Public Works seeks $40,000 truck replacement; staff demonstrates chip-seal striping method

Public Works staff reported that pickup truck No. 5919, a 2018 Ford F-150 with about 145,000 miles, suffered an engine failure and the department is requesting a replacement vehicle earlier than planned. Staff said the replacement would be a Ford Maverick configured for all-wheel drive and equipped for road-supervisor use, with a purchase price of about $40,000; the item was not budgeted for 2025 and would have been requested in the 2026 replacement cycle. Commissioners voiced no objection to ordering the replacement ahead of schedule; one commissioner said, "I'm good with it." Staff said the department will fit the vehicle with lights and necessary equipment. Separately, staff demonstrated the reflective 'stick and stump' striping system used after chip-seal. They explained crews place adhesive-backed reflective tabs before oil-and-chip operations; a plastic cover is broomed off about a week later to reveal the reflective tape, and crews then stripe around the markers. Staff said the tabs remain until removed by plows or traffic and that the brooming typically occurs within a week to 10 days after chip seal depending on schedule. No formal budget appropriation was recorded during the meeting; staff presented the request and received informal assent to proceed with procurement planning.