City Council plans to purchase used street sweeper following equipment fire

Canal Fulton City Council has taken significant steps to address pressing community needs during their meeting on May 6, 2025. A key decision was made to enhance street maintenance, particularly in light of recent challenges faced by the city's street department.

The council approved a plan to rent a street sweeper for a week, aimed at ensuring the cleanliness of the city, especially before and after the upcoming Canal Days festival. This decision comes after the city’s own street sweeper was rendered inoperable due to a fire, leaving the department in a difficult position to maintain road cleanliness. The rental will allow for sweeping throughout the entire city, addressing concerns about debris accumulation that can clog storm sewers and detract from the community's appearance.

Street Superintendent Dave Therby highlighted the increased need for street sweeping, noting that the volume of debris collected has nearly doubled in recent years, largely due to construction activities and increased traffic. The council discussed the financial implications of both renting a sweeper and the potential future purchase of a used one, which could cost around $140,000. The urgency of the situation was underscored by the need to maintain public safety and aesthetics, particularly during high-traffic events.

In addition to the street maintenance discussions, the council also addressed the need to revise the fee schedule for variance applications. A motion was passed to increase the fees from $100 to $400 for residential applications and from $200 to $600 for commercial applications. This adjustment aims to reduce the frequency of repetitive variance requests and align Canal Fulton’s fees with those of neighboring municipalities.

The council's proactive measures reflect a commitment to improving city infrastructure and maintaining community standards. As they move forward, the council plans to continue exploring options for acquiring a new street sweeper and will reassess the budget in the coming months to ensure adequate funding for ongoing maintenance needs.