By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — City of Hutchinson Public Works Director Brian Clennan gave the Hutchinson City Council on Tuesday an update on how potholes are repaired in the city.
"We do have budget to repair potholes," said Clennan. "Our goal is to repair all potholes within two business days, so if somebody calls in on Wednesday, our goal is to have that pothole repaired by the end of the day on Friday."
They aren't always able to meet that goal, especially if there are a lot at once. Frankly, they're shorthanded.
"In 2020, we kept eight positions vacant due to the concerns of our budget with the COVID-19 pandemic," Clennan said. "That left us with 10 front line employees to do our street maintenance work. Eight of those employees are on crack sealing, which is an extremely important preventative maintenance program for our streets. About 60% of the year, we've got eight employees dedicated to crack sealing."
In 2020, the city purchased an FP5 patch truck.
"From July of last year through March of this year, where the truck's been patching, we've patched approximately 1100 potholes, using 110 tons of asphalt," said Public Works employee Jesse Weisgarber.
The city received less than 100 pothole complaints in the ten months they have owned the truck.
"We would like our customers, the users of the streets, if they see a pothole, please let us know," said Weisgarber. "Call 694-1900. You can go to the website and hit report a concern and let us know about those potholes. We need that help because there's just a tremendous amount of pavement out there that we're responsible to maintain."
Clennan was asked if they need a second truck, he said one truck is enough for the potholes they have reported and those they have found at this point.