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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – MARCH 15, 2021 10 <br /> <br />Interim Public Works Director Swearingen reported the next piece of equipment is the <br />International Plow Truck, Unit 120. In January 2020, this vehicle encountered engine problems <br />during a snow plowing event which triggered early replacement of the truck. Council approved <br />replacement last year but COVID caused delays in many industries, and the City was not able to <br />obtain the equipment in 2020 so the replacement of this unit has been carried over to 2021. <br /> <br />Interim Public Works Director Swearingen said next is the replacement of the 1997 Toro <br />Groundsmaster, Unit 409. Unit 409 is used for trail and off-road mowing including climbing steep <br />hills. It has 2,929 hours of operation and parts are becoming difficult to find. The CIP includes a <br />budget of $60,000 for this equipment in 2021. Looking at preliminary quotes, replacement of this <br />equipment will be well under budget. <br /> <br />Interim Public Works Director Swearingen said the Toro “Z” mowers are in the trade in <br />program, currently trading in on a three year cycle. Unit 458 has 597 hours, Unit 459 has 673 <br />hours. Staff recommends continuing replacement of these machines every 3 years to minimize <br />down time costs and maximize trade in value. <br /> <br />Interim Public Works Director Swearingen stated the next piece of equipment is the portable <br />message board. The mounted message board on unit 210 has become obsolete and almost <br />unusable. A trailer mounted unit would be more versatile and safer. The CIP includes a budget of <br />$16,000 for this equipment, based off of a quote received last year. <br /> <br />Interim Public Works Director Swearingen said the last piece is a portable light tower. Public <br />Works staff is currently working in dark conditions loading and unloading trucks during after hour <br />emergencies. The equipment follows OSHA safe work space compliance. The CIP includes a <br />budget of $10,000 for this equipment. <br /> <br />Interim Public Works Director Swearingen explained the Capital Improvement Program for <br />equipment purchases was restructured in 2020 to allow for early replacement of the snow plow <br />Unit 210. Attachment A provides the annual and total five-year financial impact for the current <br />CIP. Staff requests direction from the City Council regarding gathering current quotes to move <br />forward with purchasing the presented equipment. He would also like to move forward with a <br />fleet management program. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant asked where they proposed to store the portable light tower. <br /> <br />Interim Public Works Director Swearingen felt there was space inside the building or the back <br />lot but would defer to the Public Works Superintendent for his plan. <br /> <br />Councilmember Scott was in favor of moving forward with all items as presented. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden said she won’t approve these unless there is a fleet management plan. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant asked about Unit 120 maintenance. <br /> <br />Interim Public Works Director Swearingen said the repairs were being done to get the vehicle <br />through the summer. <br />