What is causing the months of delay for equipment to build an automated gate to lock and unlock the city brush pile?

The materials have been ordered, but a city streets and parks official said he was told the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a rash of backorders and shipment delays for the parts the department employees with mechanical skills are waiting to install.

“It’s the pandemic and shipments delayed because of it,” said Adam Winder, department acting general manager.

For residents wanting the latest way to enter the brush pile gate, it will be a matter of waiting for the equipment to arrive for installation at 1500 W. Third St., he said.

The automatic gate should be installed by early spring, Council President Randall J. Allison said.

Meanwhile, to end confusion of the pile being open every other Saturday, the brush pile will remain open 7:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday, Winder said.

It is closed on Sundays.