Council delays vote on purchasing new snow-removal truck; salt spreader funded by state grant

The Defiance City Council on Jan. 7 postponed action on a first-reading ordinance to purchase a replacement dump truck and plow for the streets division.

Council member Mack presented the item and said the streets division sought a newer vehicle to improve safety and operational efficiency. "They also remove soil and debris from different projects around the city," Mack said, explaining why the replacement is needed. Mack showed an interior photo of an existing truck cab that he said was rusted through in places.

Street superintendent DJ told the council he had no additional comments other than the item was necessary. Council member Wexler asked about the dump-bed size and whether the truck would accept existing attachments; DJ said it would use the same 13-foot bed. Mack also said the city has a new salt spreader acquired with a state grant and estimated its value at about $50,000 to $54,000, which will make the purchased truck a complete unit without buying a separate spreader.

There was discussion that the older trucks cannot carry both a plow and a salt attachment at the same time because of load limits; a newer truck would address that limitation. No specific purchase price or vendor was presented in the record.

The council moved to "let lie" the ordinance to a future meeting for further discussion; the motion was seconded by Council member Mast and approved by voice vote with four members present.

No purchase was authorized at the Jan. 7 meeting. Staff indicated they will return with additional information at a later date.