Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Works Capital topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Public Works to buy Vermeer RTX‑450 trencher to speed fiber and neighborhood work
Summary
The city approved purchase of a Vermeer RTX‑450 trencher for $68,000 to replace an aging machine that is too large for denser new subdivisions; council noted the current unit is surplus and likely to be auctioned.
Public Works presented a planned capital purchase for a Vermeer RTX‑450 trencher at a cost of $68,000, citing difficulties using an older 1998‑model trencher in tighter, denser neighborhoods and the need to accelerate fiber installations and reduce disruptive excavation by backhoes.
Director said the new machine is appropriately sized for contemporary subdivision lots, more reliable and would reduce restoration time compared with using excavators in tight spaces. Council discussed resale potential for the existing machine (estimates ranged in the low thousands) and whether to buy new or used; the motion to buy the Vermeer for $68,000 passed on roll call.
Staff indicated the old trencher would be surplus‑sold, and the new unit should improve efficiency for fiber and utility trenching projects.
