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Public works seeks grant-funded truck to clear grease from lift stations; council hears details on sewer maintenance needs
Summary
Public works staff described heavy grease, sand and debris in lift stations (about 30 stations), showed photos of large buildup and asked council to pursue grants and equipment; staff said a 15-yard non-CDL truck would cost roughly $550,000 and USDA grant funding has been exhausted.
Public works staff informed the City of Perry council on June 10, 2025, that city lift stations are experiencing heavy grease and debris buildup and requested authority to pursue grant funding and equipment purchases to address the problem.
Staff presented photos of large grease accumulations at lift stations and said the city operates about 30 lift stations. The discussion described Goodman's and Granger lift stations as particularly affected by grease, food packaging and foreign objects; staff said they have found “ketchup packets, ramen noodle packets, socks” in the lines. Staff said using a larger back truck allowed crews to clean a lift station quickly during a vendor demonstration.
Staff discussed pursuing grant options to acquire a larger collection/maintenance truck: a 15-yard truck was described in the presentation as costing around $550,000; a smaller non-CDL model of about 3-yard capacity was described as costing roughly $400,000. Staff said a recent USDA grant application ran out of program funds and did not award the vehicle. They asked council to consider grant opportunities and noted that using a larger truck would let crews keep up with ongoing grease and sand issues.
Staff also described operational steps on stormwater and culvert maintenance, noted certain local culverts are clogged with sediment and grass, and said cleaning or replacing storm drains will require inspections to determine pipe condition. Staff said flushing operations are underway and that the work will help ISO ratings, but noted the process will take longer than previous years because of required testing. No specific procurement was approved during the meeting; staff were authorized to pursue grants and return with specifics.
