Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Drainage And Stormwater topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee highlights new street sweeper, vac-truck plan and underground camera needs
Summary
City staff told the Public Works Committee a new $385,000 street sweeper arrived and that vac trucks and underground camera systems are needed to clear clogged storm inlets; members urged scheduling, contractor redundancy and targeted maintenance before rainy season.
Jackson City staff told the Public Works Committee on Nov. 24 that a newly purchased mechanical street sweeper arrived that morning and that the department is planning vac-truck and camera-investment work to clear clogged storm inlets ahead of the rainy season.
Deputy Director James Caldwell described the sweeper as a stand-alone mechanical unit suitable for major thoroughfares and residential streets once crews are trained. "It's here. It arrived this morning," Caldwell said, adding the vendor will train operators before the machine is used. The committee discussed transport logistics because the sweeper's top speed is limited and may require trailers to move between distant neighborhoods.
On stormwater response, staff said one vac truck is currently operating, another is in the shop and a third will be repaired so the city would then have three available. Caldwell said vac trucks would prioritize 311-reported flooding and standing-water calls. Administration also is exploring as-needed contracts with local companies that operate vac trucks to add redundancy during peak rainy periods.
Staff recommended acquiring a pipeline camera/TV-inspection system to pinpoint underground breaks and avoid unnecessary dig-ups. Caldwell gave a vendor estimate that cameras start at roughly $80,000 and that a trailer-based system could be in the $120,000–$250,000 range. The committee was told the city retrieved a camera trailer from Jackson Water but "there's no camera equipment left in it," and administration will seek cost-effective alternatives.
Members pressed for a coordinated approach: clear street sweepers and skid steers to loosen built-up curb debris, followed by vacuum trucks and targeted ditch excavation. Council members and staff also noted the capital bond conversations that include $15 million for rip-rap and ditch work, and cautioned that maintenance will be required after any capital investment.
Committee members instructed staff to produce costs and a prioritized list for the camera system and vac-truck redundancy and to bring vendor or contract options back to the committee.
