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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION <br /> <br /> DATE: January 25th, 2016 <br />ITEM NO.: 5 <br />______________________________________________________________________________ <br />Department Approval: Administrator Reviewed: Agenda Section: <br />Name: Tim Amundsen JML Public Works Department <br />Title: Public Works Supervisor <br />______________________________________________________________________________ <br /> <br />Item Description: Replacement of Truck #426 <br />______________________________________________________________________________ <br /> <br />List of Exhibits <br />A- Summary of State Bid Contract Pricing. <br /> <br />1. Purpose. The purpose of this request is to gain Council approval for the replacement of Truck <br />#426 with a 2017 Western Star 4700SF with body and plow work to be done by Aspen Equipment. <br /> <br />2. Background. Truck #426 is a 1997 Ford L8000 that has been in service for nearly 20 years. <br />The expected life of a snowplow dump truck is 12-15 years. It is used for various work related <br />tasks which include snow removal, street maintenance, park maintenance, storm water repairs, <br />water and sewer repairs and hauling. The truck has received several expensive repairs over the <br />last several years. These repairs have resulted in costs in excess of $10,000. With consideration <br />to the age and strain placed upon the truck it is no longer cost effective to continue to make <br />expensive repairs. Public Works recommends replacing this truck with a newer model as <br />planned for in the CIP. <br /> <br />3. Truck Chassis Analysis. The Public Works Department researched several different trucks <br />which included Freightliner and Western Star. After careful consideration and operating the new <br />2016 Western Star (Truck #424) purchased last year on City streets it was determined that the <br />2017 Western Star 4700 is the most capable vehicle to provide outstanding service to the <br />residents of the City of Orono. The most important factors are turning radius, visibility, <br />maintenance, and quality. Western Star provided the best in all 4 categories. It has a shorter <br />turning radius making it ideal for streets within the City of Orono. The visibility is exceptional <br />from the cab allowing for the driver to navigate with greater ease; especially during plowing. <br />Maintenance repairs are provided by Boyer in several metro locations whereas the other trucks <br />must be driven a greater distance for similar repairs. Western Star also offers point to point <br />wiring which makes for easier electrical repairs. The quality of the Western Star is exceptional <br />and this includes the fully galvanized steel box with corrosion resistant coating. <br /> <br />4. Box and Blade Analysis. Public Works also worked with Aspen Equipment and Towmaster <br />to determine the best setup for the bodywork which includes box, spreader, plow, underbody <br />plow and the related controls and accessories. In addition to these we have determined that <br />adding a wing plow would greatly enhance efficiency on our larger streets. By adding a wing <br />plow the operator is able to accomplish increased snow clearing capabilities while making less