COUNCIL COMMITTEES
The Council Committees Meeting was held on October 9, 2000, at 6:30 p.m., with Council President Christiansen presiding. Members of Council present were Mr. McGlumphy, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Gorman, Mr. Truitt, Mr. Carey, Mrs. Malone, Mr. Salters, Mr. Weller, and Mayor Hutchison.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Salters requested that item #1 - Purchase of Police Mobile Data Terminals be deleted from the agenda. It was noted that with this deletion, there will be no Legislative and Finance Committee Meeting held since it was the only item scheduled to be considered.
Mr. Weller moved for approval of the agenda as amended, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
UTILITY COMMITTEE
The Utility Committee met with Chairman Weller presiding. Members present were Councilmen Pitts and Truitt, Mr. Lambert, and Mr. Nichols.
Bid - Replacement of Underground Articulating Crane, Utility Body and Cab Chassis
Due to the age and limitations of the current 14-year old crane used by the Electric Department, staff prepared specifications and received bids for its replacement. Based on the information received, staff has selected the Freightliner Chassis and National Crane Unit.
The Freightliner Chassis is a heavy-duty chassis equipped with all the features needed for a base to build such a crane unit. The Knapheide body will provide adequate compartment space to carry supplies. It is a well-designed body made of 14-gauge steel that has been galvanized for rust and has water proof compartments.
The National Crane unit to be assembled on the chassis will increase the reach out to 38’ 2”, which will be a 12’ extension to the existing crane. In addition, the lifting capabilities will be increased to 13,800 pounds, an increase of approximately 2,000 pounds. The National Crane has a rotation radius of 395o as opposed to the current radius of 90o, which will increase mobility.
The Reel Lift ability will make the loading and unloading of wire reels much faster and will require the use of only two (2) crew members as opposed to four (4) men and two (2) trucks. The truck is capable of carrying three (3) reels at one time. Most work requires three (3) phase wire installation; therefore, an additional reel trailer will no longer be necessary.
The Front Winch assembly will be used in the event that a vehicle gets stuck or there is a need to winch a vehicle into a work area. The winch also has a cap-stand winch that will be used for pulling rope through conduit for underground wire installation.
The truck will be equipped with a hydraulic generator to operate two (2), 500-watt quartz lights, which will alleviate a lighting problem that has occurred in the past. Also, the hydraulic generator will prevent a continuing problem with generators draining the batteries in the trucks.
The following bids were received for the complete equipment unit as described:
Vendor Full Cost Cost with Trade-In
Keystone Truck Equipment (New Britain, PA) $132,857 $125,857
Morse Manufacturing (Sterling, MA) 151,184 145,100
SMF (Northampton, PA) 157,856 149,557
Baker Equipment (Pottstown, PA) 169,630 159,630
Staff recommended that the bid be awarded to Keystone Truck Equipment for the purchase of a Freightliner Chassis and National Crane Unit in the amount of $125,857 with the trade-in of the current unit. Funding for this purchase is available in the Electric Department Improvement and Extension Fund.
Mr. Lambert moved to recommend approval of staff’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Nichols and unanimously carried.
Replacement of Underground Air Compressor Utility Body and Cab Chassis
The current vehicle used for transporting the compressor is 11 years old and has experienced numerous problems with the electrical system. When the last repair was being made in September 2000, it was noted that there were a number of mechanical problems that should be repaired, at an estimated cost of $1,000. It was also noted that the transmission could fail at any time, which would require additional costs for replacement. The City’s Vehicle Maintenance Shop reviewed the suggested repairs and the information regarding the transmission and recommended replacement of the truck.
A Dodge Ram 3500 Diesel heavy-duty chassis is available under the State Contract to be purchased from I.G. Burton at a cost of $25,897, with a delivery to be made within six (6) days. The old vehicle would be sold at the City auction. The new vehicle will include all necessary equipment and features needed to transport the air compressor. It will also have a large portable diesel fuel tank to allow fueling of other equipment at the work site, eliminating the need to leave the site for refueling. Mr. O’Connor explained that the compressor is required for pulling underground wire and will be moved to the new vehicle. If the compressor is not available, underground wire installation would be stopped.
Funding for this vehicle is available in the Electric Department Improvement and Extension Fund. Mr. Weller advised members that in discussing this matter with the Finance Director/Treasurer and City Manager, they have assured him that although this purchase was not included in the budget, the purchase of two (2) pickup trucks will be delayed to accommodate the necessary funding.
Responding, Mr. O’Connor explained that although the pickup trucks are needed, staff had to determine which purchase was more of a priority. Staff recommended approval of the purchase of the Utility Body and Cab Chassis Truck from I.G. Burton, under the State Contract, at a cost of $25,897. It was noted that, due to time constraints, staff requested that this matter be considered during the Council Meeting later this evening for final approval.
In response to Mr. Lambert, Mr. O’Connor indicated assurance that there will be compatibility between the vehicle and air compressor.
Mr. Truitt moved to recommend approval of staff’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Lambert and unanimously carried.
Mrs. Malone moved to adjourn into executive session to discuss personnel matters, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 6:45 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin R. Christiansen
Council President
RRC/lcg
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