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Richmond council authorizes surplus sales, mower purchase, hay-baling contract and pool computer upgrades
Summary
Council authorized sale of surplus equipment, purchased a commercial zero-turn mower for $10,978.56, awarded a hay-baling contract at $46 per bale, and approved replacement of pool computers and PCI-compliant credit card terminals (total $2,748) with a $348 line-item transfer; all votes were unanimous.
At its April 28 meeting the Richmond City Council approved several routine operational actions: authorization to sell surplus equipment, purchase of a replacement commercial zero-turn mower, award of a hay-baling contract, and replacement of pool computers and credit-card terminals to meet PCI requirements.
City Administrator Tonya Willim presented a list of surplus items scheduled for disposal under the FY26 budget and the city's Surplus Property Disposal Policy; any item estimated above $5,000 requires council approval. The items listed included municipal vehicles (2004 Ford F-150 animal control truck; 2015 Ford F-550 water crew truck; 2002 floater sludge truck; 2014 Dodge Charger and 2018 Ford Explorer police vehicles), various tractors and commercial mowers, multiple snow plows, playground components and lighting equipment. Councilor Barb Hardwick moved to approve the sale and disposal; the motion passed 6–0.
For equipment replacement, staff obtained three quotes for a commercial zero-turn mower to replace a 2016 unit used at the North Barn: Dorton's Tire (Bad Boy) $10,978.56; Nerds of Lexington (Bad Boy) $11,617.12; Ag-Power (John Deere) $11,700. Councilor Deanna Guy moved to purchase the Dorton's Tire Bad Boy mower for $10,978.56 and the council approved the purchase 6–0.
Bids were reopened for hay cutting and baling (RFP 07-2026) covering about 73 acres near the wastewater treatment plant and 5 acres at the cemetery. Bidders could submit per-bale pricing (bales not to exceed 1,600 pounds) or a lump sum; Perry Vandiver was the sole bidder at $46.00 per bale. Historically the site yields approximately 173–208 bales per season, but actual revenue depends on yield. The council awarded the bid 6–0.
Finance Director Ashley Bennett reported that all existing pool computers need replacement and that the current credit-card terminals are not PCI compliant, placing cardholder data at risk. Staff recommended purchasing three laptops, two PCI-compliant credit-card terminals, Ethernet installation and associated labor for a total cost of $2,748; the FY26 budget allocated $2,400 for two pool computers, so Bennett recommended covering the $348 difference via a transfer from the Training and Travel line item. Councilor Barb Hardwick moved to approve the purchase and the line-item transfer; the council approved the item 6–0.
There were no recorded public comments or objections on these agenda items.
