Clearlake council approves $208,814.37 excavator purchase for public works

The Clearlake City Council voted unanimously on July 6 to approve the purchase of a Caterpillar 309 excavator for the Department of Public Works for $208,814.37 through a Sourcewell cooperative agreement.

Director Labo described the equipment and attachments, saying the excavator will help with ditch cleaning, excavation, roadside maintenance and vegetation management to reduce fire risk. "The purchase of the excavator will allow the staff to be more efficient in the performance of these tasks and emergency repair work as well as vegetation management for fire risk reduction," Labo said.

Staff said operator training is included with the purchase and that funding will come from Measure B funds and gas tax dollars. Councilmember Kramer moved to approve the lease/purchase and authorize the city manager to sign; Vice Mayor Claffey seconded and the motion passed unanimously.