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DPW reports heavy snow costs; council approves $428,221 transfer to cover deficit
Summary
DPW Director Dennis Clark reported high snow‑and‑ice expenditures after a severe winter and the council approved a $428,221 free‑cash transfer to close the FY snow and ice deficit. Clark also highlighted projects including a canoe launch, splash pad repairs, and fleet maintenance.
Palmer's public works director told the Town Council on June 8 that an unusually active winter and the town's 24‑hour snow response drove unusually high snow‑and‑ice expenses, and the council approved a $428,221 transfer from free cash to close the seasonal deficit.
Dennis Clark gave a line‑item readout of snow‑and‑ice costs, noting overtime, contracted services, repairs, supplies and salt purchases. Clark said the town logged roughly 4,000 tons of salt usage and tracked calls for service during storms. "Snow and ice expenses are a direct result of the weather," Clark said, adding that Palmer maintains premium 24‑hour coverage on busy commuter corridors.
Councilors pressed for a longer‑term approach to capital equipment replacement and a plan to avoid repeating large one‑year swings in capital needs. In a related agenda item the council approved using free cash to replace three end‑of‑life building department computers and directed staff to build a multi‑year IT replacement schedule.
Clark also updated the council on projects: a new canoe launch on Water Street as part of a Lower Quaboag River Blue Trail, splash pad controls and repainting at Endlesen Park, crosswalk and ADA ramp improvements, and a long‑term undercoating program to extend equipment life. Councilors praised the DPW work and asked staff to post completed projects online to show progress to residents.
