Brockport looks at DPW equipment purchases

Even though they are big ticket items, there are some equipment purchases in Brockport's Department of Public Works that cannot be put off any longer.

At the October 18 village board meeting, DPW Superintendent Brad Upson described the condition of some of the department's equipment and shared with board members the options to either replace or repair the trucks. "Our 10-wheel dump truck has a cracked frame and the floor of the dump body is almost gone," he said.

It would cost between $19,300 and $29,800 to repair or close $94,000 to replace the dump truck. "We can't be certain even with repairs that it will be road worthy because we haven't checked all of the framework," Upson said, adding that there is money in his budget for the purchase of a new vehicle.

Trustee Mort Wexler said that if there is money in the budget appropriated for the purchase of equipment, then the DPW should be allowed to purchase the vehicle. "The last few years the DPW has forgone the purchase of equipment because of the village's budget situation but sooner or later we have to let them buy what they need," he said.

Mayor Josephine Matela said that all the departments have done their best to help the village allocate resources.

Trustee Norm Knapp asked Upson to check on lease agreements for new vehicles versus an outright purchase and also the possibility of combining a purchase with another municipality in order to secure a better rate.

The discussion on the purchase or repair was tabled until a later meeting.

In other matters the board:

•Accepted the resignation of part-time dispatcher Robert Reed, with regrets.

•Heard from the DPW that the surplus auction netted the village $11,398.50

•Upson thanked the 20s and 30s Group from Christ Community Church for their efforts in repainting more than 100 hydrants within the village.

•The last scheduled yard debris pick up will start October 25.

•Leaf pick up within the village will begin November 1.