Amidst DPW suit, Franklin council talks new vehicle

FRANKLIN — After several years, “negotiations have been stalled” between the borough of Franklin and its Department of Public Works, according to Borough Administrator Jim Kilduff.

Despite attempts at mediation, the DPW has filed a civil action complaint in Superior Court demanding a trial by jury for compensatory and punitive damages and legal fees incurred throughout the negotiation process.

Looking out for the Borough’s best interest, the council discussed replacing a failing DPW truck with a new vehicle in spite of the ongoing litigation.

“We feel we need to do this at this time to not have to replace more vehicles at a later time,” Councilman Gilbert Snyder said.

Mayor Paul Crowley seemed hesitant about the possible purchase of a new vehicle at first.

“The borough has a very large fleet for a small town,” he said, noting not only DPW vehicles, but those for police, fire, emergency medical services and borough officials. “We should consider how many trucks we actually need.”

As the 2002 Ford F250 has more than 135,000 miles, Kilduff stood firm with his recommendation to replace the vehicle.

Crowley also suggested the DPW look into converting an unused diesel ambulance to a utility vehicle. The 17-year-old truck needs to be “sold, auctioned, scrapped or utilized,” he said.

There were no objections from the council to putting an item on the agenda for the purchase of a new vehicle and the governing body will look further into the matter next month.

“But we should look into auctioning off that old ambulance immediately,” Councilman Joe Limon said.