By Carson Ellis
For the Stettler Independent
Town council discussed the replacement of several vehicles in the town’s fleet at its Tuesday, March 19 meeting.
Director of Operations Melissa Robbins spoke to council about replacing vehicles in the Public Works and Parks departments.
Robbins started with fleet truck purchases that were approved in the capital budget with an allotment of $145,000 for two three-quarter-ton trucks. Two separate tenders were sent to just the local dealerships due to the costs being under the required threshold. Stettler Dodge and Aspen Ford responded on the crew cab unit however, Dodge does not make an extended cab and therefore was unable to bid on the second unit.
For the crew cab unit, both dealerships met the criteria however, Stettler Dodge was able to offer a shorter delivery time and was the lowest of the two bids. Robbins was recommending that the tender for the crew cab be awarded to Stettler Dodge for $61,548.00. She also recommended that they purchase the extended cab unit from Aspen Ford for $62,553.00.
Robbins was asked why the two units were different models if the pricing was so close and explained that the cab requirements were based on the requirements of the work the units would be used for.
Robbins noted that the remaining allocated funds would go towards outfitting the new trucks with radios, and other necessary equipment, bringing the total expenditure to $132,101.00. All of which would be through the 2024 budget.
Council carried the motion to approve administration recommendation made by Coun. Scott Pfeiffer.
Robbins then addressed the purchase of a new tandem unit. The 2024 budget has an allocation of $300,000.00 for the purchase of the unit. Several bids were received with varying prices based on the different components offered. Administration recommended council award the purchase to Glover International for a Cummins unit with a Renn box. Robbins noted that the Renn box has features that would be preferred over other makes, based on the intended use of the unit.
The bid was $269,925.25 with an additional $895.00 which would be spent fitting the unit with remote grease lines, as well as $1,000.00 for equipment including a fire extinguisher, radio, and first aid kit.
On the matter of the $11,119.30 budgeted for a 5-year extended warranty, Coun. Pfeiffer asked if there was value in the warranty. Robbins explained that the cost of the extended warranty had ended up saving money on repairs and services on previous units. The total expenditure at $282,393.55 before GST. The recommendation was approved with a motion by Coun. Travis Randell.
During councillor reports, it was learned that the Stettler Recreation Expansion Committee had not been awarded an expansion grant they had applied for.
Coun. Gord Lawlor also noted that the Town of Stettler had hosted a booth at the recent Red Deer Home Show and received a positive response. Lawlor noted many people had been to, or were from Stettler, while many others were aware of the community.