City Council Approves $1.05M Purchase of Two Snow Plow Trucks and Equipment

During the recent City Council meeting held on August 14, 2025, in Independence, Ohio, key discussions centered around the replacement of aging snow removal equipment, highlighting the city's commitment to maintaining operational readiness during winter months.

The Service Director presented a proposal to replace a severely deteriorated single axle salt box, which is no longer repairable due to its condition and the unavailability of replacement parts. The proposed replacement is an EPOKE salt spreader, featuring a 6.5 cubic yard salt hopper and a 500-gallon brine tank, at a total cost of $175,102. This expenditure is part of the city’s capital improvement plan for 2025-2029 and will be funded through an existing appropriation for snow plow equipment.

Additionally, the council discussed the replacement of two aging snow plow trucks, one single axle and one tandem, both from the 2010 model year. These vehicles are essential for ensuring the city has backup options during peak service demands. The new trucks will be equipped with modern snow plows and EPOKE salt spreaders, with a total cost of $1,052,200.27, also covered by previously allocated funds.

The council's approval of these purchases is crucial for maintaining the city's snow removal capabilities, especially as the current fleet lacks backup vehicles. The discussions underscored the importance of investing in reliable equipment to ensure public safety and efficient service during winter weather events.

In addition to the equipment purchases, the council authorized the disposal of surplus goods, equipment, and vehicles, a routine measure that allows the city to manage its assets effectively. This annual authorization will enable the city to utilize platforms like GovDeals for the sale of surplus items.

Overall, the meeting reflected the council's proactive approach to infrastructure maintenance and public service readiness, with anticipated next steps including final approvals for the proposed purchases and the ongoing management of city assets.