Pothole Patch Request Denied

By 250 News

Car dodges pothole on a  Prince George street (photo opinion250 staff)

Councilor Brian Skakun wanted his  Prince George Council Colleagues to take a second look at  a service enhancement that was  rejected during the budget discussions this year. His Council colleagues disagreed.

"Enhanced Pothole Patching"  was a request for $213 thousand dollars, to add a third- two person crew for day or afternoon shifts throughout the spring, summer and fall.  The initiative also required the purchase of an additional Thermolay  Hot Box and truck chassis.

Development Services said the enhancement was needed because " existing crews have difficulty meeting the current service level objectives of a response to complaints within two working days of receipt of a pothole complaint."

Skakun says the condition of the roads is not only an eyesore which has a negative impact on tourism or  potential new business, he  is also concerned  the City may be held responsible for  safety issues or damage to vehicles caused by the  potholes.  "I have never seen  potholes so bad" says Skakun.  He says although he knows the City has only paid out about $3,000 in the past  for pothole claims  he says  "Frankly  any amount being paid out over claims is too much" says Skakun.

He wants the money to come from the accumulated surplus. There is $7.9 million in surplus, and  using the surplus for this item and  the other  half million dollars in projects approved would leave about $7.2 million.

Development Services Bob Radloff says the addition would  mean more potholes could be filled faster.

The final vote was:  Councilors Munoz and Skakun in favour

Councillors Bassermann, Sethen Zurowski, Krause, Scott and Bassermann opposed.

Mayor Colin Kinsley and Councilor Shirley Gratton were absent.

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