Board approves purchase of forklift for wastewater division

The Board of Public Works voted Feb. 17 to approve the purchase of a new forklift for the wastewater division to handle palletized supplies and outgoing equipment repairs.

Mark Cavella, wastewater superintendent, told the board the division has no forklift and frequently needs to borrow or rent one to move polymer barrels, hydraulic oil, gear lube, magnesium hydroxide bags and replacement parts. "The wastewater division currently has no forklift," Cavella said. He recommended buying a new Bobcat g 30 m dash 7 from Walter Group for $32,935 and said funding will come from wastewater utility user fees rather than the city's tax base.

Cavella told the board staff obtained quotes from three central Wisconsin forklift dealerships and reviewed a Sourcewell option, comparing new and used machines before selecting the Bobcat model as the most cost-effective choice. He said the department determined it needed a forklift with a 6,000-pound lift capacity and a 44-inch reach. Cavella cited features including a disc brake system, a 50-hour complimentary servicing, and built-in warning systems for low fuel or LP levels as part of the selection rationale.

A motion to approve the purchase was made and seconded; the board voted by voice and the motion carried. The superintendent noted the city's Capital Improvement Plan listed the purchase as a 2025 item and estimated cost at $40,000, meaning the approved purchase price is lower than the CIP estimate.

Board members asked questions about vendor comparisons and warranty differences; Cavella said the models looked similar overall but cited the warranty and known brand reliability as deciding factors. The approval moves procurement forward; the board did not record a roll-call tally in the meeting record beyond a voice vote.

The next agenda item was a sanitary sewer lining presentation by wastewater staff.