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Council presses public works on vehicle maintenance after repeated trash-collection complaints
Summary
Council members raised concerns about delivery of solid-waste services, arguing the city should expand in-house mechanics, keep parts on hand and consider extended maintenance hours to reduce breakdowns and service interruptions.
Multiple council members urged the city to improve in-house vehicle maintenance and parts inventory for public-works equipment after complaints about trash not being collected on time.
Council members said the city has invested in new equipment but still experiences frequent breakdowns and delays because of parts shortages and long vendor turnaround. Several councilors suggested a more robust in-house maintenance program, including dedicated mechanics, a parts-control system and extended shop hours, to keep vehicles operational and reduce expensive outsourcing.
Public services staff said some newly purchased equipment comes with service agreements and that the city has expanded its list of service vendors. Staff also noted that the equipment-services unit is funded from the general fund and must compete for budget resources with other departments.
Council members reiterated the need for a proactive maintenance program requiring operator checks, daily cleaning and clear parts issuance controls. They asked staff to consider whether adding mechanics or changing maintenance schedules could reduce vehicle downtime and improve trash pickup reliability.
Council did not adopt a staffing change at the workshop but directed staff to continue evaluating operations, parts inventories and vendor arrangements and to report back with cost estimates and options.
