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.