Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Procurement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Transit commission approves three-year uniform rental contract with Vestas
Summary
The Waukesha City Transit Commission approved a three-year rental agreement with incumbent vendor Vestas for shop uniforms and towels after staff said the bid will save about $500 the first year and overall raise three-year costs about 2%; commissioners noted federal procurement constraints but agreed the contract can be terminated if a better option emerges.
The Waukesha City Transit Commission on Dec. 4 approved a three-year rental agreement with Vestas for shop uniforms and towels, accepting staff’s recommendation after a staff presentation and discussion.
Staff member Brian said the city received two bids, rejected one and that the incumbent, Vestas, “provided really good service for us, and they really sharpen their pencil on their bid.” He told commissioners the first year would save about $500 compared with current prices, the second year would be roughly even and the third year would include an increase just under 11 percent, making the total three‑year cost just over $27,000 — about a 2 percent increase over current pricing.
Commissioners questioned whether mechanics are city employees and whether the city effectively pays for uniforms. Commissioner Eric Fan asked whether mechanics are city employees; Brian replied they are “part of the management team” and that under the current arrangements the city ultimately pays many of those service costs. Commissioners discussed options to consolidate uniform services across departments to seek savings.
Several members raised a procurement timing concern tied to federal rules. Brian said the federal procurement rules prevent piggybacking onto an existing federally funded contract and explained that the city’s contracts carry a termination‑for‑convenience clause that would allow the city to exit the Vestas agreement if a better option emerges later.
A motion to approve the Vestas contract was moved and seconded and carried on recorded affirmations in the meeting (all members recorded as voting “aye” in the transcript).
The commission asked staff to continue discussions with the City Garage and other departments to evaluate whether future bundling or re‑bidding could yield additional savings. The motion passed and the commission moved to the next agenda item.
