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Council hears repeated concerns about DPW staffing and equipment after recent snow response; administration outlines recruitment steps
Summary
Councilors and residents criticized the Department of Public Works’ snow response and urged quicker recruitment and equipment procurement; the manager said the city is reviewing vacancies, adjusting CDL requirements, offering pay-grade changes and preparing budget notes on vacancies.
Councilors and residents pressed the City Manager and department leaders Feb. 25 about a large number of vacant positions in public works and the department’s response during a recent heavy snow event.
Public commenters blamed understaffing for slow snow cleanup and cited deliveries of out-of-town contractors. Councilor Russell and others pointed to a reported about 92 vacant positions across the Department of Public Works (DPW) staffing categories and asked whether the shortage is an ongoing trend or a recent development. The City Manager said DPW vacancy counts have fluctuated and in prior years exceeded 100, and that current gaps are concentrated in operations and the central garage. The manager said the administration is taking steps to recruit and retain staff, including removing CDL license prerequisites for some roles, negotiating incentives with unions, and raising pay grades for certain positions.
Administration and council actions: the council requested the administration provide vacancy annotations in the FY26 budget materials so members can see which positions were unfilled at budget preparation and to explain any reassignment plans. The manager confirmed the budget process routinely considers vacant positions and may reallocate positions between departments during budget development. Councilors asked for additional outreach on recruitment, use of frontline staff in recruitment efforts, and the possibility of incentive programs.
Equipment and capacity: councilors and residents also asked about capital equipment—sweepers and snow removal vehicles—and whether the city can replenish the fleet. The manager acknowledged a multi-year replacement need and said procurement is under discussion. Councilors requested more information on equipment needs and replacement plans.
Why it matters: winter operations and street maintenance are core city services. Councilors said continuing vacancies and aging equipment undermine service delivery and requested specific budget and staffing reports to inform decisions before the next winter season.
