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4.c) Staff Report - Replacement of 201-97Staff Report To: City Council From: Tim Kieffer, Public Works Director Date: January 8, 2014 Re: Replacement of Ford Dump Truck (201-97) Background: At the November 6th Work Session, the Council decided to keep three main plow routes. If three routes are to continue, a new dump truck is needed to replace the existing 1997 Ford Dump Truck due to unreliability and safety. In the past month the existing truck has broken down twice during snow removal operations when the truck is needed the most. This has caused the other two trucks to finish the third route decreasing efficiency and service and adding to overtime costs. Fortunately, the breakdowns have been minor and the truck has been able to make it back to the shop negating towing expenses and staff has been able to fix the problems. These breakdowns have increased repair and labor expenses that will continue to rise if a new truck is not purchased. To be most cost effective, the City should purchase a new truck before extensive and costly repairs are needed and the City can get the most money for the re- sale of the old truck. Proposal: In order to maintain a consistent and sufficient level of service for snow and ice removal, staff is proposing to keep three main plow routes that use commercial plow trucks. Staff proposes replacing the 1997 Ford Dump Truck to ensure the City has three dependable plow trucks. The last truck purchased was a Mack with Towmaster attachments in 2011. Staff is recommending a similar truck but with some changes. Changes include the following:  Single axle  20,000 pound front end (includes dual steering gear)  No engine brake system  No towing package  Side wing  No underbody  Offset plow  6” salt sander  Sander control system (Force ULTRA 6100) Fiscal Impact: The Council approved an Equipment Certificate of which $200,000 was added to pay for the purchase of a new dump truck. The total cost of the truck will be $189,822. Options: 1) Add the purchase of a dump truck to the January Council Meeting Agenda. 2) Remove the purchase of a dump truck from the 2014 Capital Improvement Program, sell the 1997 Ford Dump Truck, and go back to two main plow routes. Recommendation: Option 1 Attachments:  Quote from Nuss Truck & Equipment  Quote from Towmaster Inc.