Public works details fleet upgrades, GPS tracking and snow-removal budgeting

Robert Sandell, assistant to the commissioner of public works, briefed the council on operations and capital needs during the May 20 budget workshop.

Sandell said the department has repaved roughly 72–73 streets in recent years, replaced much of its fleet to handle more in-house work, and implemented a GPS system to track routes and idle time. ‘‘We track all our trucks… it helps us monitor speed, helps us monitoring idle time, which is a waste of money when the trucks are idling,’’ Sandell said. He also described a new electronic work-order system intended to replace a manual paper process.

Councilors asked detailed questions about snow‑removal budgeting and fleet maintenance. Sandell and budget staff said routine snow activity is generally charged to overtime and that the budget includes a placeholder account for extraordinary hauling or contractor costs; the department also has centralized street‑lighting expenses outside the public-works operating line. Officials noted a $2.9 million capital request for vehicles and equipment intended to reduce outside repair costs over time, but staff acknowledged a shortage of mechanics that will continue to drive some outsourced maintenance costs.

Why it matters: The fleet and capital plan affect road maintenance, emergency response and recurring operational costs. Council members signaled an interest in reconciling line-item averages versus FY27 requests to identify potential savings or risks ahead of budget adoption.

The workshop recessed at 7:26 p.m.; the council will resume budget hearings the next evening.