District plans bus‑depot move, routing‑software switch and staffing search; members raise snow‑plow costs and hydrant clearance
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Summary
Staff said the transportation team will relocate to space on Highland Avenue in the former Cheshire Glass/DATCO building, the district is negotiating a cost‑neutral switch to DATCO’s routing software, and it is recruiting to replace Luther Miller (anticipated retirement July 1). Members also discussed high snow‑plowing bills and asked staff to follow up on clearing a snow‑covered fire hydrant on school property.
Emily reported that the transportation team will move from temporary trailers to the Highland Avenue building (part of the old Cheshire Glass facility) where the district will occupy space on the second floor; the relocation will replace trailers currently at Sandbank and is part of ongoing site design work that may include EV charging and additional bus capacity.
She said the district has discussed switching its routing software from VioNow (formerly Trapeze) to DATCO’s Transversa platform. DATCO initially quoted a $25,000 one‑time setup fee but staff negotiated a cost similar to the district’s current VO annual cost, making the transition effectively cost neutral.
Emily announced that Luther Miller, a 15‑year transportation employee involved in routing, expects to retire on July 1 and that the district has interviewed candidates and hopes to hire a replacement who can be trained before Miller leaves.
Board members also debated snow‑plowing costs and whether to in‑source work. Emily provided example recent costs: $27,870 for a 3‑inch event on Jan. 17 and $38,000 for a 9‑inch event on Dec. 27. Members noted limited grounds staffing and asked staff to evaluate lifecycle costs if the district were to purchase plow equipment and internalize the work.
A member raised a social‑media report about a snow‑covered fire hydrant on school property; staff agreed to follow up with public works and confirm a clearance process.
What’s next: staff will continue depot planning with DATCO and SLR, follow up on the routing‑software transition details, continue the Luther Miller replacement process, and report back with findings on snow‑removal options and hydrant clearance.