The Quincy City Council adopted a resolution to purchase industrial heated walkway mats and snow sensors for a high-use recycling drop-off site adjacent to a local Hy-Vee, a measure staff said is intended to reduce ice accumulation and slip hazards.

Central services staff presented a quote from Heat Track LLC of Doraville, Georgia, for $28,085 to buy 12 heated mats and four snow sensors for the site. Jeffrey (central services staff), who explained the procurement, said the ramp and walkways at the Hy-Vee location get little sunlight and tend to accumulate snow and ice. He said staff is seeking durable commercial mats sized to the site.

Council members questioned additional costs. Jeffrey said Ameren had provided an estimate for electric service to the location in the range of about $10,000 to $11,000 and that electrical work would be invoiced separately, bringing the total project near $40,000. Staff also provided operating figures for the city's recycling program: roughly $100,000 in annual site revenue but approximately $300,000 in expenses in the last reported P&L, leaving a year-to-date negative position staff described as about $200,000.

Members debated safety and liability; one asked about the city's exposure if a person slips and is injured at the site. Staff acknowledged at least one fall had been reported at the location and said closing sites on icy days could invite illegal dumping. Council considered costs against public-safety concerns and the site's high usage and voted to adopt the resolution.

Roll call recorded 14 ayes and the resolution to purchase the mats was adopted.

The project was described as funded from the central-services budget and the city noted the mats are expected to be delivered and installed this winter; staff estimated the mats have a quoted 10-year life if maintained and protected from UV damage.