The Elkhart County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 10 approved several procurement actions covering tree clearing, HVAC replacement and annual snowplow contracts.

County Attorney Steve Olson presented an independent contractor agreement for BAM Tree Service that incorporates standard contractual language (referenced as ordinance number 20 25-43 in the meeting transcript) and allows for task orders; the board approved the agreement unanimously. A related task order for tree clearing along the County Road 17 corridor was presented and approved; staff said the task order implements the previously awarded lowest-bidder selection for BAM Tree Service.

Joe Lightman of Buildings & Grounds recommended awarding the bid to replace two rooftop units on the sheriff’s administration building to DA Dodd in the amount of $230,208. Lightman said the existing units were sized incorrectly and the replacements will include variable-speed motors and VFD controls; staff indicated a service agreement and warranty are expected to prevent change orders. The board approved the award and contracting unanimously.

Sky Wagner of the Highway Department described the county’s annual snowplow-contractor program, noting 13 contractors will cover subdivisions and main roads. Subdivision drivers will be called when there are 2 inches of snow and are expected to finish routes within a maximum of 12 hours; subdivision contractor pay was stated as $105 per hour per truck and main-road contractor pay as $120 per hour. The board approved the snowplow contractor renewals unanimously.

Actions approved at the meeting were routine county procurements and included posting of contract documents where applicable and follow-up by departments to execute contracts and task orders.