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Board approves purchase of VersaLift bucket truck, staff cites longer boom and protection options
Summary
After comparing two bids, the board approved buying a VersaLift bucket truck with options including a longer boom and window/hood guards. Staff said the selected options justify the roughly $30,000 price difference because they protect equipment and extend capability.
The Board of Public Works and Utilities approved the purchase of a VersaLift bucket truck and associated upfits, with staff recommending the higher-scoring VersaLift proposal over an Altec bid.
Staff presented a scored bid comparison and said the VersaLift scored 1,190 points versus 1,170 for Altec. "Part of the reason is, it is a better window and hood guard. It is more expensive to add that item, but we feel that we'll have this vehicle for 20 plus years, and that will really help protect the vehicle," said Jared Holter.
Staff summarized that the base chassis plus options and painting would bring total costs to about $240,000 after adding approximately $60,000 for the cabin chassis add-on; the packet showed the recommended purchase price as $180,075 for the upfitted unit and that overall the purchase is under the budgeted $253,000.
Board members questioned the roughly $30,000 difference between the bids. Holter said about $20,000 of the delta is for protective features (hood/window guards and tool trays) and an extra boom length (five additional feet) that Altec did not offer. He also noted an extra year of warranty included for about $3,000. "So just those options there are about 20,000 of the difference or better right there," Holter said, adding the extended boom helps for urban forestry work and holiday tree placement.
Alder Dan Stevens expressed fiduciary caution during discussion but said staff historically recommend the lowest bid only when appropriate and he was comfortable proceeding. The motion to approve was seconded by Alder Sabrina Steger and passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition.
The packet lists warranty and option details; staff said they expect the truck to serve the city for roughly 20 years. Exact delivery and upfit schedule were not provided in the meeting.
