Council schedules special meeting to consider landfill dozer purchase and uniform contracts after landfill director says fund can cover cost

Reginald (Reggie) Wilson, director overseeing landfill operations, presented a request to purchase a used 716 dozer priced at $112,000 and to award a five‑year uniform contract for landfill staff. Wilson and landfill engineer Philip Fields told the council the landfill fund would pay for the equipment and that a pending contaminated‑soils project could bring roughly 15,000 tons at about $35/ton, producing revenue to cover the purchase.

Wilson said the landfill now meets state inspection requirements and noted historic problems in 2023 when the city was under a consent administrative order; staff argued that backup heavy equipment is now required by regulation and is necessary to maintain compliance. The packet included loan/payment options: 48‑month payments of roughly $2,715 or 60 months at $2,236; staff said the landfill could likely pay the balance sooner depending on revenue inflows.

Some council members expressed concern about the city’s overall financial position and requested a landfill account summary before voting. Staff agreed to circulate an account statement for review. Because the vendor was holding equipment and the ordinance to waive competitive bidding was already drafted, council scheduled a special meeting for Thursday at 4:30 p.m. to allow a prompt vote if finances check out.

No final purchase vote occurred at the meeting; the council directed staff to prepare documentation and return the ordinance and financial summary for the special meeting.