Valdosta council approves vehicle purchases, pump rehab, radios and transit extension; several bids pass by acclamation

Valdosta Mayor and council approved a series of procurement and contract items during its special call meeting, including municipal vehicles, water-plant repairs, a design amendment and portable radios for emergency responders. Several motions passed by acclamation or by show of hands.

Votes at a glance

- Minutes: Approved minutes from Dec. 19 and Jan. 9 (approved by acclamation). - Bucket truck: Approved purchase of a replacement bucket truck to replace a 22-year-old unit; staff recommended the low responsive bid from Alan J. Fleet in the amount stated in the meeting, $158,590 (approved by show of hands). - Crew cab service truck: Approved purchase to replace a 30-year-old school-bus-based vehicle; staff recommended the low bid to Fill Brandon Ford for $74,616 (approved by show of hands). - Fire SUVs: Approved purchase of two Tahoe-style SUVs for the Fire Department to replace a 19-year-old Ford Expedition and a 22-year-old F-350; staff stated the vendor price as $109,174 each (both budgeted and over-budget amounts referenced; approved by show of hands). - High-service pump rehabilitation: Approved rehabilitation of Pump No. 4 at the Guest Road Water Treatment Plant to Road Well Drilling (single sealed bid) for $134,000 (budgeted at $135,000; approved by show of hands). - Belt filter press design amendment: Approved an additional…