Council approves $52,012 brush chipper after debate on cost and utility

The City Council voted to approve the purchase of a Morbark BVR 13 brush chipper and a corresponding budget amendment (M7925) during the Sept. 8 meeting.

DPW Superintendent Adam Wozniak said the city currently operates one larger chipper and that a second, smaller unit would be easier for mechanics to service and more maneuverable for residential brush routes. "The chipper that we're looking to get is a little bit smaller than what we currently have. It'll be a little bit easier for our mechanics to work on when it comes time to further do those repairs," Wozniak said.

Wozniak and other staff said the smaller unit would provide operational redundancy: the city would be able to run two chippers during storm response or split crews for faster pickup. Staff projected delivery in late November so the new chipper could be used for holiday or fall pickups; they said training requirements are similar to current equipment.

Council members pressed for financial context. Council member Black asked about annual repair spending and whether the smaller unit would reduce costs; staff said maintenance figures were not at hand but that the gas-engine unit will be easier and less costly to service than the diesel unit and allows idling between stops, which reduces fuel and wear. Council member Patterson asked how many pickups the crew handles: staff said weekly volumes vary widely, from about 200 to over 500 loads depending on season.

The motion passed on roll call, five in favor and two opposed (Patterson and Black). Council directed staff to present a short program update on the chipper/brush route in coming months.