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Service and public-works leaders push technology, equipment and GIS investment to improve operations
Summary
Service and engineering staff emphasized the need for updated equipment, more skilled technicians, and better software and GIS integration to manage assets, work orders and cemetery records; staff highlighted recent gains using Tyler software and GPS vehicle tracking.
Service Department leaders said equipment and facilities are aging and increasingly computerized, requiring more training and higher-paid specialized staff. They described desired investments including automated salt-dome conveyors, Bluetooth lifts for mechanics, an automated drive-through wash bay to cut vehicle-wash time and GPS navigation for plow routing.
Staff highlighted technology already in place: the Tyler work-order system logged 6,448 completed work orders in 2024 and employee tablets and GPS tracking have improved coordination. The department is implementing a cemetery software package to digitize burial records and is integrating sewer software and GIS to give engineering and service staff access to shared asset data.
Engineering said the city is pursuing a more systematic sewer-televising program and GIS upload of footage and condition reports to build metrics (feet televised per dollar) that would inform an appropriate multi‑year maintenance cycle. Directors said current sewer work is funded from the general fund and that systematic metrics are needed to determine realistic cycle lengths and funding needs.
Staff also raised hiring challenges for skilled trades and IT positions and suggested partnerships with local vocational programs and school career days to grow a local pipeline of skilled workers.
