Village Board Approves 3-Year Snowplow Contract for Cul-De-Sacs

Despite the fact this December weather has no hint of snow, the Village board is planning for its arrival.

The Village of Oswego approved a three-year contract for Forest View Landscaping of Oswego for the removal of snow from Oswego’s cul-de-sacs.

Last year the Village also used Forest View on a one-year contract basis to plow 60 percent of the cul-de-sacs in Oswego for a total of $3,190 per push.

This year the cost will be $6,550 per push, but the service will cover all of the cul-de-sacs in the village, said Public Works Director Jerry Weaver.

The village received several bids, the lowest from Service Septic Systems for $5,460 a push. Weaver suggested dismissing their bid due to concerns he and assistant public works director Mark Runyon had found.

Some of those concerns included the lack of staff for Service Septic Systems, lack of communication regarding an equipment inspection and that they are not registered with Fox Valley Metro, which is required for those working in the septic industry in this area.

Trustee Terry Michels expressed concerns about approving a three-year contract. “We don’t know if last year was a good measure for service.”

Weaver said last year Forest View communicated well with the Public Works staff.

Forest View would not plow the cul-de-sacs unless called upon by Public Works to come out.

“We need to try and establish a benchmark of when you call,” suggested Michels, who said that two inches of snow wouldn’t prevent people from leaving cul-de-sacs, but a higher amount could.

Trustee Scott Volpe added the reason for approving an outside contract was to solve the problem of cul-de-sac snow removal without needing to purchase additional equipment or add more employees. He agreed that having a benchmark would be useful, but a little tricky depending on what is considered a lot of snow.

Weaver said of the contract, “It’s going to be a better service, but it’s not a cost saving.”

The village trustees voted 6 – 0 to approve the three year contract, with discretion left up to Weaver and Public Works staff on when is the appropriate time to use Forest View’s services.