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Elm Grove approves pilot contract for Vaisala Xcast pavement sensors to reduce winter salt use
Summary
The board approved a three‑year service contract for two Vaisala Xcast in‑pavement temperature sensors to inform winter operations and reduce salt application; the pilot will be reviewed after the initial term with annual reports to the board.
The Elm Grove Board approved a three-year service contract for two Vaisala Xcast in‑pavement temperature sensors intended to reduce chloride use and improve winter maintenance decisions.
Village Manager Thomas Harrigan explained the sensors capture temperatures at, on, and below the road surface and feed into a regional network allowing municipalities to compare treatment responses in real time. Officials said the initial deployment will include two sensors for a three-year pilot; sensors are "fully warranted," and staff will provide annual performance reports to the board to evaluate cost savings and performance.
Trustee Castile moved and Trustee Hillmann seconded the contract approval; the motion passed unanimously (6 ayes). Manager Harrigan noted the contract cost is coded to the salt budget and that municipalities such as the City of Madison, Wauwatosa and City of Glendale have used the technology, though Elm Grove did not present a specific savings estimate from peer jurisdictions at the meeting.
