Council approves purchase of snowblower to speed snow removal and ease safety risks

At a meeting that included Mayor Sealy and several councilmembers, attendees approved the acquisition of a snowblower the record describes as similar to the town’s existing payloader attachment. Supporters said the unit — identified in discussion as a Snowgo model with its own diesel motor — would improve safety at intersections and speed the town’s snow‑clearing work.

Proponents argued the snowblower could reduce the need for vehicles to move into opposing lanes around large piles, a maneuver they said has caused hazardous conditions near intersections. One speaker said the purchase “would make a lot of sense as far as a safety thing and an efficiency thing,” and noted prior private removal of piles cost about $4,000 for a single job.

During the discussion, the transcript records that the unit was checked with the manufacturer, Snowgo, to confirm compatibility with the town’s equipment and that a staff member named Jeff inspected the piece of equipment. The conversation included cost references (the transcript notes a figure of $40,000) and an idea to offer paid rental service to neighboring jurisdictions; an hourly rate of about $300 for prior private work was mentioned.

A motion to approve the purchase was moved and seconded and the chair called for the Aye vote; the motion carried. The meeting record does not show a named mover or a detailed procurement timetable, only that the council approved the purchase.