CC 04-26-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

. . . ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES APRIL 26, 2004 6 D. Insuections Vehicle Purchase Mr. Parrish stated the 2004 CIP budget included $20,000 for the purchase of a new inspection vehicle, As outlined during the budget presentation, the current vehicle dedicated for inspections, the 1992 Chevy S-l 0, was getting older and the impact of deferred maintenance had become more apparent in recent years. The current schedule for replacement was generally 7 years. He noted to replace the inspections vehicle, staff was proposing that a 2004 Chevy Blazer be acquired via the state contract. The state contract price for this vehicle is $19,342. Sales tax and related fees were estimated at $1,500. In addition, painting the Arden Hills logo on the side will cost approximately $500, Based on the mentioned costs, the estimated total cost of the vehicle is $21,342, or slightly higher than the $20,000 that was budgeted. Staff requests a contingency of approximately $1,658 to account for any unforeseen circumstances. He recommended Council authorize the purchase of an inspections vehicle in the amount not to exceed $23,000. Councilmember Grant asked how many miles the Building Inspector put on his personal vehicle last year. Mr. Parrish replied the estimate that was provided by the Building Inspector was 150 miles per week on his personal vehicle. He noted he did not know what mileage was put on the S-lO last year, He indicated, however, the Building Inspector did not turn in reimbursement mileage because he did not choose to track his mileage. Councilmember Grant stated he did not believe a four-wheel drive vehicle was necessary, Mr. Parrish stated there was not a Blazer available under the State contract that did not have a four- wheel drive option. He indicated the estimated useful life of this vehicle was seven years. He noted if Council did not want a four-wheel drive vehicle, staff would need to look at the State contract for a different vehicle, Councilmember Grant stated he was not in favor of buying this vehicle and wanted staff to look at other options, including other vehicles through the State contract. Mayor Aplikowski asked how many vehicles were available to City Staff for their use. Mr. Moore replied the S-lO was the only vehicle available to City Hall staff. He noted if the new vehicle were purchased for the Building Inspectors, the S-IO would be freed up for City Hall staff use. Councilmember Larson stated he was in favor of purchasing this vehicle. He stated the vehicle they were replacing was 12 years old. Mr. Parrish noted the S-IO would not be replaced, and would still be in use. Mr. Moore stated City vehicles were estimated to be replaced every seven to ten years. He stated he could work with the Finance Director and develop a CIP plan for the replacement of all vehicles so Council would be aware of all of the vehicle replacements in the future.