Two new sanitation trucks approved by Somerset Council

Oct. 23--Somerset's Council approved the leasing of two new vehicles for the sanitation department at Monday's meeting.

A rear-loading, residential-style sanitation truck was approved to be purchased on a five-year lease, with the city taking ownership of the vehicle at the end of that lease. The bid for the purchase of a Peterbilt truck was awarded to Municipal Equipment in Louisville for $147,722.

According to Sanitation Manager Jason White, the department was in need of a truck even before an October 3 accident in which one of their sanitation trucks turned over. Three employees were injured in the accident: Bruce Owens, James Vinson and Tim Poynter.

"We've been working on this for a while, getting one, and of course, a couple of weeks ago we had an accident with another one, so we're really in a desperate need to replace one. We do have one rented at this time," White told the council.

The new truck can be delivered within 60 days, he said.

As part of the explanation of the truck bidding, White updated the council on the three employees who were injured in the accident. Without giving the names of the employees, White said that one had since returned to work, while two others were due to rejoin the department soon.

He said also that he had heard that the people in a second vehicle involved in the accident were doing well.

"We were thankful and blessed. Equipment can be replaced, but we were just worried about their health," White said.

The wrecked vehicle is being reviewed by the insurance company, but White said he wouldn't be surprised if it was declared totaled.

According to a report from the Somerset Police Department, it appeared that the sanitation truck was traveling down the hill of Dearl Whitaker Lane toward the intersection of South Main Street when it appears the brakes on the truck failed.

The second vehicle approved by the council was a commercial front end loader truck to be owned through a program in which the truck would be leased by the city for a year, with the city paying only the interest on the lease. At the end of that time, the city would auction off the vehicle through the program's auction system.

"They guarantee you 85 percent of the cost back," through that auction, White said. The truck would then be replaced by another truck through the same program.

The bid was awarded to Worldwide Equipment for $236,647, which promised to deliver the vehicle within 60 days.

In related sanitation business, council members and White reminded the public that this week is the Fall Clean Up week, a companion week to the traditional Spring Clean Up.

Residents in all areas of Somerset are encouraged to put out one truck-sized pile of refuse to be hauled away. No items with toxic chemicals are allowed.

White asked residents to put out their items on the day of their regular trash pick up because it makes it easier for the workers, although he said residents can put out items anytime during the week.

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