Council member: snowplow rollover — driver OK; safety review, insurance and reserve funding to be considered
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Summary
Committee was briefed on a recent snowplow rollover: the driver is uninjured, the vehicle likely is not repairable, insurance proceeds and highway equipment reserve funds were discussed as possible sources to replace the plow, and staff will perform a safety review with police and fire.
A committee member told the Finance Committee that a recent snowplow rollover from icy conditions left the driver uninjured but likely rendered the plow irreparable.
"The driver's okay," Speaker 1 said, describing the incident and noting the city will conduct a safety review with police, fire and safety teams. Committee members discussed insurance recovery and the possibility of leasing a replacement for a one-year term; Speaker 1 said they were hopeful insurance funds could cover a first-year lease payment but also noted the city may need to draw from a highway equipment reserve account.
Committee members raised concerns about the condition of backup vehicles, with one member saying a spare was "not safe to be on the road" and should be auctioned. Staff noted procurement timelines and potential lease options to avoid a prolonged shortage in plowing capacity. Speaker 1 said the matter will be placed on the full council agenda next Tuesday for further decisions.
The committee did not make a formal funding decision during the meeting; staff said they will return with details on insurance proceeds and procurement options.