The Astoria City Council authorized the purchase of a new sewer-inspection camera system on Sept. 2, approving a purchase price of $50,062.20 for a high-definition digital camera and LED lighting to replace the city’s aging unit.

Public Works Director Jeff Harrington explained the need: Astoria maintains about 68 miles of sewer pipe and uses a camera to televise pipes for condition assessment. The existing camera was purchased in February 2006; city staff said the camera now costs roughly $5,000 a year in repairs and downtime. The recommended purchase replaces only the camera module while reusing the transporter (the wheeled carriage) to save roughly half the replacement cost, Harrington said.

Why it matters: improved imaging should reduce repair downtime, give clearer condition data, and support maintenance planning for older sewer pipe.

Councilor Adams moved approval of the purchase; the motion was seconded and carried on roll call. Councilor Davis thanked staff for salvaging the transporter and reducing the net budget impact.

Ending: Public Works will take delivery and integrate the camera into its inspection program; the city expects the unit to reduce repair costs and improve inspection quality over time.