Council hears public-works updates: garbage truck issues, alleys, hydrant flushing and equipment needs

City public-works staff updated the Perry City Council July 22 on equipment problems, service impacts and several property-control issues and asked council direction on short-term solutions. Public-works director Andrew (transcript: Andrew) reported two side-loader garbage trucks were experiencing major mechanical problems—one needing a new engine (estimated at about $56,000) and the other in shop with transmission issues (about $20,000). Staff said the department is using a rear loader and borrowing a truck as available while repairs proceed and that a new replacement truck has been ordered. Council members expressed concern for worker safety and urged finding alternatives that remove crew riding on the back of trucks. Staff also reported hydrant flushing work is ongoing—testing and flow procedures are being performed in quarterly segments; completion was estimated to take eight to 10 flushing days, weather permitting. Fire department staff said this schedule should finish by mid-August. Property controls: staff said a parcel on Plantation Road damaged in a hurricane may be offered for sale to a neighboring resident who offered to clean the lot if the city lowers the sale price; staff reported cost estimates to clean the lot ranging from about $8,000 to $20,000 and asked council whether to proceed. Separately, a property owner requested a portion of an alley behind Yarber Tires; staff advised the alley belongs to the city and that an abandonment and sale would require title searches and formal abandonment procedures. Council asked staff to investigate parcel values, title status and the abandonment process and to return with recommendations. Why it matters: equipment downtime and aging fleet affect routine city services and employee safety; decisions on small city-owned parcels and alleys can affect maintenance burdens and neighboring property values. Next steps: staff will get quotes for truck repair/replacement options, explore short-term rental or contractor arrangements, and research title/abandonment and sale procedures for the parcel and alley and return with formal recommendations.