City board tables $1.6M low bid for solid-waste truck wash, asks for full bid packages

The Forest Bridge City Board of Directors on Oct. 21 voted to table consideration of the low bid to build an automatic truck wash for the city’s solid-waste fleet, after members asked staff to provide all bid packages, the engineering estimate and a clear cost breakdown showing whether the washing equipment was included.

Board members said they support improved maintenance and safer working conditions for mechanics and drivers but wanted more information before committing roughly $1.6 million for the construction portion of the project.

At the meeting, Dwayne McDonald, a city solid-waste staff member, told the board the truck wash was approved in the December 2024 capital improvement program and that funds would come from the equipment sinking fund and solid-waste revenues. McDonald said the wash would replace the department’s current outdoor hose-and-brush cleaning and allow undercarriage and top-side cleaning, which staff said would reduce mud and debris tracked into neighborhoods and make mechanics’ work safer and more efficient.

City staff reported three bids were received for the construction work: a low bid “a little bit over $1,600,000,” a middle bid and a high bid of about $2,300,000. Most of the cost, staff said, stems from the reinforced concrete slab and utilities needed on an undeveloped site; the slab will be 8 inches thick, reinforced to support heavy-truck traffic. Staff estimated the facility’s expected lifespan at 20 to 30 years.

Board members and a public commenter asked whether the low bid included the washing equipment. McDonald and another staff member clarified the construction bid under consideration covers the building, slab and utilities only; the washing equipment had not yet been contracted. Staff estimated the equipment cost would be about $400,000 to $500,000 and said equipment procurement would return to the board for approval.

Several directors asked for the board to see the other bid proposals and the engineering estimate before proceeding. One director moved to table item 1D to allow time for staff to provide the requested materials; another director seconded. The motion carried on a roll-call vote with all members voting yes.

With the motion to table approved, the board later approved the remaining items on the consent agenda.

The board directed staff to return the truck-wash item with the full bid documents, the engineering estimate, and a total project cost that aggregates building, utilities and equipment for board review at a future meeting.