WEST WILDWOOD — West Wildwood commissioners are trying to think of a way to handle plowing this winter after learning their public works vehicle should be scrapped.
During the Aug. 16 work session, the commissioners discussed options for replacing a 2016 F-450 dump truck. Municipal ClerkDonna Frederick said the F-450 is at the end of its life expectancy, considering the vehicle is used daily in a saltwater environment.
With manufacturers still dealing with a severe backlog from a global computer chip shortage, getting a new vehicle soon is out of the question. The borough is now looking for a used vehicle as a short-term solution or, a third party to plow the snow. Still, public works needs a vehicle year-round, not just in the winter.
“Can the vehicle be used?” asked Commissioner John Banning.
Mayor Matthew Ksiazek, attending the meeting via phone conference, said the vehicle’s frame “is rotten” and the fuel tank is rusted and compromised.
“The mechanic thinks it’s scrap,” Ksiazek said.
Frederick said the borough ordered a new truck from Winner Ford of Cherry Hill, an approved state vendor,in October 2021and anticipateddelivery this month.
“It’s still not in the chain as far as even being made,”Frederick said.
She said the borough has not even received a serial number or vehicle identification number (VIN).Vehicles are designated the VIN before production.
Borough Solicitor Matthew Lyons said the lack of a serial number means the borough won’t receive the new vehicle by spring or even summer 2023. This has borough officials looking into other options.
“I’ve been talking to other municipalities about purchasing a used vehicle,” Frederick said.
Contacted after the meeting, Frederick said municipalities generally look at getting rid of vehicles around October. She has spoken to another municipality that has an F-350 with a snowplow that might be available. She asked them to talk with West Wildwood before getting rid of it.
The last option would be to contract with an outside company or enter into a shared services agreement with one of its neighboring municipalities. She said West Wildwood has a good relationship with Wildwood and the borough has helped the city on occasion. For the time being, borough leadersare keeping their fingers crossed that a new vehicle will be available soon.
