Council approves Public Works purchases for shelters, equipment and crosswalks

The Superior Common Council approved six recommendations from the Public Works Committee on Aug. 19, authorizing procurement and infrastructure projects the committee recommended at its Aug. 7 meeting.

The approved items include a contract award to Hovland Concrete Masonry Design for bus stop shelter improvements using federal grant dollars administered through the Duluth Transit Authority; purchase of two solar-powered mixers for the city water treatment facility; acquisition of a John Deere cab utility tractor to support roadside and ditch work; purchase of a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV crew cab work truck being offered at a discount; authorization to buy a work chassis truck with dump box, crane and plow attachments; and installation of pedestrian crosswalks near Hayes B Court and Hayes E Court/Cross Hill Avenue to improve neighborhood connectivity.

The Public Works Committee reported the solar mixers have already demonstrated improved mixing and lifecycle cost savings where they have been used, and the two new units are expected to reduce pump electricity usage for the treatment process. Director Todd Janigo confirmed the John Deere tractor was selected from products available on the Wisconsin State Vendor Net, which permits purchases from pre-bid state contracts.

Councilor Moffitt moved to approve the committee’s recommendations; Councilor Ladin seconded. The council took a voice vote and the motion carried.

Councilors emphasized the neighborhood safety rationale for the new crosswalks and noted that several purchases were made now because discounted vehicles were available and fleet units were reaching the end of useful service.