represents deserve better. Good evening and welcome to our public works Committee meeting for NOVEMBER. 20th 2025. Will begin with introductions with counselors to my left. Why again. Thank you very much. MADAM Represent District. Guess Council this evening. Thank you for allowing me to be here, MR. Thank you. MADAM Chair. There can help district 23. Thank you. MADAM Chair, Mike Deal District. 24. Thank you. MADAM Chair, Josh being district. 21. Thank you. CHAIRMAN Andy Nelson District 14. Good evening. CHAIRWOMAN Jones, Chris Tucker, Leno District 11 West side. Thank you. CHAIRWOMAN Jessica McCormick District 16. Thank you. CHAIRWOMAN Councilor Jared Evans representing District 17. Thank you. And I'm Kristin Jones representing district 18
this evening. We will begin a proposal. Number 3, 47 2025 which reappoint can take to the Board of Public works. He's come forward and tell us a little bit about yourself and you like to be reappointed to the Board of Public Works. My name is Dan. Hey, I've council pointy for the past 3, 3, and a half years for Corporal works. Enjoyed it. We've had some challenging topics that we were through pastor a half years. I live in Brea Transportation by associate vice PRESIDENT Of the consulting firm. We do transportation planning for the feds and for states and for countries around the world. So this is my life's work. And so I'm glad to contributing to vaccine apples. Thank you so much for talking before committee started, what is one of the most interesting topics that you discuss on one of the many of many. So most recently we worked together at department to make some improvements. The
snow policy. Earlier this year, we worked on safety and the budget last year. We did some. Honestly prevents we had some discussions around solid waste and making sure you reach us represented. I mean, those discussions so. Challenges have been many, but it's been a rewarding experience. Thank you. Thank you very much for willingness to serve on the council who has any comments or questions. Council kayo. Thank you. MADAM Chair, MR. Hague. Just want to say I have use private everything. You have frankly been a model of what I hope our council appointees are on any of the boards. It doesn't always work out that way. But
you you have consistently kept us on this committee in the loop when something exciting is happening on the Board of Public Works, which is challenging for a lot of us to keep up us because those happened in the middle of the And so a lot of times I have watch the video, but I appreciate you keeping us rest of things that might be coming up or that's something that happened and we need to watch. And the separately that you've always been receptive to comments or questions that you've been able to use your position. Thank you so much. That's that's exception. Minute think you thank you, sir. Any other comments questions? Thank you, I just want to reiterate what he just mentioned. Essentially and a
time when it seems like many people are on these boards that have been there for a very long time. My idea is that okay? They're just yes. People they don't really ask difficult questions. Or even keep us in And you've changed that entire. A structure for me how we do things. And so I Ben bring that sort of pressure on this record news as well. And just ready. She ate like he said, it's a model for houses and should be a part of the government. Thank Thank you. Thank you. Anyone in the public who wishes to proposal. Number 3.47 Councilor Nelson. Thank you, CHAIRMAN. I move that we send proposal 3.47, reappointing Dan Hate to the Board of Public Works to the full Council to do pass recommendation, has been moved. And second in some proposal, number 3.47, to the
full council with the do pass recommendation. All those in favor say Aye. Aye opposed. Say nay. The ayes have Thank And we'll see council. Thank you. Thank you with consent. I would like to postpone proposal. Number 3.48 Until Joe can attend at our next compete committee meeting on DECEMBER. 11th 2025, thank you very much. Also with consent, I would like to move our snow update to the end of our agenda. Thank you. Next up number 3. 48 2020. All right. Next propose a number 3. 49 2025. Approve an additional appropriation totaling 5 million, a transfer from 1.5 million and a reduction of 1 million in the 2025 budget of the Department of Public Works Consolidated County
General Capital asset lifestyle in development, transportation general and solid waste collection general funds for the purposes of financing increase cost and the maintenance of the city County dpw operations facility needs early snow response cover part transition and holler. Contractual costs. Sam Europe. Many others say there is chief financial officer. Chief Financial Officer Department of Public Works. We have a short presentation prepared on our fiscal as all of, you know, the full fiscal. It's a fairly routine part of the city's fiscal calendar at this point. So we have a few different items. So we have a few different items as part of this package. You can see the summary listed here. The first 3 items are going to have their own slide. So we're
going to go into a little bit more detail. But before I get to that, the the 4th item is an appropriation transfer from the park's capital fund. Dpw is Capital Fund to carry out work associated with one counselor project from Prop 2.83 From last year. That is the 25 million dollar fiscal package with 1 million dollars allocated each council district. There's not additional funding being allocated to that program is a total or anyone district. This is simply a transfer from one department to another to carry out associated with that. So with that moving on to fleet services. So there is a 3 million dollar additional appropriation as part of this package. This is for character 3 to carry out vendor repairs
for the city's fleet as reminder, Fleet Services manages the fleet for the entire enterprise, not just dpw. So over the last several years we've seen substantially increased costs associated with third-party repairs. And so as a result, there have been a number of similar fiscal sta. This there was a similar fiscal last year around the same time. Unfortunately, due to the critical nature of fleets work keeping our public safety vehicles on the roads, no trucks on the road this this additional appropriations critical in order to have them be able to make on-time payments to vendors and to keep their parents going. There are a few different factors that influence the increased costs we've seen over the last few years which are laid out here. So there's been industrywide inflation. So on average 10% a year increases in vehicle maintenance costs, according
to St. Louis Federal Reserve. That's obviously more than the economy as a whole. Some of that represents challenges finding mechanics. I think all of us are aware of of those problems. Relatedly dpw has had our own staffing issues related to fleet services. Although our staffing is up from this time last year. So we we have seen some improvement there additionally, aging equipment is obviously an important factor. Screaming gets older costs more to maintain dpw. For our part has along with this council move forward with several significant investments in replacing aging equipment from snow trucks, other street maintenance equipment were also moving forward with a new solid waste vehicle least purchase agreement here in the next few We continuing to prioritize
replacement of aging equipment. But obviously that is a contributing factor here. And then there's some ifd fire department specific issues related to their apparatus while staffing has improved, we did lose a handful of very well trained ifd technicians towards the end of last year before the new collective bargaining agreement kicked in. Those folks are hard to replace These are highly specialized pieces of equipment. There's a long train times. So, you know, staffing specifically for those types of apparatus remains a challenge. Next solid waste, vendor payments. Again, this is another issue that members of this committee are going to be familiar with. Last year. We had a additional appropriation is part of our fall fiscal package of actually 7 million dollars. So
a lot more substantial than what you see here. That was a fund balance appropriation. Where is this is just a transfer within solid waste, existing budget. So no net increase for just reallocating funds from one character to another. The the topics that this 1.5 million dollars is addressing our first and foremost close out of our existing hauler contracts with existing vendors Republic and w m. So what this will allow us to do is to make sure that we have funding in the 2025 budget to pay all invoices that we expect to receive in this calendar year last year helped to substantially catch with these vendor payment issues. But as we move into 2026, with the new vendor. We're looking to make sure
that we are rolling over as few costs as possible for the sustainability of our character. 3 budget in 2026, the second piece of this is a is smaller, but nevertheless, important is assistance with car transition costs, which is an ongoing effort, has almost all of you. I think no. In discussions with both existing and new vendors. And we determined that a small financial contribution from dpw could have a big impact on the speed at which the old carts owned by Republic are removed. So rather than have that process dragged on for potentially months, the same vendor that is dropping off new carts on behalf of Lrs is actually being used to pick up the existing carts on an expedited timeline. These
costs are being shared between both companies and the department. So again, this is one of those things that as we got into detailed discussions with existing and new vendors, we determined that a small financial contribution from the department could go a long way in expediting that transition. And so while I'm on this topic, just a quick update because we are kind of critical juncture of the car transition. We have only a handful of carts left to be deployed for the new carts. So the expectation is, is that that deployment will be wrapping up by Thanksgiving. Now, once that happens and once we've we've put that out there, that that process is complete. If folks have been missed, there's, you know, in
process for making sure that people get their new carts. Then with the pick up of the old carts that could that could go on for another couple weeks. We're currently about two-thirds of the way there and having the old carts removed. So another 3rd to go so again, you know, we thank everybody for their patients with that one challenge has been, frankly getting folks to leave their carts out on the curb after the new cart dropped off. So when people don't do that, it clearly makes it harder to pick them up. So no one helpful thing to do is just continuing to encourage folks to leave that card out there. Once they have their new ones that we can more easily have picked up. Finally dpw operations facilities. Once again, an item that this committee is
going to be familiar with. We had a similar request in our fall fiscal last year. To allocate funding to the same purpose. So this would take understand in dpw budget. Put it into our capital fund for facility improvements. And I think the best way to understand this is to look at what we've done with last year's batch of money, which has fully allocated in programs. The couple of those projects are either complete or nearing completion, which is some of the stuff you can see on the right hand side of the slide here. So, for example, we have used that money for going to be able to address all of the restrooms that are West Street campus. This is our biggest operations Most of these restrooms have
not been addressed in anyone that's hears memory. And so you can see an example of that at the top here of a restroom fixtures for that sort of thing. I know these are not flashy projects, but these are kind of core work place issues and to be able to have, you know, move away from having substandard restrooms that these facilities we see, that's a really important thing that has a big impact on everybody that works there. Likewise, this other project that you can see at the bottom. It's a rehab of our training center Belmont property. This is a another dpw property that hadn't been touched in decades and going to be a very useful space for both union and management to conduct training exercises, not a huge dollar value project. The one that we see
having a big impact. So this funding allows us to continue to pick off some of these and of course, essential facility issues and make our workplaces better helps with recruitment helps with retention. We think they're important investments. So that's the end of our presentation on the fiscal happy to take any questions. Thank you. Cfo Paris, any comments questions from colleagues count on it. Thank you. MADAM Chair. Just wanted to attend this evening's plane to my colleagues on the dpw Committee that the transfer from Parks dpw is for my council district. We worked very hard for many, many months to try acquire new land to expand our parks, footprint down district. 22, after many months, it was deemed that it was no longer a viable option due to increased costs. And
some some challenges with the owner of the property. And so we decided that the best way to move forward to maximize the dollars and to give the greatest district when 2 residences to invest in connecting the current Bluff Road sidewalk network for to expand that sidewalk network. And most importantly, connect the existing sidewalk network, an expanded into the Glens Valley Nature Park. So not only will people have the ability to be more connective in the community, but they'll also be able to connect straight to an existing park, which is what our district encouraged the city to try to do so. I appreciate your consideration and I appreciate dpw picking up. This project running full steam ahead. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for joining us this evening. Anyone else have any comments. Questions counsel
Gail? Anyone in the public who wishes to speak on proposal. Number 3.49 None of the public. All right. Now look at him. Thank you, MADAM Chair. I move that we send proposal 3.49 to the full council to do pass recommendation. All those in favor. It's been moved. And second son proposal. Number 3.49, full council to do pass recommendation. All those in favor say Aye. Aye opposed. Say nay. The ayes have it. Regulations moving next proposal. Number PRESIDENT Prison authorizes the execution of an amendment to existing franchise agreement with citizens thermal for the operation and district cooling system in the city of Indianapolis, cfo Paris. It's up to next. Thank you, MADAM Chair. So has stated this is an extension of existing franchise agreement. Franchise agreements require council
approval, which is why it's here in front of you this evening. This is an extension of citizens energies, chilled water franchise agreement. They run underground infrastructure under dpw is right of way, which therefore requires them to have this franchise agreement. As part of that, there is a cost sharing component. Essentially equivalent to 5% of the revenue that they're at chilled water cooling system generates or 2 million dollars. Whichever is less that computer renegotiated after 10 years under this extension. And so I will not go into further detail unless there's any questions, any comments or questions from our proposal. Number 3.50 Anyone in the public who wishes to
speak on proposal. Number 3.50 COUNCILMAN Gibson. Well, thank you, MADAM Chair. I move that we suppose the 3.50 which approve and authorize the execution of amendment to an existing franchise agreement with Citizens Thermal for the operation of a district cooling system in Indianapolis to the full Council for final adoption. He's been moved and seconded to proposal. Number 3.50, to the full council with a do pass recommendation. All those in favor say Aye. Aye opposed, say nay. The ayes have it. Thank you very much, both of you for the presentation in your hard work. Appreciate it. Next up, we have Director Wilson for Snow fight policy updates. Thank you, MADAM Chair. Thank you. Members of committee first like recognize the staff that sitting behind me. We have union asking local 7.25
We have members of engineering of solid waste and of our fleet. So they are all instrumental and pulling off our snow response and they're here to help answer any questions you might have after the presentation is over. So I'd like to recognize them thank them for being here on MARCH. 13th this year, actually today that this body appointed me as director of dpw the Department recognizing committed to the proposal. Number 69, 2025 which amends Chapter 6.21 article 3 to require snow removal services on local city streets. The amendment as definitions for second and 3rd priority streets. The amendment
mandates that dpw in the feet of snow removal policy. That is. Approved by the Board of Public Works. That was done this Tuesday. And it also mandates that the dpw percent, snow policy, the City County Council Public Works Committee. The amendment also includes provisions that ensures that priority number 2 streets, the plowed it to Inc accumulation. Priority number 3 streets are to plowed at a 4 inch accumulation and a priority by neck work is identified. Since that day. Dpw staff have taken a deep dive into our response to snow events, historical information. Staff interviews, Pierce City interviews, equipment and technology. So the slides permits going to identify that one party one prior to prior e 3 networks
priority one. Our thorough for networks. Examples over thoroughfare would be it Keystone Avenue, Washington Street, Raymond Street. Priority one designation also includes streets that are butting hospitals and fire stations. Party. 2 examples. Our our connector streets like on Auburn Street that connects to Washington Street Drexel Avenue and River avenues. They connect to Madison Avenue our priority to network also includes streets that are butting schools. Publicly funded preschools trustees offices and township, small claims courts. And then finally, our priority 3 network are all of our residential streets throughout the county streets that many of us live on Carrollton Avenue, Audubon Hawthorne, just to name a couple. This
light. Basically demonstrates how our priority networks distribute it throughout the county, either by Lane Miles or center lane Miles. It's interesting that the center Lane mile so that our priority 3 networks are residential. Are we have more suddenly, miles and our residential is but for Lane Miles, the thoroughfare network is more simply because no more lanes that we have almost or affairs. So who does what and when do they do it? 0 to 2 accumulation dpw will plow priority one roadway networks. Priority to prior e 3 and biking trails will not dressed. Accumulations between 2 and 4 inches. Dpw will address priority one and priority 2 networks party 3
and Smith, some bike lane infrastructure will not be touched. For inches or more dpw will do a priority one and some party to networks at that point will make that decision to call out private contractors to address our party. 3 network and also dpw will address the bike lane infrastructure as well. You can see also on this the use of is very dependent on multiple factors. Weather conditions, rain is a big one where we you know, you just don't put sought out because just wants to rein loss to us all the way. And then that bottom line kind of shows you will. What does it look like when we plow those those those roadways? So our party, one network were get a kid to plow curve the curve on Nos and there are there are a lot of a bike lanes that are on our
bureau for a network. So those bike lanes will be cleared with kerbacher removal in our party 2 and part 3 areas. We'll providing a passable lane through a neighborhood. So next slide, please. As I mentioned at the beginning, our our folks to take a deep dive in. We have a committee of 45 years worth of weather data to come up with the this this illustration here about 22 days season. We'll have a measurable snow. That means that's a 10th of inch or more. At 2 inches or more. There's 3.7 days that we should expect in a in a snow season. And at 4 inches or more, we should expect about 1.3 days that condition. We talk about factors on determining our response to the bw evaluate snow accumulations based on
various sources, including a paid subscription. We also gather information from the National Weather Service from the Indianapolis Airport. 4 inches of accumulation as measured in the county. Any any one of these locations, dpw will work with chair. The Public Works Committee and the private contractors to determine a plan of action. Next slide. Basically talks about the personnel needed for our snow fight. Our union break says in part into to shift and a and b shifts. These are 12 hour during shifts. Our count is approximately 95 personnel with 15 of those being neighbors and 9 b in heavy equipment operators, what of heavy equipment operator would
do us know if I would be in our salt barns, loading trucks with heavy equipment. We also have staff and also analysts that take the information they get from the field and related to our comms folks so that we can in-form ourselves and the public status our operation. We also. I want to point out, too, that. Union staff is required to have no vacation between DECEMBER 1st and APRIL. 1st. So it's all hands on deck. So we take do take it very seriously when it comes to winter weather preparedness and then we also will, if need be, we'll utilize other areas of dpw like a engineering staff to help out with snow fight if need be. Equipment. You know, our heavy snow
trucks are the fleet that clears are. Throw for arteries. We do have a funds in our 2026 adopted budget for new heavy snow trucks. So we're going through that process now excited about that one time plows. We have 14 of those on order as a result of a spring fiscal. So very, very happy about our ability to add those vehicles to our fleet to to handle all the connectors and some of the residential Ys. And then we also use could voters or utility vehicles for trails networks and bike lanes. We do have 4 additional Kubota on order becoming the season as well. This slide just demonstrates the 7 salt barns that we have located
throughout the county. All those are bars were at full capacity just a week ago or so. But Lafayette Road was APRIL during the tornado. The roof came off of that. Salt barn has been repaired. The roof went on. I believe the last weekend saw is put in there as we speak now. So I believe by next week that saw bar will be full as well. So use of private contractors. Happy to say that we have under contract 5 private contractors to service the the city. You see these contractors, we utilize a pall over 2000 center lane Miles prior to prior 3 routes throughout the county. Important to know that the goal of those private contractors is too provide a possible lane through the
neighborhoods call out for private contractors will range between 700,000 to 1.3 million dollars per event as part Puerto know that a retainer fee is are also a part of this $430,000. That one, 30,130 $1000 is not per contractors asked all 5 contractors $130,000 will be paid off, but it would be a credit on that service. The first time that we call a private contractors out. What is the contractor deployment Protocol? Dpw operations will review the current weather forecasts. For the present day and the following days wants to precipitation is determined to be appropriate. Contractors will be put on standby. Once that snow event has come to a close all of the snow contractors will be notified
to report to a round of will case and usually the snow contractors are given about a 4 hour window to show up were not a window for hours before 4. They are to report for for snow duty. They will meet with a field investigator. Take a roll call set a line of communication and then those private contractors will go for clear. The residential neighborhoods as they finish a neighborhood. They contacts no command to let them know so that we can relay that message real time to the public. Part of the amendment was identify or party network for bike infrastructure. This mat identifies the trail system that we have. It does not show
the protected bike lanes on it. And the reason why does not show the protected bike lanes is because of the software itself. Lying It's on the roadway. So we don't have separate line data for a trail and the roadway. So to assure you that the thoroughfare network and the bike lanes and the protected bike lanes are included in our prior network. So we have broken nose down into also 3 groups. The first groups are will be our trails listed there. After that, the protected bike lanes down in the Mile Square. Once all those have been clear will focus move resources to are protected bike lanes, particularly on New York and Michigan. On the East side, Michigan Street on the West side, 22nd Street. During snow Trash pickup is always concern. I just want to let you know there is an
opportunity for snow served or not snow service but solid waste service to be suspended for a couple reasons through the collective bargaining agreement. If the temperature is 5 negative 5 and bn or negative, 22 degrees below 0. That will suspend all services that is to protect our workforce. And that is also to protect her equipment. Should a service be suspended? Put the collection on a sliding scale similar to what we would do on a holiday will just push today if that service is suspended for more than 2 days or more, that service for that week will be suspended and it will. We turn to the next week
service. So it's always also works with operations when they have challenges actually getting to homes. If there's excess of snow or ice, we coordinate internally to have our solid or operations. Folks go out and address those those heart and I sensitive areas, those problematic areas. So we do work internally to make things happen when they're difficult. Other small topics, but very important. And know this is a but concern for a lot is joeys. The department does not have complete list of all a choice in the county. So our approach to this is we will address all residential roads. It's important to know that we're going to have
teller contractors to provide a not curb to curb removal. Those ways that expect a level of service that they already have from contractor or a private contractor. If if they expect that going forward, we encourage them to continue using their private contractors for those that service. Downtown mosque where our folks, our operations folks will. Put a saw and move snow and ice from ada ramps and salt down other than that. So sidewalks or responsibility of the adjacent property owners county wide. This not this slide shows the in and out the snow forced viewer. I believe this snow force viewer view is from our recent snow fight as well. So this is this is an actor in minutes. It gives you link there to to to get to those. It will not have
residential roadways on it. But it will have everything else on. We are working with I sa to help develop more moderate snow fight to well. So stay tune for the development on that. And then communication plan, you know, during weather events, dpw will provide condition assessment, updates and plan of action. Updates with our goal is to have that update by noon each day of a snow event. And we also provide more updates as weather conditions warrant. So our goal is to have a direct communications with the Public Works. Committee chair. And we also do social media blast as well. And That pretty much explains the snow response policy for dpw and I'm happy to trying answer any questions. Committee MAY have. Thank you, director, a questions.
Counselor can help. Thank you. MADAM Chair, 3 questions mean, if the contractor process where the field investigator goes up to verify and I guess preface, as I've said this before, I I'm sensitive to the use of contractors because in the 20 plus years of looking my house, my street has never been plowed. Even we supposedly factors so is the field investigator spot checking? Are they driving the whole route? What's what's the verification level? So I'm going to answer this question. But if my staff. Things answer incorrectly, please correct I because I've done the monitoring I think I did in 2014 again, maybe in 2018. So. The field and get best gator meets with the contractors. They sense. We follow him it,
but it's a spot check. I don't I don't think our field investigators monitors are driving every roadway, but they are doing a significant spot check on those areas provide accurate information. Back to snow coming you. Is the. Is the standard for the contractors to bear asphalt like it is for. So when we some are. Trucks out. I see Barrows underneath. But what I have seen where have seen our contractors in the past. It seems like they don't want to tear up their play and they don't put all the way down they leave it up a little bit, which still results and icy conditions that, well, open this up to our dpw operations, folks who handled the heavy snow plows. But I do think we have them off the ground a little bit as well. Not
mistaken. By from operations talking, just want to have that. We have it's saying they're out We don't put him out, lay down on a Grammy and we up about interests for depending on the military and the late they MAY not clear street down to the pavement. Thank you. Appreciate it. Thank. Thank There this. The I do also want to acknowledge the very thorough conversation that happened at the Board of Public Works and with relation to the snow forced viewer, I understand it needs significant updates and I understand that the heavy trucks don't have the same sort of like gps. Capabilities as light duty trucks too. There was a mention that I
think we use some sort of for some of our own fleet is is there is the thought process that like the contractors would put like the same sort device in their truck and it would directly feeling is that hopefully going in the future. i'm gonna accidental Stevenson to a director of policy and planning. My group does handle technology needs for the department. So since for further clarification all of our snow fleet vehicles that are owned by the Department of Public Works are outfitted without some star center currently additional things that we are working on actively as we speak is that that will not only give us
real-time gps tracking location for the snow fleet, but it is also going to Cannes can from for us. The snowplow has either up where it is down. So look at that information to track along with our snow 5 this season. We have also connecting additional sensors that will allow us to know at Salt spreader open or closed. So if are putting salt on the road or does not. So that will be outfitted on all of our dpw fleet vehicles. Where we run into some issues when we're dealing with contractors specifically is making sure that they would be putting this It's just like Gateway device that you have to connect into the computer of the vehicle. So it gets a little bit tricky. There. We did include language in the pocket requesting that they be open to conversation about us
requiring it and not case under our license agreement that would show up at all our maps except moving forward. Those conversations are still ongoing on on whether or not. We're going to get in there quite yet for the snow but those will be in there. And then time to not our point. In the new Snow Force viewer that we are building when I say with enhancements to our as Ricci, I asked package we would then be able to tie since our gateway information that we're receiving directly into Snow Force viewer. So something I think a lot of people don't know is our snow force. If you are as a very manual process, we have to enter into our internal Snow finder tool and gets pushed. This would allow actual real
time accurate information. What maybe say a 5 minute delay as opposed maybe 15, 2030, minutes when people call think that. Yeah, I hopeful that the contractors to do that because I certainly thankful for feel investigators and residents, the ability to look and see where the supposedly when and where they MAY or MAY MISS That Great piece of the plane get everybody on the same page. You within 5 that would exceptions. I hope we get there and my final question is the there was some discussion for, course, about the some drivers and is that the appropriate staffing? And I know there was discussion of comparable cities towns. I know we have discussion all the time with regard public works is really our benchmark cities. But we have when we conditions are task force. We have really dug into just how many more Les Miles he had
really, I think, yeah, any other comparable city? Part? It's because audience of the county's no one has as many as we do. So it's for the benefit of public we Firfer easily miles here in Indianapolis with 8400 lane miles. Dpw maintains. Columbus, Ohio. Franklin County is 57. We way up and that's because Odot. Unlike here with us for through the city of Columbus takes We're here. So it like that is 70 right number. Financial obligation side is are we under staff? That's only do we need more money for which just curious, you That's very good question. 70 drivers is not enough. All just be honest. So, I would say we probably 20 more in 20 more
piece of equipment. Just to be honest with the entire crew. So, you know. I think I appreciate it because that is our here. Is that body eye. Thank you for saying that you need 21 piece of equipment because that's our job to take care of. Thank you. That's all. Thank Thank you. Council owns. Thank you. MADAM Chair, you know, is one of I recall that meeting that we had back in FEBRUARY MARCH. Pretty you know, many of us to just come from our own heated conversations with their constituents and that was related. That meeting and I just want to tell you that the information that you've provided, you know, to to me that demonstrates that you've listened. That this body's listen to us that you guys are working to the appreciate Councilor Kim, what he's
saying. I think we think we all pretty much know 70's, not enough. And it's been confirmed back there this Those had and that's frustrating. But that's for us to start working on. That's not your guy's fault. That's they are going. I would say as a council. So I just want tell you, thank you. I appreciated this was really good. It's in death. You guys really adjusting to it. And, you know, we're never gonna make everybody But I think we're headed in the right direction. And I think that really, like I said, it means demonstrate to demonstrate that we are listening and a time when people just hate everything about government, this was it. You know, I appreciate you and appreciate team everybody that's helped put this
together. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. This staff has been very, cognizant of what we need to do in this process. And and and the level information that we need deliver. I've kind of downplayed it with my staff a bit. But I could see their dedication and how important it is to them. Thank you. Particularly said thank you, counselor Nielsen. Thank you, CHAIRMAN Councilor Cahill and CHAIRMAN Evans both. I think says the points I want emphasize as well. That we don't know yet how successful this will be. But this is substantial progress and councilor Evans, I think you really summarized my thinking as on this issue. Just want to say thank you. And it's been a partnership throughout this
year ensuring that Wheatley start making a dent in the equipment that you all need to. The fill. The mission that we've tasked with. And as the fiscal body. We're going to get to work to make sure that you get the other equipment that you do need. And that's a commitment that I'm willing to make. And I think everyone else here as well. The I mean, I think take about basic service like snow removal. We have to continue to go into going back to drawing board thing, how we can do better. And I think that this is substantial progress and obviously want to see of a success successful, but just want to reiterate my commitment that if it doesn't go according to plan that we will sit down, we'll get it done. One sure that we're providing the best service now we can for Marion County residents. You can't help but notice the name. Few of
district, 14 term, prioritization networks. I appreciated that as well. I have a few very easy questions. I encourage my colleagues and others watching to also watch the board of Public works meetings. They were very and insightful educational. And I know you are really got into the weeds of this even deeper level one question that was brought up his can you talk about? With the sequencing of storms, what the what the department's policy will be on South. We have an event that is 2 inches, but then 3 days later, it's too. Does that mean it's for you answer that the board meeting? But I just for just to be complete, hear it in public works. Good chance that again, please. Yeah, I appreciate that question. And that that is a hard decision
to make. We will definitely look at what the conditions of the roadways are between those snow events. You know, there could be snow pack where you know that we couldn't clear that So why would we call out get another 3 inches? So it's it's truly going to be a case-by-case basis that we will consult with our operations folks. And we will make sure that we're making the most informed decision we will communicate with our public works chair and make sure that, you city County council being heard on the needs as Thank you, director. 2 more quick question Next was. And this is a point I had thought about this before, but I didn't know if this was a change for the policy, but the
vacation freeze for DECEMBER through. I think it was APRIL. You can find it on here is that is that current policy or is that part of the new pope like is that a new chance at a change that has no campaign showing some? I did not know that. So thank you for bringing that forward and thank you to ask me for dedicating their time during that period of time. I was not aware of that. That I time period but didn't realize there was a freedoms during that period of time. So thank you very much. And then finally. What is you know, I think because of how we got here, right? And kind of maybe some nerves going into next season. What's what's the departments? You know, communication plan to just make sure as I mean to come in all of us to educate our constituents on this. But like, what's the department's
plan to say like? This is this is what's changing. This is what you can kind of expect you are. If you any plans for that in the future, I'm gonna 2 counts. Kind of he made officer with Indy dpw pending that the rest of this evening goes well, you'll see soon. See substantial updates to wv dot ne dot Gov. Slash snow. We're talking about how we want address major snow events via our traditional communications channels with traditional media, social media, any dpw newsletter and then also direct communication between Atw director committee chair. And every every snow event is it's different. We're going to certainly want to breaking level. Thank you for that. I appreciate that. I just want to one more time. Just really emphasize because
I know this for tense conversations. Just how impressed I really am. And I sincerely appreciate your all start work we have more work to do over here. But thank you. Thank you again very much. COUNCILMAN Current. Thank you, CHAIRMAN. I have just 2 questions. Sort of clarifying. One is we're talking about residential streets. A passable lane in each direction or just one right down the middle. To be one pass through the middle of the street. So I think that school buses and other cars and things like that is there any weight? So the only make one past, there's no way to add a second rate and we have the budget part. So I think that's something that residents need to know right when we say she's that one centerpoint's 0, 2, Kar tournament will pass. Right? So that we have that my second question is if we have to suspend trash pickup service, right and it would suspend to the next week and we don't
have it for a week. Where can our working residents go drop something off if they need on their own to go take trash somewhere as very good question. Don't even know we have. Well, I think depending on the time of year in the holidays and all the extra stuff that we sometimes have, that might be easy out now. So one people would I verify this and get back to you guys directly want communicate with strong property director of solid waste. But Southside Landfill would be unavailable. Drop-off location. The other thing I want to specifically know is that if we do have that 2 days in a row, a suspended or more. We're pushing it to the next week. The way that we handle that internally is that we have additional staff follow behind the big side loaders so people can leave extra bags down next to their carts and
our crews personally pick those up. So I really think in most cases, people even have to drive it. But if they have substantial amounts outside landfall. Thank you. Thank you, Kathleen Gibson, thank you. MADAM Chair Directory. And just want to say thank you very much. And that is clear all dpw and asked to heard that if you will, complaints last year and nearly took to heart. Mike Hanna would a real effect. A policy that's really can make a difference Annapolis. And so my hat's off to you and I thank you very much for that. In the event that we do have put kind subcontractors on the street and and I'm hoping that and
not none. Hopefully residents are really happy about getting their residential streets plowed. My question to you is the contractors. Do you have significant enough contractors contracted and ready to go and that that that you need to pull in. So uses percentages. Are you hunters at their you 90%? There are many contractors. You have contractor. So we have more contractors under contract this year we ever had in the past. We we are ready for any snow event comes praise GOD for that I know my the county, the next to me mention about you coming down center line. So lot of residential streets. Well, in my district has a dry ways come into narrow streets. So, you know, plowed through the Senate is Theresa. Hopefully that would block our
driveways right? Welcome, sir. Yes, it will. Pow, pow snow from your driveway. I live on Allisonville road. So dpw comes in, plows, I clear my driveway and I'm like, oh, shoot. They found me. So of the just to be clear, yes, the they will. They allow a snow up and it to be. I appreciate the honesty. It is that there's no I mean, it is what it is. And at the end of the day, least we can get onto the street if we can get dress. Thank make possible. Thank you, MADAM Chair and thank you, director for the presentation. I think it's clear that you've heard and not only us but our constituents as well. I you know, the rest of the council, this has been a blueprint to how we can work together to advocate for our constituents to better the services of the
city of Indianapolis I'd be remiss didn't also say thank you, MADAM Chair, for your leadership on this issue as well as I remember during that time, we work very collaboratively together. Thank you. Director Wilson for hearings. Thank you. Thank you. Questions from our colleagues. We'll talk to us and I personally want to say thank you. Thank you to my colleagues and for the constituents listening. I want you to know, but, you know, it was a tough JANUARY, but you are heard we all heard from you and this body, this council did not shy away from the tough conversation. We all heard you and the department did not away from that tough conversation. We went straight
to work for you. And I just want to thank the department. The city of Indianapolis, every colleague here and the Cali and the city are council staff. We were less. We didn't stop lots of meetings. That's a hard, hard conversations. But at the end of the day, I hope we don't have to use this. I hope this is a policy can laugh about later that we never had to use what of in the event that we do. The men and the women that were cut government of public works. They're there to support you and they're there to have a great product to to keep our streets in better shape to get you where you need to be safely. So thank you. Thank you for hearing us. Thank you. All. For doing the work and serving your residence and constituents who you were
heard. And this is a great example. So when something happens in the city, don't be afraid of a tough conversation that this is what can happen when we all work together. On behalf of the department public works are really appreciative pre appreciate those kind comments. Thank you. Thank you. All from the bottom are from this committee. Thank you very much everything that you did for residents. Thank you. Now take a motion to adjourn. Use a