost of $155,000, about $10,000 less than the original estimates.  According to City Engineer Dave Simpson, vehicles of this type need to be replaced about every 17 years.

The other vehicle is a street sweeper and vacuum truck, which will primarily serve to pick up leaves in fall  when residents are asked to sweep their leaves to the road.  Original estimates on this vehicle were $180,000, however a demonstration of the capabilities of the unit intended for purchase revealed that it lacked sufficient power.

"It didn't perform very well and seemed to lack the suction to sufficiently pick up leaves," explained Noah Fiedler, chairman of the Public Works Committee.  "Residents love having their leaves collected every year, so we knew we had to look at other options."

The model being considered for purchase however is estimated at $218,000, nearly $40,000 over the budgeted amount.  While capital projects like this can request additional funding from excess funds from the city, the committee opted to forward the information to council for a decision rather than issue a recommendation.

The common council is expected to vote on both of these measures at its April 12 meeting.