Agenda Packets - 2000/02/14 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council March 22, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 11 two days later, there might be another two-hour period to perform the work. He explained that they attempt to do this work with as little impact to the golfers as possible. He reiterated that the truck was not only critical for one area of the operation, but rather, was probably most critical in the normal course of operations, as well as being a replacement vehicle for the truck they currently utilize. Council Member Stigney reiterated he would like to postpone the decision until after further discussion is held at the Work Session. He explained that there were several questions that have come forward, and he believed reacting to this matter at this time would not be appropriate. He indicated the Council should examine the matter further at the April 5 Work Session, adding that he did not believe this would be detrimental. Council Member Marty inquired how much time it would take to acquire a vehicle, if the purchase was authorized at the beginning of April. City Administrator Whiting stated the vehicle is proposed to purchased off of State bid. Mr. Hammerschmidt indicated that the State bid was closed for the year. He explained that if they were able to obtain a vehicle in this manner, it would not be available for 120 days, or longer. He advised that the golf course is able to secure fleet vehicle prices from the dealerships, and these are frequently less than State bid prices. He pointed out that because the purchase would be less than $25,000, they would be able to obtain three good bids, and accept the lowest of these. He noted that this allows them to consider special circumstances when purchasing vehicles, such as vehicles that are a year old, or demos. He explained that one dealer informed him they had a truck with 700 miles on it, which was being returned to their dealership by the original owner, and these types of vehicles were also available for consideration. He indicated the State bid amounts were running approximately $22,000, and they were requesting authorization to purchase a vehicle for less than that amount. Council Member Marty inquired if the Council were to authorize this purchase at the very beginning of April, could the golf course obtain a vehicle and have it working in a relatively short amount of time. Mr. Hammerschmidt stated they could. He explained that this was simply a matter of gathering the bids, and going through the normal bid process. Council Member Marty inquired if such matters had not come before the Council in the past. City Administrator Whiting explained that this type of purchase was not required to go through the Council, in that it is included in budget and procedurally, this is simply a matter of making the purchase. He indicated staff has the authority to approve such a purchase however, they realized that there may be some questions, and did not wish to proceed in the event there were some greater concerns. Council Member Marty inquired if the Council’s questions were answered at the next Work Session, could the truck be purchased the following day. Mr. Hammerschmidt stated this was correct.