Discussion and possible direction regarding the Public Works Department Informational Update, including the following topics:

• Highways Quarterly Workplan;
• Solid Waste Division Update; and,
• Light and Heavy Fleet Divisions Update.

Jason Faccio, Public Works Director, presented this item using a PowerPoint presentation. Mr. Faccio discussed updates on fleet management. He stated the department ordered 22 new vehicles this year, as many vehicles had exceeded their expected mileage. He stated they utilize a fleet replacement strategy and repurpose vehicles after they surpass 160,000 miles, giving them to departments with lower usage. Mr. Faccio stated the vehicle utilization is evaluated regularly, and they recently sent out a questionnaire to ensure efficiency. He noted the department is analyzing optimal fleet replacement and considering technology improvements to extend vehicle life. The Board and staff evaluated auction strategies to maximize vehicle resale value.

Mr. Faccio provided an update on the ongoing highway maintenance work, emphasizing the importance of the work plan. He stated mowing and grading of the right of way are continuous, with mowing slowing down but still happening to manage growth after the summer monsoon. He stated the team is working on getting certified to spray the shoulders, which would help reduce constant mowing and protect the pavement edges. The Board and staff discussed using millings from the state’s recent roadwork, which will be stored locally to avoid high trucking costs and be shared with nearby municipalities.

The Board and staff discussed several road maintenance and preparation projects. Mr. Faccio stated Mosen Road saw erosion and shoulder repairs with hot mix, while crews are hauling chips to prepare for chip seal season, sourcing from vendors like Maddox in Douglas for higher-speed roads. The board also discussed a quiet zone project in Bowie, with new plastic delineators to stop trains from honking their horns; work is awaiting approval from the railroad. Mr. Faccio stated road maintenance and chip seal prep is ongoing on various roads, including Central Highway and Thompson, with crews working together to stockpile material for chip sealing. Kansas Settlement Road will also receive chip seal after being prepped, as a full asphalt overlay would exceed the available budget. He stated the county doesn’t typically lay asphalt but contracts for small patchwork projects, with vendors providing the materials when necessary.

Mr. Faccio discussed the solid waste system's finances and its recycling strategy, noting that only marketable materials like cardboard, aluminum, and copper are recycled, which helps prevent tipping fees from rising. He stated last year, 2,000 tons of material were diverted from landfills, generating revenue that offsets costs. He stated despite a positive balance of $218,000 for the quarter, the system faces significant expenses, including payroll and fleet maintenance. Due to new state regulations, a proposed tipping fee increase may be necessary to cover rising costs like new landfill charges and other operational expenses.