Utility board authorizes funds for two DPW dump trucks, excludes nonresponsive bidder

The Utility Board on June 2 authorized contributions from the utility vehicle and equipment replacement fund toward acquiring two Department of Public Works dump trucks, with funding language set to a not-to-exceed amount and an exclusion of a nonresponsive bidder.

Director of Public Works (as presented in the packet) requested the purchase citing fleet needs: one truck will replace a failed sludge truck at the wastewater plant and the other replaces an aging vehicle. The total acquisition package noted in the packet was $542,726 before snow-plow equipment; the request described a contribution of about $137,984 per utility (water and sanitary portions discussed separately). One bidder, WA Jones, was determined not to be responsive to bid specifications (including a mileage radius exception); the board directed exclusion of that bidder and moved to proceed with the responsive Trans Chicago proposal.

Members discussed that only one of the two trucks will carry snow-removal equipment; the snow-plow equipment cost (about $128,000 in the packet) may be covered from other funding sources and could reduce the requested contribution. Jeff Borjac said the replacements are routine within the vehicle replacement program and that the purchases will charge to fiscal 2027 budgets though acquisition occurs next year. The board approved the motion by roll call.

The board instructed staff to ensure proper bid documentation and to use the vehicle replacement fund for the purchases; staff will return any revised cost figures if snow-equipment funding changes the contribution amount.