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Public works seeks mower, staff and vehicle cameras after storm losses
Summary
Public works director requested a full‑time hire to address staffing shortfalls revealed by Hurricane Helene, sought replacement of an aging mower, proposed cameras for roughly nine vehicles, and described repair/replace cost options for a 2003 tire changer ($3,800 repair; $7,000 replacement).
Public works director Jabbo told council that storm damage and routine workload exposed staffing and equipment gaps in his nine‑person shop and asked to return with numbers supporting a request for an additional full‑time employee.
He described recent capital items (a truckload of replacement trash cans) and said the department had lost more than 85 cans that FEMA may partially reimburse. Jabbo asked council to reconsider a mower replacement (the current mower dates to 2008 and is in poor condition) and described a 2003 tire changer whose diaphragm failure would cost about $3,800 to repair or roughly $7,000 to replace. He also requested vehicle cameras for a brush truck, a sweeper, five collection vehicles and possibly two dump trucks—roughly nine vehicles total—to document roadside incidents and improve safety.
Jabbo said a new brush truck procured through CIP was ready to ship but would be staged until debris removal and park work are complete. He characterized lighting upgrades and other energy‑efficiency projects as an expected cost‑savings long term and said the LED conversion work is ready to start.
Council and staff agreed Jabbo should return with detailed cost estimates to justify capital or operating requests in the upcoming budget.
Quotes recorded in the meeting include Jabbo's description of the mower and the tire‑changer repair estimates.
