Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Gino Cresta, Fire Chief Graham Archer and Police Chief Ruben Quesada presented sought after projects and upgrades to the Capital Improvement Committee on Thursday.
The presentations were ahead of May’s annual Town Meeting. Capital Improvement requests approved by the committee will be up for vote by Town Meeting Members. Earlier this week, Swampscott Public Schools Facilities Director Max Kasper presented capital improvement priorities of the school district and the town.
The DPW is seeking a second sander truck at an estimated cost of $185,000. Cresta said the town got 25 years out of the last truck.
“We’ve gotten our money’s worth out of owning them rather than leasing,” said Cresta.
The DPW also seeks $350,000 for the continued maintenance of town roadways in the form of paving.
“Two of our major roadways need attention right now,” said Cresta, referring to parts of Puritan Avenue and Atlantic Avenue.
Cresta said the DPW has a lot of paving to do in the upcoming year.
“Some of our roads are in tough shape,” he said.
Other requests on the DPW’s list include a new $1 million track at Upper Jackson Park, seawall repairs, and the repainting of the town’s water tower, which was last painted around 2000.
Archer and the fire department are looking to install electric vehicle chargers at the fire station, which will cost about $15,000 but some operating expenses could be saved with having them installed.
An electric Ford F-150, estimated at $92,275, is also being requested to join the fire department’s fleet. Archer said the truck would take over the role that a 2016 Ford Expedition is serving.
The 2016 Ford Expedition would then take over as “Car 22” for the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe currently in use. Archer said he isn’t sure if the Tahoe will even be able to make it to this summer due to being “well past the end of its service life.”
Adding the electric Ford F-150 aligns with the town’s “electric-first” policy, which aims to use municipal vehicles more efficiently while reducing operational costs for taxpayers and protecting the environment and quality of life.
The police department is seeking two new cruisers, along with equipment such as laptops and mounted radar units. Quesada said the total would be $152,000. The department is also requesting $72,000 for firearm upgrades, including additional less-lethal equipment.
“These additional less lethal options are a result of the increased mental health crisis calls we have experienced over the years,” read a slide presented by Quesada.
The Capital Improvement Committee asked a few clarifying questions, but the meeting mainly served as a chance for Cresta, Archer and Quesada to introduce their hopes for the coming fiscal year.
Another committee meeting is scheduled for January 29.
