Suamico board approves purchase of Elgin Pelican street sweeper using stormwater/Monsanto settlement funds, 6–1

The Village of Suamico Board on Oct. 6 approved the purchase of an Elgin Pelican mechanical street sweeper from McQueen Group Sales and Service for a price not to exceed $305,000, to be funded from the stormwater account (money originating from a Monsanto settlement). The motion passed 6–1; Trustee Romas voted Nay.

Why it matters: Public Works Director Smith said owning a mechanical-style sweeper offers lower long-term maintenance costs than the air/vacuum style, though the vacuum models pick up finer material and can clean inlets. The village plans to use stormwater funds (the meeting referenced approximately $332,000 received from the Monsanto settlement in 2023) to cover the purchase.

Discussion highlights and technical details: Director Smith described the Elgin Pelican as a mechanical sweeper with a front hopper and said the village budgeted for a sweeper in 2025. Key operational and lifecycle details discussed in the meeting: - Expected annual usage: roughly 120–160 hours (two weeks in spring and two weeks in fall as a baseline; actual hours vary with storms, development debris and special cleanup needs). - Expected useful life: village staff estimated equipment life of about 18–20 years; used/refurbished options exist but carry uncertainty. - Maintenance examples: rear broom replacement estimated at about $1,200 and expected roughly every other year; vacuum/air machines incur higher ongoing maintenance costs for fans and related components. - Staffing: Public Works intends to operate the sweeper using current staff without expected overtime; the village also currently contracts sweeping but faces timing constraints and limited availability from private vendors.

Funding and budget: Director Smith said the stormwater fund will pay for the purchase and that settlement funds from Monsanto were deposited into that account. Trustee discussion noted the settlement balance of about $332,000 and that the purchase would use a large portion of that one‑time funding; trustees asked whether there is a deadline to spend those funds and were told none was identified during the meeting.

Board action and vote: Trustee Andrews moved to approve the purchase using stormwater funds (Monsanto settlement); Trustee Eckert seconded. Roll call: Trustees Stevens, Andrews, Eckert, McKeefree, Neto and President Van Razon voted Aye; Trustee Romas voted Nay. Motion carried 6–1.

Next steps and possible follow-up: staff will include the sweeper in equipment-replacement planning, confirm fuel and drivetrain options, and continue exploring shared-service or rental alternatives. Trustees suggested staff consider shared-service opportunities or potential fee-based outside work; staff said some neighboring schedules limit sharing.