Clute council unanimously authorizes surplus auction and approves joining purchasing cooperative

The Clute City Council voted unanimously to declare several pieces of city equipment surplus and to authorize disposal by public auction, and separately approved membership in a purchasing cooperative to obtain pre-negotiated pricing for goods and services.

On the surplus item, the council adopted Resolution No. 18-2026, authorizing GovDeals.com to sell equipment listed in the resolution. Items specifically described in the record included a 2012 Western Star garbage truck (identified in the packet as Unit 1318, described as not running) and two Toro mowers (a 60-inch Unit 1150 and a 72-inch Unit 1157, both described "as is" and not running). Council members said the city typically receives commissions from the auction service rather than incurring disposal charges.

Council members also considered a resolution identified in the record as a "791 purchasing cooperative" resolution (citing Texas Government Code Section 791.001). The cooperative was described as a vehicle for purchasing goods and services at pre-negotiated prices; council members cited similar arrangements the city already uses and said the new cooperative is run by former state employees. The council approved membership by unanimous vote.

Both votes were recorded as unanimous. The meeting recessed into an executive session under the Texas Government Code for consultation with the city attorney; upon return the chair said there was no action taken as a result of the closed session. Announcements closing the meeting included a joint public hearing on April 23 and National Police Week observances.

The council did not disclose additional budget implications or provide a full procurement schedule for cooperative use during the meeting; staff indicated the cooperative could be used for a broad range of goods and services and said they expect cost savings from aggregated purchasing.