Council member: snowplow rollover — driver OK; safety review, insurance and reserve funding to be considered

A committee member told the Finance Committee that a recent snowplow rollover from icy conditions left the driver uninjured but likely rendered the plow irreparable.

"The driver's okay," Speaker 1 said, describing the incident and noting the city will conduct a safety review with police, fire and safety teams. Committee members discussed insurance recovery and the possibility of leasing a replacement for a one-year term; Speaker 1 said they were hopeful insurance funds could cover a first-year lease payment but also noted the city may need to draw from a highway equipment reserve account.

Committee members raised concerns about the condition of backup vehicles, with one member saying a spare was "not safe to be on the road" and should be auctioned. Staff noted procurement timelines and potential lease options to avoid a prolonged shortage in plowing capacity. Speaker 1 said the matter will be placed on the full council agenda next Tuesday for further decisions.

The committee did not make a formal funding decision during the meeting; staff said they will return with details on insurance proceeds and procurement options.