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. . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 11, 1998 3 UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS A. Purchase of Air Compressor Mr. Dwayne Stafford, Public Works Director, stated that the City of Arden Hills currently owns one Sullair brand portable air compressor, rated at 125 cubic feet per minute, CFM. This unit is approximately fifteen years old and has a history of mechanical problems. Typically, a compressor rated around 200 CFM would be suitable as an all around choice for Public Works type activities. Public Works had budgeted $13,000 for the replacement of this compressor with a 185 CFM model in 1998 and that amount would be adequate for that size unit. Mr. Stafford explained that the City of Arden Hills Park Director has asked that Public Works consider stepping up to a 250 CFM size which would enable Parks to blowout their irrigation systems with City-owned equipment. Currently, Parks rent a 250 CFM unit at $] 35 per day, for one day, to service Perry Park. If irrigation systems are added to Highway 96 and Round Lake Road, those rental fees could be in excess of $500 per year. Parks has agreed to provide funding for the difference in costs between a 185 and a 250 CFM unit, from monies budgeted for Parks equipment. Mr. Stafford stated that Staff recommends the $14,078.] 0 purchase of a LeRoi 250 CFM portable air compressor from Carlson Equipment Company. $13,000.00 ofthis purchase is a budgeted capital item from Parks Maintenance. Staff also seeks Council approval to place the current compressor at the State of Minnesota auction later this year. Mayor Probst asked Mr. Stafford to explain the reasons why Staff was recommending this particular air compressor. Mr. Stafford responded that crewmembers have evaluated the two lowest priced compressors and believe the LeRoi brand compressor is the best choice for thc following reasons: 1. The Ingersol-Rand sales person from Aspen Equipment Company, the lowest bid, indicated Aspen holds the State of Minnesota Contract to provide compressors to the State and participating State Cooperative Purchasing Venture. Upon verification with the State, this was found to be inaccurate. 2. Upon visual inspection of both machines, several features stood out on the LeRoi brand machine which appear superior to the Ingersol-Rand compressor. The cooler for the oil and water are side by side. The LeRoi brand has a heavier axle and brackets as well as a better wiring system. 3. The City of Arden Hills has developed a good relationship with Carlson Equipment Company, the LeRoi equipment distributor. 4. The Cities of Roseville, Columbia Heights, Saint Paul and Blaine, have purchased LeRoi compressors recently. Staff from Blaine and Roseville have expressed that they are pleased with the performance of the LeRoi compressor.