Village Bolsters Winter Operations with New Hires and Truck Purchase

Village of Manhattan Board of Trustees Meeting | December 2, 2025

Article Summary: To prepare for the winter season, the Manhattan Village Board authorized the hiring of a seasonal snowplow crew and the purchase of a used snowplow truck. Officials stated that buying used saved the village significantly compared to the cost of a new vehicle.

Snowplow Operations Key Points:

• Crew Hired: The board approved a roster of seasonal drivers, with CDL drivers earning $27 per hour and non-CDL drivers earning $20 per hour.

• Truck Purchase: The village purchased a used 2017 Mack GU432 snowplow truck for $109,900.

• Cost Savings: Superintendent of Public Works John Tyk estimated a new truck would cost between $275,000 and $300,000.

• Storm Response: Trustees praised the Public Works Department for their response to a recent winter storm, citing 16-hour shifts worked by the crew.

MANHATTAN – The Manhattan Village Board on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, took steps to ensure the Public Works Department is equipped for winter by approving a seasonal driver roster and adding a heavy-duty truck to the fleet.

The board unanimously authorized the purchase of a used 2017 Mack GU432 snowplow truck from Transwest Truck Trailer RV in Savage, Minnesota, for $109,900.

“This is another way of getting a vehicle way quicker than a year and a half,” Mayor Mike Adrieansen noted regarding the lead times often required for new municipal vehicles.

Superintendent of Public Works John Tyk highlighted the fiscal responsibility of the purchase. When asked by the Mayor about the price difference, Tyk explained that a comparable new truck would cost “anywhere from $275,000 to $300,000.” The used truck has approximately 19,000 miles.

In addition to the equipment, the board approved the hiring of the 2025-2026 seasonal snowplow crew. The roster includes both CDL drivers, who will be paid $27 per hour, and non-CDL drivers, who will receive $20 per hour.

Several board members used the opportunity to thank the Public Works staff for their performance during a recent snowstorm.

“I don’t think those guys get enough praise,” said Trustee Jennifer Bahena. “I think John was saying [they worked] 16 hours on Saturday, then back to work on Monday morning to do it again.”