Council approves undercarriage wash for DPW vehicles after debate over costs and disposal

The Coventry Town Council voted 6-1 to approve a dedicated undercarriage truck-wash for the Department of Public Works, a capital expenditure supporters said will help prevent corrosion and reduce major repair costs on municipal vehicles.

Why it matters: Council members and staff said corrosion from winter salt has led to structural failures and expensive replacements. The council has budgeted capital funds for the system; supporters argued preventive maintenance will save taxpayers money over time, while opponents sought more detailed cost and disposal analysis.

Director of Public Works Kevin McGee told the council that repeated corrosion had led to failing transmissions and frames and that parts costs for some repairs had reached six figures. "We're getting transmissions, housings that are rusting... costing us $1,020,000 dollars," McGee said, arguing the undercarriage wash is a small investment compared with recurring repair costs.

Questions from council members focused on lifecycle costs, hazardous-waste disposal and warranty terms. Councilman Hall asked whether the packet included a maintenance and disposal cost analysis and whether local repair vendors could service the system; he urged the council to review documentation on system lifespan and disposal arrangements before committing funds. "If something breaks, what is the average cost of repair?" Hall asked.

McGee said the quoted price includes integral components such as a tank system and a clarifier to collect solids and fluids, and that the town already has a contract for disposal that would be expanded to receive the system's wastewater; any overflow would go to the on-site detention pond. He said municipalities in New York using similar systems reported savings on parts and longevity of equipment.

Supporters included Councilman Pasqua and Councilman Brown, who cited chronic breakdowns of trash and large trucks and urged preventive maintenance. "If we have a piece of equipment that could help maintain these things and keep them on the road longer and avoid those issues, I'm all for it," Pasqua said.

Opponents and cautionary voices asked for written cost estimates and a longer warranty. Councilman Hall said a single-year warranty seemed insufficient for a $100,000 purchase and asked for the supporting report and study that had been referenced in budget discussions.

Vote and implementation: The resolution (2025-88) to approve the undercarriage wash passed 6-1. Council member Houle voted no. The DPW director said the system is automated (vehicles drive over the unit) and should not require additional staff. Implementation will be led by the DPW with follow-up on disposal costs and warranty arrangements.

What comes next: McGee and DPW staff will expand disposal contract details and provide the council with supporting documentation; council members requested periodic reporting on maintenance savings versus disposal costs.