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Consideration of request by Operations & Fleet Superintendents for approval of a Level Three fund transfer for the purchase of a 2025 Vactor 2100i Combination Vacuum and Sewer Cleaning Truck and Maintenance Package
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Submitted by:
Fleet Superintendent, Michael Hahn & Operations Superintendent, Jason Blasiola
Department:
Public Works
A. Issue
Our current sewer combination vacuum truck has reached the end of its useful life, and maintaining it no longer financially tenable. Additionally, new advances in combination vacuum trucks make the operation of the equipment and the cleaning of the sewers safer for our employees. We recommended purchasing a new 2025 Vactor 2100i Combination Vacuum and Sewer Cleaning Truck and Maintenance Package through Sourcewell’s cooperative purchasing agreement.
B. Background/Options
A Combination Vacuum and Sewer Cleaning Truck is essential in keeping the 153 miles of sanitary sewers, 110 miles of storm sewers, and approximately 2,099 sump catch basins clean. The maintenance cost of the current truck from January 2023 through May 2024, including labor, inventory, and supplies, has been $70,284. During a sewer emergency in January 2025, the current truck’s pumps failed during subzero weather. Due to the truck's age, the parts are hard to find and expensive, and it will cost thousands of dollars to repair the pumps.
Newer trucks are set up with the cleaning vacuum and jet in front of the truck, shielding employees from oncoming traffic. Additionally, newer trucks can be operated by remote control so that the operator can keep their eyes on the open manhole and equipment. Due to the combination sewer truck's highly technical components, we recommend purchasing the maintenance agreement. This will free up fleet mechanics’ time to work on other equipment. As these trucks age, they become expensive to maintain and operate. The maintenance package protects the City by guaranteeing the buyback price if we trade the equipment. The attached presentation shows the existing equipment the City utilizes as well as the proposed purchase.
This equipment will help the DPW with the Sewer Utility cleaning and maintenance schedule. This truck will also be dispatched to respond to sanitary sewer emergencies that could cause residents' basements to fill up with sewage.
The cost associated with the combination of vacuum and sewer trucks increases as the truck ages. It is becoming commonplace to replace the car after five years. Purchasing a maintenance package guarantees a buy-back residual value of the truck if the DPW determines that replacing the vehicle is in the best interest of the City. MacQueen will complete all standard service work and preventative maintenance on the truck with the maintenance program.
C. Strategic Plan (Area of Focus)
Priority Area Three: Infrastructure
D. Fiscal Impact
Funds from the sanitary utility would purchase the 2025 Vactor 2100i Combination Vacuum, Sewer Cleaning Truck, and Maintenance Package. The truck costs $595,074.70. The maintenance plan costs $38,542.74. The residual value for the truck after five years is $148,770, which would act as a down payment for purchasing a new truck in 2030.
E. Recommendation
Authorization of a Level Three Fund Transfer from the Sanitary Sewer Utility Fund Balance in order to purchase a 2025 Vactor 2100i Combination Vacuum and Sewer Cleaning Truck and Maintenance Package through Sourcewell’s cooperative purchasing agreement