Elgin trucks toward better public services

Admitting you've got a problem, the adage goes, is the first step to its solution.

After several years of complaints about storm cleanup, road maintenance, leaf pickup and snow removal performance, the city of Elgin has finally passed that first step and appears to be raising its performance expectations to match those of its residents.

City council approval last week of the purchase of nearly $1.7 million in new and replacement dump truck/plows was part of a nearly $3 million equipment expansion that also includes two other large dump trucks, vacuums, sweepers, asphalt trucks, and smaller items. With an eight-month lead time before delivery, the 15 new dump trucks should arrive in time for the next leaf and snow seasons.

The city expects the equipment to reduce plow routes from 55 miles to 30 while expanding their number, allowing more emphasis in residential areas and dramatically improve results.

The money for the capital purchases is available by deferring vehicle replacements in other areas and using the nearly $2.4 million in the General Fund Capital Improvement Fund, which is replenished with waste transfer station revenues. The city had hoped not to tap that relatively new fund so quickly, but decided the need was now.

Obviously, the next question on residents' minds is who will drive those new vehicles. An ongoing study of public works services and operations by Assistant City Manager Sean Stegall has included conversations with employees from mowers to truck drivers to managers to union leaders. He says he believes new efficiencies, more help from golf and sports complex personnel, and contracting some services will make it possible to improve public service performance without adding full-time employees.

Several of these changes will require support from the public works union to accomplish, but Stegall says it has been an active and willing part of the reorganization discussions from the beginning and he expects that sound relationship to continue even if an occasional conflict arises.

Splitting main snow routes from residential routes will instantly improve residential service, just as additional routes will reduce mileage within each, improving service in all. More salt domes will reduce time spent refilling. Backup equipment will mean full service on all routes even if equipment breaks down, something the city has rarely had.

There will be additional costs, probably at least $1 million annually, even without adding full-time personnel. Those would include cul de sac and dead-end street contractual services, additional fuel costs and providing for future replacement of the additional vehicles.

Finding that additional operational money will likely be a big topic at the city council's April 23 retreat. Some of the money may be found by making cuts in other areas of the city budget. Towing and parking violation fees or fines could be increased, especially for repeat offenders.

Yes, the problem has been recognized and solving it made a top priority. New equipment is on its way. New methods are in the works.

Frustrated residents can be hopeful. But the city surely must know that proof still will be required.