The City of Vernon is upgrading its line painting abilities, with the impending purchase of a robotic painter for sports fields.
At the Monday, May 26 meeting, council approved the purchase of the painter, at a price not to exceed $75,000.
Funds will be coming from the prior year's unexpended uncommitted balance, which currently sits at $3,843,342.
According to a report to council, the robot will reduce time and labour required to mark fields, improve line precision, and support timely and consistent preparation of fields.
"The robot comes pre-loaded with the ability to service various sports using GPS technology," said Chris Ovens, the general manager of public works operations with the city. "There are several customization options available."
Ovens also said that it will do a better job than before, in many cases, when there are divots or slopes, due to the low wheel bases of the robot.
The cost-benefit analysis of the robot should provide a return on investment within four years, with a reduction of labour hours, and a more efficient use of paint. The estimated savings will be used to improve parks services.
Currently, the city uses a ride-on line painter, and it will now be retained as a backup in case the robotic system breaks down.