The January 30 meeting of the Hartsville/Trousdale County Public Works Committee focused on several pressing issues, including the repair of damaged street lights, the sale of surplus vehicles, and the status of Christmas lights for the upcoming holiday season.

The meeting began with a discussion regarding a damaged caution light at the elementary school, which has been out of service for several months. A committee member expressed concern over the maintenance responsibilities, noting that a previous agreement with Metro involved them covering the light bill while local officials handled repairs. Despite the confusion over responsibilities, the committee agreed on the urgency of fixing the light for safety reasons. It was mentioned that a quote for repairs would be obtained from a local electrical contractor.

The conversation then shifted to the need for new computer systems to manage the traffic lights more effectively. The cost for upgrading the systems was estimated at $8,000, with negotiations indicating that the school would cover the costs for the high school lights while the county would handle those at the elementary school.

Following this, the committee addressed the issue of surplus vehicles, particularly old roll-off trucks that have been in service for nearly two decades. The committee discussed the condition of these vehicles, many of which are beyond repair. A motion was made to sell these surplus vehicles, which was unanimously approved. The committee plans to continue replacing aging equipment gradually, with a goal of acquiring one or two new vehicles each year.

Lastly, a committee member raised concerns about the status of Christmas lights, highlighting the need for replacements and new purchases. The committee acknowledged the importance of addressing this issue, especially given the community's interest in festive decorations.

Overall, the meeting underscored the committee's commitment to maintaining public safety through infrastructure repairs and improving community aesthetics with holiday lighting. The next steps include obtaining repair quotes and finalizing plans for surplus vehicle sales.