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Board elevates front-end loader to top fleet priority, advances truck procurements
Summary
Public Works revised the 2026–27 fleet capital priorities to make a Volvo L90H front-end loader the top replacement ($270,000), approved procurement approaches for dump trucks, and granted a bid waiver request for a $225,000 vacuum litter truck funded by the Nipper Fund.
The Board of Public Works voted to revise its 2026–27 fleet capital program to prioritize replacement of a front-end loader, reflecting repeated equipment failures and limited rental availability. Fleet manager Jim DiVagilio (introduced by Director Ray Robesinski) told commissioners that existing loaders were obsolete and that rental options are scarce and costly; staff estimated a replacement loader at about $270,000 and said delivery would likely be six to eight months if ordered.
Commissioners approved a motion to add a Volvo L90H loader as the department’s No. 1 fleet replacement priority and to seek Board of Finance support to fund procurement before formal budget adoption. The motion also requested that purchasing expedite procurement using cooperative contracts.
The board also addressed two classes of dump trucks. Staff said one six-wheel truck ordered more than a year ago is delayed at the body-builder stage and could be delivered by April if the current vendor completes fabrication; a 10-wheel truck bid was expected to result in later delivery unless a different bidder can meet schedule requirements. The board approved proceeding with the recommended procurement path to minimize further delays.
Separately, the board approved a bid waiver to purchase a vacuum litter-collection truck (model DCL 500 SM by ODB Inc.) for $225,000 using Nipper Fund dollars. The board authorized the director to write a letter to the Board of Finance supporting the waiver, noting the vehicle specification and that Nipper Fund monies (state-derived) will cover the cost.
Staff also discussed fleet vacancies (mechanic and mechanic-helper positions), active recruitment steps and plans to pay for CDL training when needed. Commissioners asked for follow-up on trade-in opportunities to reduce net replacement costs and supported scheduling a workshop to review organizational staffing and job descriptions tied to the capital program.
