The fire department budget discussions revealed plans to allocate $130,000 for a new chief’s vehicle. The decision followed recommendations from the Public Works Director, emphasizing that the existing vehicle had become outdated. The proposed replacement would be a pickup truck, customized to meet the fire department’s specifications. This change comes amidst a stable operating budget for Fire Company One, with Fire Company Two seeing a slight increase of $1,500 in response to last year’s overages. Meanwhile, Fire Company Three remained non-operational, leading to no budget allocations.

The potential acquisition of turnout gear through a state grant was also on the table. The council acknowledged the unsuccessful grant application for replacing the Hearst tool last year, emphasizing the importance of securing external funding sources for such critical equipment.

In public works, the council examined the operating budget for the streets and roads division. With a slight increase of approximately $3,000, bringing the total to around $1.2 million, this budget aims to comply with state regulations requiring three annual street sweepings. The costs associated with sweeping disposal, particularly asphalt and debris, were highlighted as significant expenses. Concerns were raised about the reliability of the current street sweeper, which is due for replacement. The council intends to maintain the sweeper through repairs and upgrades while preparing for future capital requests.

Additionally, the meeting included a discussion on the snow trust fund. The council proposed injecting $200,000 into the fund, recognizing the financial pressures from ongoing winter conditions and significant salt orders. The initial balance of $225,869 had been reduced to $139,869 by early January after expenditures of $86,000. To improve forecasting for road conditions, the council considered deploying sensors to monitor road surface temperatures. The proposed $10,000 subscription service would involve installing five sensors, providing real-time data to optimize salt application and potentially yield cost savings.

Budget considerations also extended to buildings and grounds maintenance. The operating budget remained consistent with previous years, despite notable increases in line items such as equipment repair. These increases were linked to issues with vehicles like the street sweeper and another large truck that budget constraints prevented from being replaced. The council’s plan involves investing in repairs to prolong these vehicles’ operational lifespans.

The council also addressed the annual road program, set at approximately $700,000, with potential adjustments based on funding levels. Proposed road projects were discussed, including improvements on Mark and Green Lanes funded by the gas company. Sidewalk maintenance saw a proposed budget increase of $300,000, with a focus on addressing issues like sidewalk heaving using a scarifier. This equipment would enable staff to shave down heaves up to an inch and a half, minimizing trip hazards.

In terms of road maintenance, discussions highlighted the need for a comprehensive program over the coming years. The council considered integrating a new “road AI” system to provide data on local road conditions, aiding future planning. Concerns about contractor limitations and the quality of repairs were also raised, particularly regarding the gas company’s paving work.

Lastly, the council discussed the capital budget for parks and recreation. A project for Kanas, involving the construction of tennis and pickleball courts, was proposed with a budget of $340,000. The council hopes to secure a $100,000 state grant for this project, funded through the open space trust fund. Staffing levels in the Parks Department were also debated, with recognition of the need for an additional employee. However, this was not included in the budget due to financial constraints.