Public works flags facility, fleet and CIP pressure; Duval Field near completion as city weighs longer-term site needs

Public Works Director Jender Kokar told the Mayor and Council that department operations are seeing growing cost pressure and space constraints as College Park expands. The department highlighted three near-term themes: facility space, fleet costs, and sustainability programs.

Facility and operations: DPW said current operations at the Board of Education property used for composting and organics transfer are space-limited; staff urged council to consider a long-term lease or property acquisition that would allow in‑city processing (reducing hauling and contract costs) and enable program growth. The department also flagged future needs for DPW office and operations space to support an expanding staff and vehicle fleet.

Fleet and operating costs: staff noted sharp price increases for specialized vehicles (garbage trucks and dump trucks) and higher utility rates. DPW requested continued funding in the vehicle‑replacement program ($654,000 placeholder) and said that equipment procurement costs remain elevated compared with earlier years.

Sustainability and CIP highlights: DPW reported more than 50 tons of food-scrap diversion year‑to‑date through its curbside pilot and sold over 2,000 cubic yards of compost last year. Duval Field construction is approximately 73% complete; staff estimated the project at about $9.4 million following recent change orders (sod vs seed and utility/installation adjustments) and said maintenance and operating costs will grow after opening. DPW also described planned CCTV/LPR camera upgrades, street and sidewalk projects and a prioritized list of CIP items needing funding or phasing.

Council action and next steps: DPW and the city manager asked council to submit priorities and potential tradeoffs for the FY27 worksheet and signaled that property acquisition/long-term lease options will be evaluated with legal and financial analysis ahead of any commitments.