Columbus council asks streets committee to explore snow-removal options; staff reports on sewer jet truck repair

The Columbus City Council asked its Streets and Alleys committee to meet with city staff Peyton to develop cost estimates and options for emergency snow removal after residents and council members raised concerns about heavy snowfall and blocked driveways.

The Chair said the committee (Rick and Kim) will meet with Peyton to “figure out what some options are.” Council members discussed long-term options such as a mill levy but noted that is a complex, long-term step. One council member cited a past full-street snow removal that cost roughly $28,000 as an example of the kind of expense the city could face. Another staff suggestion was to add a line item to the roads-and-streets fund—similar to the city’s emergency-sewer set-aside—for routine budgeting for an emergency snow-removal pool.

On operational matters, city staff reported that the new jet-rodding/vacuum truck experienced a hydraulic failure while clearing a blockage. Peyton told council the hydraulic pump and some bolts sheared and hoses were blown out; the vehicle was taken to a contractor for repairs and an assessment was expected the following day. “I blew the pump up, the hydraulic pump... they sheared 2 of the bolts and then blew some of the hoses out too,” Peyton reported.

Council directed the Streets and Alleys committee to bring back cost estimates and options before committing to a funding approach. The meeting record shows no immediate vote to establish a new funding source; council members said they would consider budget options and contractor availability when the committee reports back.