Jackson officials outline $1.3 million public-works equipment purchase for blight, disaster response

At a Jackson City Council Public Works Committee meeting, Lorenzo Anderson, public works director, and James Caldwell, deputy director of public works, presented a staff-compiled equipment list that totals $1,300,000 and is intended for blight control, demolition debris removal and disaster response.

"This is basically the blight equipment," James Caldwell said, explaining additions that include an upsized roll-off truck and gooseneck dump trailers to carry heavier loads and reduce travel time. Caldwell said the list also includes a portable water tank "so we can try to make it not as dirty and dusty to the community" during demolition and a fuel truck to provide on-site fueling.

Anderson told the committee staff will try to purchase some items from a state contract to speed delivery. Council members raised a spreadsheet discrepancy; Caldwell and Anderson clarified that an earlier subtotal ($1,000,073) was superseded after item 18 was added and that "the total at the bottom is correct" at $1,300,000.

On staffing, Caldwell said personnel shifting from Parks & Recreation into Public Works are expected to operate the new machines but that the city must "fully evaluate" training needs for specialized equipment such as knuckle-booms and skid steers. Anderson said covered storage is limited and staff are exploring options, including using landfill facilities to protect equipment.

Orders are slated to begin next week after finalizing a few list changes, staff said. Committee members urged plans for maintenance, training and security to keep the city’s investment in serviceable condition. The committee did not take a formal vote on the purchase at the meeting.