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Trustees and staff debate ditch‑bank flail mower and other equipment; grant funds available for roads
Summary
Trustees reviewed options for a flail mower (brands, offset types and sizes), discussed costs including shipping, and considered grant balances and bids; questions focused on fit with existing tractors, expected use, and whether to buy a mid‑size 62/72‑inch unit or a larger model.
Trustees and staff discussed purchasing vegetation‑management equipment, focusing primarily on a commercial flail mower (used to cut ditch banks and saplings). Participants compared brands and configurations — including imported Del Marino units and U.S. models branded Ibex — and reviewed three size options. One participant said the Ibex unit “is actually a Del Marino rebrand” and observed it was about $4,000 cheaper in one quoted listing.
Speakers noted three offset styles: non‑offset (centered behind the tractor), single offset (side shift), and dual offset (arm that laterally extends and rotates). Discussion concentrated on a mid‑size model described as a 62‑inch cut (72‑inch overall), which staff said would better fit the town’s 6‑foot wheelbase tractors than very large 94‑inch units that could be unsafe.
Trustees weighed whether the town should spend roughly $11,000 (vendor quotes varied and shipping added cost) for a commercial flail mower or instead purchase smaller tools such as brush saws and chainsaws. One speaker noted the mower would see frequent use across town maintenance tasks and that grant funding had been budgeted to support equipment purchases.
Budget figures cited during the conversation included an itemized grant balance and the amount budgeted with the grant application: “in the grand budget For the plan … we have $12,006.99,” and staff later said about $19,006.35 remained in a particular roads grant (transcript quotes multiple numeric figures across the discussion). Staff reminded trustees they have until next year to finalize purchases tied to some grant funds, but also said “we need this now” in reference to the equipment for roadside maintenance.
Other vehicle and equipment purchases were discussed in the same period: tractor and trailer procurement tied to grant reimbursements, mower deck and model choices (carburetor versus fuel‑injected engines), and the prospect of trade‑in or proceeds from sold equipment to offset costs. The transcript records further follow‑up items: staff to confirm exact shipping costs, delivery timelines and to reconcile quoted prices with the grant balance before the board makes a purchase decision.
