Lakeville DPW seeks targeted fleet replacements as Chapter 90 funds rise
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Summary
Public Works Director Frank Moniz lowered the roadway request given a boost in Chapter 90 funds and outlined vehicle replacements, contaminated‑material removal costs and staffing challenges for CDL drivers; members urged a longer‑term facilities master plan and phased capital approach.
DPW Director Frank Moniz presented his department's capital requests, saying he trimmed the roadway ask to reflect a larger Chapter 90 allocation and highlighted several high‑priority vehicle replacements and equipment needs. "Our fleet right now... the majority of our vehicles [are] 2005–2008 vintage," he said, noting multiple pieces have more than 175,000 miles and that recruiting CDL drivers is difficult.
Moniz listed ongoing contaminated material removal as an item with a continuing cost (a placeholder of $25,000 this year) and discussed options for replacing aging equipment such as cabin‑chassis trucks, mowers and a backhoe. Committee members raised rental alternatives for intermittent needs but flagged public‑safety and availability concerns for renting heavy equipment during storms.
Members recommended a 5‑year capital planning approach to smooth peaks and valleys in spending, including creating stabilization deposits or short‑term borrowing options to avoid high lease interest on large items. Moniz and staff also discussed site staging, material disposal locations and the long history of an on‑site contaminated pile that may require remediation or off‑site hauling.