Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Fleet And Road Projects topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee approves $57,068 rehab for 2009 tandem snowplow; officials outline fleet storage plan and road project updates
Summary
The committee approved $57,068 to rehab a 2009 tandem snowplow truck as a cost-saving alternative to buying a new vehicle. Highway staff also briefed members on ongoing road projects, utility relocations that may delay work, and plans to request design-build bids for a storage building to keep equipment inside.
The Animal Control, Highway and Transit Committee approved spending $57,068 to rehabilitate a 2009 tandem snowplow truck and heard updates on multiple road-construction projects and a proposed equipment storage building.
County highway staff told the committee that a fully new tandem truck would cost roughly $360,000 and that a targeted rehab would restore the 2009 truck for winter service at a fraction of that price. Staff said they solicited three bids for the work; Monroe Equipment quoted $62,190 and a Kankakee-area vendor quoted $57,068. "We do have this money available in our equipment line item, and we are looking to move forward with that repair on that truck so we can keep another truck in place that's not $360,000," the staff member said.
Committee members asked about fleet size and maintenance plans. Staff reported the county has eight drivers and expects to operate nine tandem trucks and one single-axle truck once current purchases and sales are completed. Staff said the truck targeted for rehab has under 100,000 miles and that prior mechanical work (hoist and pump replacements) makes it a suitable candidate for blasting, painting and box/spreader repairs expected to extend useful service for roughly seven years.
The committee approved the $57,068 repair contract by voice vote; a committee member noted proceeds from selling one of the older trucks will offset much of the expense. Staff also said they will seek requests for qualifications for a modest, insulated pole-building storage facility with overhead doors and spray-foam insulation to keep large equipment out of the elements.
Members received project updates: Gorman Road widening and ditching is mobilized but completion depends on telecommunication and electric utility relocations by AT&T and ComEd; Cheryl Road is near final paving but rain has delayed final surface work and striping; engineering fees for McKeeverly and Manuka appeared in claims and continuing work is in design phases. Staff said they will continue to press utilities to complete relocations so paving and final ditching can be finished this season.
Staff also noted plans to post an RFQ for the storage building design-build work and to pursue grant opportunities for safety improvements; staff will report back with schedules and formal procurement documents.
