The City of Wayland Department of Public Works will handle snow removal this winter and summer projects such as mowing lawns after action by the City Council Monday night.
Council approved a request to create a combined part-time position as Downtown Development Authority ambassador and DPW employee for up to $20,000 a year. This person will handle snow removal, lawn mowing and fill in occasionally for Main Street Director Ingrid Miller, who is on family leave.
The purchase of necessary equipment for the work was tied to the proposal.
City Manager Tim McLean said a savings of $10,000 could be realized with the move.
Councilwoman Tracy Bivins said, “I’ve been saying this for quite a few years that we should let the DPW do this instead of bidding it out.”
Bivins has said she is a proponent of putting local people to work as much as possible rather than having people come in from outside.
Councilman Rick Mathis pointed out that the city’s DPW fund has about $325,000 and can easily absorb the expense.
“This could be a stepping stone, a way to get some people trained,” Mathis said.
DPW Superintendent Cole Lutz said he has sought quotes for equipment, but hasn’t yet made a decision.
PHOTO: DPW Supt. Cole Lutz
