Mayor Thomas Urges City Council to Approve Fleet Lease

City Council Update:

Meeting: December 12, 2018

The Thomas Administration has submitted several pieces of legislation to the City Council to get ready for inclement weather.

At their December 12 meeting, the City Council passed legislation authorizing funds from the city’s contingency account to be used for the purchase and installation of a salt shelter.

This salt shelter is an essential component of the city’s compliance with the Department of Environmental Conservation’s order to clean up the Public Works yard and transform it into a sustainable, environmentally-friendly, municipal facility.

While we are encouraged by the City Council’s support of this measure, we need more.

Since early September, my administration has been requesting funds in order to process a lease agreement that will give the city new vehicles — including plows, sanders, and other climate-battling trucks. Despite the overwhelming public need, the City Council has not moved.

This is inexplicable. Our Public Works mechanics work around the clock throughout the winter season to keep our fleet functioning. They literally make their own parts!

It’s time to move forward. We are in the middle of snow season and the temperature is dropping every day. My administration will continue to urge the City Council to pass the necessary authorization for this essential public safety measure.