West Side Council of Governments looks into municipal insurance

March 25--KINGSTON -- The West Side Council of Governments is looking into having each member municipality purchase insurance for pieces of equipment that they use.

Representatives from several participating municipalities said because of damage done to the street sweeper in the last several years, costs of insurance to the COG as a whole will rise.

John Sedeski, of Edwardsville, said that if each municipality is required to cover insurance on equipment used, the liability would shift from the COG to the municipalities, ensuring that the COG would remain insurable and viable in the long term.

Insurable equipment would include both the sweeper and a vacuum truck.

He said, however, the cost of normal wear and tear of equipment would remain the responsibility of the COG as a whole.

"The Council (of Governments) would continue to insure the equipment for when it is in the yard," he said. "When it left the yard, insurance would then fall to each municipality."

The matter, however, is far from a "done deal," with Kevin Fulton, of Larksville, reminding attendees that the council's solicitor would have to review possible transfer of insurance and draft appropriate language directing it.

"Each municipality has a different insurance company," said Sedeski, "Perhaps one municipal insurance provider won't have a problem with it, and another will."

The COG also approved the purchase of a Skidsteer, at a cost $137,500 the cost of which is covered by grant monies.

Sam Rizzo, Medico Industries, said the purchase would include the Skidsteer, a milling head, collection broom, a roller and a trailer, with a five ton capacity.

Rizzo said the purchase of the five ton trailer would make it possible for municipal employees who have Class B CDL licenses to operate the equipment.

The council also approved a second trailer, also with a five ton capacity, conditioned on its costs and available remaining funds, which are estimated at about $10,000.

The West Side Council of Governments is scheduled to meet next at 7 p.m. on April 28.

Reach Geri Gibbons at 570-991-6117 or on Twitter @TLGGibbons.

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