Bolivar board approves refurbished recreation equipment purchase under budget

The Bolivar Board of Aldermen voted to approve staff recommendations to acquire refurbished fitness equipment for the municipal recreation center and to accept a one-year parts-and-labor warranty with an option to purchase two additional years.

Schrader, who presented the procurement plan, said the city would trade in four old treadmills and acquire four refurbished treadmills, two refurbished recumbent bikes and a climber through a longstanding vendor relationship. Schrader contrasted refurbished and new pricing, noting “the true treadmills ... they are 10,000 a piece” for new machines and that refurbishing lets the city “get a lot more equipment” within the budget. He also told the Board there is a one-year warranty on parts and labor with an option to buy up to two additional years at about $130 per unit.

Board members asked whether the purchase required a formal bidding process and whether it exceeded the city’s competitive-bid threshold. Staff said the vendor’s work is specialized and that, while bidding can be difficult for refurbished items, the acquisition threshold requires a vote. The board confirmed the purchase would remain within the recreation equipment appropriation.

An alderman moved to accept Schrader’s recommendations and add two years of maintenance coverage; the motion was seconded and approved by a voice vote. The mayor announced the motion carried.

The purchase was described in the meeting materials as intended to replace older equipment and extend the life of existing machines; staff said prior purchases of refurbished equipment have continued to be used after four years. The Board did not record a roll-call tally for the equipment motion, but the mayor declared the ayes had it and the recommendation was accepted.