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. . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 10, 1999 12 Another use that may be realized, where access is possible, is the ability to remove some ofthe deltas forming at storm sewer outlets into various lakes, ponds and streams. Vacuum machines have the ability to draw the delta material directly into the truck, eliminating the need for a backhoe or dump truck with little restoration required. The most important other use for the Public Works Department is the ability to clean grit chambers. To this point, the grit chambers have been cleaned with demonstration vacuum equipment. Staff has looked at three different brands of sewer vacuum machines, and is most confident with the Vactor brand of machine. Vactor currently has the State of Minnesota contract to provide vacuum machines to members of the State of Minnesota Cooperative Purchasing Venture. The State of Minnesota employs specification writers to author specifications for nearly all major state purchases. The state asks that suppliers bid on the prescribed equipment and include pricing for common options. Purchases made under this agreement also meet state bidding requirements for purchases over $25,000, thus eliminating the need of preparing specifications and advertising for bids, and the chance of ending up with an unknown product by taking the lowest bid. There are basically two sizes of machines with typical prices ranging from $120,000 to $250,000. Staffhas reviewed available options for the unit, and the total cost for the recommended Sewer Vactor is $147,677.16, including sales tax. Staff had budgeted $145,000 for the vacuum machine purchase in 1999. Costs for the machine, plus the additional $2,677.16 would be paid for from sewer funds. Staff does feel that the machine would be enough of an asset to the City to justify the extra cost. Mr. Stafford advised that the Public Works Director recommended that the City Council authorize staff to purchase one Vactor brand sewer maintenance machine, per specifications, through the State of Minnesota Cooperative Purchasing Venture at a total cost not to exceed $147,677.16. Mr. Stafford stated that he had specifications and photographs of the vacuum machine available for the Council's review. Mayor Probst stated that the purchase of the vacuum machine has been on the City's agenda for a number of years and had been continuously deferred. He agreed that the City should move forward with the purchase of the vacuum machine this year. He asked staff the status of the sales tax rcpeal. Mr. Fritsinger stated that the League of Minnesota Cities had indicated that the sales tax repeal was not moving forward. The repeal would result in an annual reduction of $80 million dollars worth of revenue and the legislature was unwilling to support this cut. Councilmember Aplikowski stated that it would be interesting to approach Vactor and inform them that the City can only pay $145,000 for the vacuum machine.