How long until its street sweeper is back cleaning roads remains a dilemma in Lehighton.

Former borough Manager Steve Travers told borough council on Monday that the borough received an estimate from the provider of the equipment.

Based off that, Travers, who was let go following an executive session later in the evening, said replacement for the back end of the street sweeper would be $36,672.

When asked how that would help the piece of equipment moving forward, Travers said it should give it a good five years.

It was then noted that a new street sweeper would cost around $300,000.

Kris Kunkle, supervisor of the borough’s Public Works Department, said the sweeper has a flat tire, and that he needs permission to take the two tires off the old Ford truck and put them on the street sweeper, then get two new tires for the Ford truck.

Kunkle said the chassis is nearly 30 years old.

Council President Grant Hunsicker didn’t hide his thoughts on spending roughly $36,000 on the sweeper.

“That’s a waste of $36,000,” Hunsicker said.

However, Councilman Ryan Saunders replied that the street sweeper remains inoperable.

Kunkle said he’s heard some negative feedback on the matter.

“I’ve been receiving concerns about street sweeping again,” Kunkle said. “The bypass is looking pretty bad.”

Travers said he would look to see if there are any grants available through the U.S. Rural Development Authority.

“Even if we could do the bypass and First Street by the parks, it would help a lot,” Kunkle said.

Councilwoman Autumn Abelovsky said she hopes council will use this set of circumstances as a learning experience and how to budget for equipment.

Travers said he would look into financing options.

Last month, Kunkle said the street sweeper needs a new body-topper, and added the hydraulics are basically shot.

He said it has 10-12 feet capability, but that only 3 feet of it is operational.