Infrastructure committee approves multiple equipment purchases and issues RFPs for road, recycling and field leases
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Summary
Vernon County's Infrastructure Committee approved purchases of roadside and recycling equipment, selected vendors for a chipper and brush head, set RFPs for materials and a crop-field lease, and deferred the municipal solid-waste contract until hauler agreements are finalized.
Viroqua — The Vernon County Infrastructure Committee approved several equipment purchases and procurement steps during its February meeting, voting on quotes for a new chipper and rec truck, selecting a brush-mulching head for an excavator, and authorizing a crop-field lease RFP. Committee members also deferred final action on municipal solid-waste agreements until proposed hauler contracts are completed.
Highway department staff presented bids for a new chipper and two comparable models. The committee approved the purchase of a Vermeer diesel chipper at $50,241 after discussion about parts commonality and local support; the Brush Bandit diesel bid was $46,079.75. Committee members said the Vermeer’s parts compatibility with existing county units and dealer support justified the roughly $3,261 price difference.
The committee approved a universal rec truck bid from Universal for $207,645 rather than a Monroe bid of $220,021 and approved a proposed hydroseeder purchase plan (specification to be finalized). For roadside vegetation management, staff recommended a drum-style mulching head instead of a rotary head; the committee selected a Swiderski/Loftness drum-style unit with a base installed price around $40,000 (plus possible add-ons for cab guard and case drain) rather than more expensive alternatives.
Other routine actions: the committee approved bridge, road and crop-field grant and aid payments (bridal aids totaling $10,373.44 reported for various town roads), approved standard RFPs for asphalt, paving, chip seal oil and winter materials, and authorized the county’s crop-field lease RFP (approximately 19 acres) with a bid opening date set for March 11, 2025.
On municipal contracts for solid waste, staff shared a draft municipal agreement (language that would require municipalities to "direct" residential solid waste to the Vernon County Landfill). Committee members discussed fee schedules, mattress recycling and tire fees and the need to finalize hauler contracts before completing the municipal contract. The committee voted to hold the municipal contract item until the hauler agreements are ready for consideration.
Votes at a glance - January 9 minutes: approved (motion by Charlie; second by Paul). - Bridal aid payments: approved (motions and roll call recorded in minutes). - Chipper purchase: approved — Vermeer diesel chipper selected (motion by Paul; second and committee vote recorded as passed). - Universal rec truck: approved (motion by Martha; second by Paul; passed). - Brush-mulcher head: approved — Swiderski/Loftness drum-style head selected (motion by Martha; second; passed). - Set RFPs for asphalt/paving/chip seal and materials: approved. - Crop-field lease RFP (approx. 19 acres) authorized; bids to open March 11, 2025: approved. - Municipal solid-waste agreement: held to next month pending hauler contracts.
County staff said several purchases fit the department's preferred standard specifications to reduce maintenance and parts costs. Committee members asked staff to provide final contract terms, price confirmations and financial approvals in follow-up packets prior to final purchase orders.
