02-18-14 Jt Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 18, 2014 4 Public Works Director Maurer explained that the Public Works Department has three pieces of equipment in the CIP for purchase in 2014. He indicated that the oldest plow truck in the fleet is scheduled for replacement. He reported that the City has an opportunity to buy a used truck from the County at a reduced price and noted that this would be a great value for the City. The price of the used truck is $128,250 with an additional $5,000 needed to repaint the truck to match the City's fleet. It was noted that the City budgeted $160,000 for a new plow truck. Public Works Director Maurer stated that the next piece of equipment to be purchased is a roller. He explained that the roller would assist the Public Works Department in paving and road maintenance efforts. However, he suggested that as the Public Works crew is getting into more paver laid bituminous work along with pot hole patching, that a larger roller may be more appropriate. He suggested that the City rent a larger roller for 2014 when needed and that a decision on this piece of equipment be made in 2015. Public Works Director Maurer indicated that the 2002 Groundmaster with snow blower was due for replacement in 2014. He suggested that this piece of equipment be replaced with a Tool Cat as it is a more functional piece of equipment. He reported that the Groundmaster would have little trade-in value and for this reason; an old mower deck could be installed on the unit. This mower could then be used along trails to knock down weeds saving wear and tear on the new"Z" mowers. He explained that the Tool Cat was $10,000 more expensive than the Groundmaster. The difference could be made up by trading in the 1990's John Deere tractor. This would make up half of the difference, and the remainder would be made up by the reduced price of the plow truck. Councilmember Holden supported the purchase of the used plow truck. She asked how the current roller was used by the City. She questioned what the City would do with the old roller. Public Works Director Maurer commented that the City's current roller is used for pothole and small patch jobs. He explained that a larger roller would provide a better finish on larger paver laid jobs. He anticipated that the City's current roller would be traded in if a new or used roller was purchased in the future. Mayor Grant inquired why the City was not keeping the current plow truck. Public Works Director Maurer stated that he is not opposed to keeping the plow truck in the fleet; however, there will be no indoor storage for it. In addition, this truck could need expensive repairs in the near future. He feels that the City would benefit most by taking the $20,000 trade in value on this piece of equipment. Mayor Grant asked if the City will need an additional plow after TCAAP is completely developed. Public Works Director Maurer stated that it would probably be five to ten years before another plow route is needed due to the development of TCAAP. Mayor Grant viewed the Tool Cat to be a superior product when compared to the Groundmasters, and it can be used year round. He supported the purchase of the Tool Cat.