Title/Recommendation
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Consideration of exemption from sealed bid process for Fire Department ladder truck purchase and early approval of capital request
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Memo Body
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A. Issue
The fire department is requesting two action items be approved with this agenda item:
1) Waiver of the competitive bid process to purchase a replacement ladder truck from Pierce Manufacturing
2) Approval for early purchase and expenditure of 2027 capital budget funds
B. Background/Options
The fire department is scheduled to replace one ladder truck in 2027. This purchase will result in the 2015 ladder truck (F-310) being placed in reserve status and the sale of a 2014 ladder truck (F-309).
The fire department is requesting approval to purchase this ladder truck from Pierce Manufacturing located in Appleton, WI. We have purchased all of our front line fire apparatus from Pierce since 2006 and have been very satisfied with their quality and customer service.
There are many reasons we are recommending this purchase directly from Pierce:
- Consistency of operations (new ladder will have similar controls as existing truck)
- Maintenance considerations (repair knowledge, stocking of parts)
- Local Wisconsin manufacturer (ease of repairs, timely parts delivery, training for staff)
We are also requesting approval for early purchase of this vehicle due to long build times of approximately 40-44 months. This also allows us to avoid a $34,417 price increase that will occur on 8/1/2023.
The purchase price of this vehicle is $1,966,707.00
C. Strategic Plan (Area of Focus)
Well maintained infrastructure
D. Fiscal Impact
This purchase was budgeted and approved as part of the 2023-2027 capital budget process.
E. Recommendation
We recommend approval for:
1) Waiver of the competitive bid process to purchase a replacement ladder truck from Pierce Manufacturing
2) Early purchase in 2023 resulting in the expenditure of 2027 capital budget funds