Trappe council approves ARPA purchase of two public-works trucks and orders RFPs for infrastructure work

Trappe — The Trappe Town Council voted unanimously Aug. 7 to use American Rescue Plan Act funds to purchase two public-works trucks and to seek proposals for several infrastructure projects.

In a motion approved during the regular meeting, the council authorized purchasing a 2024 3500 Chevy Silverado 4WD with utility bed and snow plow (quote 1) and a 2024 2500 Chevy Silverado 4WD with utility bed (quote 3) from vendor IG Burton, with a maximum combined purchase price set at $150,000. President Schmidt said he will inquire about changing the 3500’s bed to a regular bed. The council directed that ARPA funds be used for the expense.

Administrator Erin Braband presented the vehicle quotes during a prior workshop and recommended the purchases. "We reviewed seven quotes and the consensus was to purchase both trucks from IG Burton," Braband told the council during the workshop.

The council also instructed Town Attorney Lyndsey Ryan to prepare requests for proposals to: inspect all town sewer mains by camera and to procure new water meters and radio-read components, citing projected costs that exceed simple quote thresholds. The council further asked Braband to obtain pricing to install fencing and cameras at the town’s wellhouses, water tower and treatment plant to address security concerns.

Council members emphasized the need to manage project scope and cost. No dollar amounts were specified for the sewer inspection, meter replacement or security work beyond the previously noted vehicle budget.

The motions to move forward with the purchases and to authorize the RFPs passed unanimously.