New Equipment Adds Reliability For Public Works
Thursday, June 22nd, 2023
"Regardless of what happens, the garbage and recycling has to be picked up."
That's a fact of life for the Public Works Department's Sanitation Division, summed up by director Chad Townsend. When aging garbage and recycling trucks go off-line, that doesn't mean his staff can wait for the equipment to be repaired before making their rounds.
"It can be (a logistical nightmare)," Townsend said. "When one of those units goes down, in the past we’ve even had to resort to reach out to neighboring communities. We’ve got a great relationship with Varnell, they call on us in times of need and we call on them in times of need. It’s great to have that relationship with them, help them out when needed and it’s reciprocal on their end."
Caption: A new recycling truck (left) is parked next to a new garbage truck at the Public Works Department. Both arrived earlier this month
It's also nice not to need to call for help. This month, the Public Works Department's fleet of equipment has been updated and upgraded with the addition of several new trucks as part of the City's Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The new vehicles, a new recycling truck and new garbage truck, were purchased as part of the 2021 and 2022 CIP budgets, respectively. A new leaf vacuum truck for the collection of yard debris was received in August 2022, also as part of the 2022 CIP. Still to come from last year's capital purchases are a second new recycling truck, a new street sweeper, and a new mowing tractor.
"Seeing these new units come in not only helps the sanitation division but it also takes some of the stress off of our fleet maintenance guys," Townsend said. "So they’re definitely much needed and very welcome to see."
"We’re replacing some dated equipment that’s been much needed," Townsend continued. "These pieces of equipment are the life line of our sanitation division. So if these units go down, you know, it puts a strain on our sanitation division."
The new vehicles are already in use and are some of the workhorses of the Public Works fleet. The Sanitation Division has a difficult job that has to be carried out in all weather conditions, and getting new equipment can be a boost to morale.
"They’re so appreciative any time they see new equipment coming on the yard," Townsend said. "Their job is tough. It’s raining today, but regardless those men and women are out there working in it. So, it is nice to see them in some updated equipment that they can rely on."
