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City staff present prioritized list of drainage projects; street department recommends chipper purchase and warns staffing limits
Summary
The street department presented an eight‑project drainage list estimated at about $173,000, recommended purchasing a wood chipper to reduce recurring contractor costs, and said limited staff capacity will constrain how many projects can be completed this year.
Public Works and the Street Department briefed the Santa Fe City Council on May 8 with a prioritized set of drainage repair projects and a proposal to purchase a wood chipper to process tree and storm debris in‑house.
Street Supervisor Billy told council the city currently holds roughly 2,000 cubic yards of wood debris at the shop and that an outside contractor (Novus Wood Group) quoted $7.50 per cubic yard if the city delivers material to the contractor, and about $3.50 per cubic yard if the contractor comes to the city yard with a minimum hauled quantity. Billy said the department could probably accumulate the 8,000 cubic yards required to trigger on‑site service in a year if routine trimming continues at current pace.
Chipper economics and staffing
- Two chipper options were discussed: a basic unit (about $158,000) and a larger model with crane (about $272,000). Staff estimated an 8‑ to 9‑year payback on purchase versus contractor costs in normal storm cycles, assuming moderate accumulation and careful maintenance.
- The street department requested two additional positions to allow simultaneous crews — one for ditch and drainage work and one for mowing/maintenance — arguing that staffing shortages constrain project throughput and response to storms.
Prioritized drainage projects and budget context
- Staff provided a list of eight prioritized in‑town drainage projects with a combined rough cost estimate of approximately $173,000; the department said roughly half those projects could be completed with an added $60,000 allocation already proposed in the draft capital plan for culverts.
- Council asked that the prioritized projects be inserted into the city’s capital improvement plan so the council can consider phasing and budgeting over the coming fiscal year; staff agreed to break the projects out individually for future consideration.
Donation to WCID 8 and mutual aid
Council also approved donating a 2016 Ford Explorer to Galveston County Water Control & Improvement District No. 8 for district use, subject to a stipulation that the vehicle remain in public use or return to the city if the district no longer needs it. Billy and other staff described close operational cooperation with WCID 8 on ditching, vacuuming and emergency equipment sharing.
Ending
Council asked staff to add the projects to the capital plan, evaluate chipper purchase timing against available CIP capacity and consider whether debt service capacity could be used for equipment procurement. No final purchase decision for a chipper was made at the meeting.
