Financial Affairs Committee approves three-year uniform contract with Vestas

The Wauwatosa City Financial Affairs Committee on May 13, 2025, authorized the City to execute a three-year contract with Vestas for uniform and mat rental and laundering services for the Department of Public Works and the police department, at $15,000 per year with two optional one-year renewals.

Christine Kilsdong, business manager for the Department of Public Works, told the committee the city issued a request for proposals to secure longer-term pricing and that "Vestas submitted the lowest bid, and they offer pricing through the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing agreement under a multiyear contract." She said the award would include a dedicated route driver and expand service to include uniforms for the fire department mechanic, with deliveries to the fire station.

Kilsdong said the contract is expected to produce cost savings compared with the current year-to-year arrangement. "Based on the pricing provided by Vestas and their RFP response, the city anticipates a total cost reduction of approximately $10,000 compared to our current budgeted expenditures," she said, and staff will perform an inventory reevaluation at the start of the contract. She also noted the actual annual cost may vary depending on the quantity of mats and uniforms.

Alder Lewis moved to approve the staff recommendation; Alder Gustafson seconded. The committee voted 5-0 to approve the contract authorization.

The contract will be executed through the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing agreement, and staff said the anticipated savings will be reflected in the upcoming annual budget process.