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Water truck repaired but crew requests lighter hoses for tree-watering operations
Summary
Commissioners were told the city water truck’s electrical inverter problem has been fixed and crews are back to watering trees. Crews reported the new 3/4-inch hoses are heavy and cumbersome; the commission asked staff to explore lighter-weight backup hoses or modifications to make watering more efficient.
Commissioners heard an operational update that the city’s water truck — used for watering newly planted street trees — is repaired and back in service, but crew members recommended equipment changes to improve efficiency.
The chair reported the water truck problem was an electrical issue caused by an inverter: “The inverter they were using last year to run the pumps caused electrical problem and the vehicle wouldn't run. So they got that taken care of now.” Staff confirmed crews are back at work watering trees.
Crew feedback prompted discussion of hose equipment. Commission members relayed the crews’ experience that the larger-diameter hoses purchased to handle volume flow are “hard to manage” in the field and heavy for staff and volunteers: “The only thing that gives us any problems right now is, the hoses are hard to manage,” a staff representative summarized.
Commissioners asked staff to review options: either procure a lighter-weight hose system if funds permit or adapt existing equipment (for example, modify extensions or reuse older hoses) so crews can work longer shifts without excessive strain. Staff (Randy and Brian) will check existing inventory and return with a recommendation on replacing or modifying hoses before next season.
Next steps: Staff to discuss hose options with watering crews, assess costs for lighter-weight hose sets or adaptors, and report back. The commission also suggested budgeting for a backup set of hoses if year-end funds are available.
