City seeks $1.5M to replace aging Tapley fuel system; officials say large‑scale fleet electrification is constrained by grid and cost
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Summary
DPW Director Chris Signoli told the finance committee the Tapley fueling system (installed ~1998) is at end of life and estimated replacement at about $1.5 million; he also said the city lacks grid capacity and space to electrify large portions of the municipal fleet now.
Kathy asked the committee to approve $1,500,000 from free cash to replace the fuel pump systems at the Tapley Street facility.
Chris Signoli, DPW director, said the fueling systems were installed around 1998 and are structurally deteriorated; the canopy and tanks need replacement. He described the project as a full replacement with an estimated cost of approximately $1.5 million and said the city consumes about 50,000 gallons of fuel per month for roughly 500 vehicles and pieces of equipment. Signoli said the replacement project is out to bid through Capital Asset and that lead times for tanks are four to six months; construction could begin in spring once funds are appropriated.
Councilors pressed Signoli on plans to electrify the fleet. Signoli said the city currently has no electrified heavy fleet vehicles and only two charging stations at the Tapley facility; large‑scale electrification is constrained by real‑estate limits at city facilities, utility (Eversource) capacity, and higher upfront costs for heavy equipment. He gave an example estimating that a trash truck that typically costs $400,000 would cost about $1.1 million as an electric vehicle, and replacing multiple vehicles annually at that premium would significantly increase annual capital needs.
Ending: The finance committee advanced the funding request to the full council for consideration.