03/24/98 - Laserfiche WebLink

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To ensure timely delivery of the truck in order to complete the equipment set-up in time for the next snow season, it is necessary to move quickly. It is being requested that staff be allowed to order the truck through the State contract for $51,800 and, upon receipt, proceed to have the remaining equipment installed through the vendor authorized on the State bid. It should be noted that I received a telephone call from Mr. Chuck Rupar, who is the sales manager for Lakeland Truck Sales. Mr. Rupar expressed his dissatisfaction that the City was willing to purchase from the State of Minnesota contract when his dealership could provide the same vehicle for approximately $2,000 less. He indicated that the State contract bid process was an unfair process and that he will lobby directly with each City that uses the State contract for purchasing these types of trucks. The City maintains the position that the process is done in compliance with the State bidding laws and meets the specifications for the City. Multi-Purpose Ballfield/Grounds Maintenance Machine Included in the adopted budget is $8,800 for the purchase of a multi-purpose ballfield/grounds maintenance machine. This piece of equipment is intended to replace the 72" mower that is currently being used to drag the ballfields and haul materials such as striping equipment, trash barrels, soil, etc. During the athletic season it will be used a minimum of four days a week. It is expected that during other periods it will be used to increase the efficiency as a tool carder for differing projects. Receiving delivery of this piece of equipment soon is important. The following are the time-related factors: Delivery from receipt of purchase order is one to three weeks. The equipment will require some set-up by the City, including designing and building a ballfield drag for it using a hydraulic system Athletic field maintenance begins early in April. RYAA begins their practice season as soon as the first week of April. Due to the price of this piece of equipment, sealed bids are not necessary although competitive quotes will be required. It is being requested that staff be allowed to begin this process to ensure delivery of this piece of equipment in time for the peak demand time. 72" Mower Included in the 1998 budget is $15,450 for the purchase of a 72" mower to replace existing unit #613, a John Deere F935. It is anticipated that the old mower would be used as a trade in on the new mower and that the budgeted amount will be sufficient to allow for a grass catcher attachment. It should be noted that if this mower is kept in operation through this next season, the higher hours would result in a much lower trade in value on a new unit, thus resulting in a higher cost for the City.