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Ashwaubenon board authorizes advanced ordering for 2026–27 public‑works fleet amid long lead times
Summary
The board authorized staff to solicit bids and execute contracts to secure tandem‑axle plow trucks and a side‑load garbage truck for 2026–2027 to accommodate extended manufacturer lead times; staff noted a roughly 32‑month lead time on some garbage trucks.
The Village Board on Jan. 28 authorized staff to proceed with specifications, bidding and execution of contracts for several Public Works fleet vehicles needed in 2026 and 2027, citing extended manufacturer lead times for commercial chassis and bodies.
Public Works Director Brian Rickert outlined the request: the village plans to replace two tandem‑axle plow trucks (one replacing an existing tandem and one replacing an older grader) and to order a side‑load garbage truck. Rickert said the village previously ordered a garbage truck in the third quarter of 2022 and still has not received it; current industry lead times for that vehicle class are about 32 months. To avoid service gaps, staff asked the board to authorize issuing specifications, accepting bids, and awarding to the lowest responsible bidder while scheduling delivery and payment in 2026 and 2027.
The board discussed chassis and body options; Rickert said staff will specify performance requirements (engine, transmission, capacity, cycle times) rather than a single make or model to permit competition among manufacturers and ensure compatibility with village maintenance practices. He noted a prior move away from cab‑over chassis to commercial chassis to broaden vendor options. The board also discussed the village’s reduced reliance on graders; staff said a loader and tandem‑axle plow trucks will meet operational needs and that specialized scraping equipment can be acquired if a hard ice pack requires it.
Trustees asked about price stability and whether an order placed in 2025 guarantees a model‑year price two years later. Rickert said manufacturers sometimes apply model‑year upcharges and that contracts generally include provisions to manage price and delivery changes; he said the largest model‑year upcharge seen recently was about $6,000 but that vehicle vendors and buyers have mutual contract protections.
The board approved the request to proceed. The resolution authorizes staff to solicit bids and execute contracts for the specified 2026–27 fleet replacements; staff will write payment schedules that require payments in the delivery year. The transcript records the motion and a majority vote in favor; no individual dissent was recorded on this item.
Clarifying details from the discussion include: intended replacements (two tandem‑axle plow trucks and one side‑load garbage truck), the rationale (protect village services amid long lead times), and the current estimated lead time for a side‑load garbage truck (about 32 months). Staff will return with bid results and recommended award(s) to the Village Board for final contract approvals and will manage contract terms for model‑year and specification changes.
