Board approves invoices and recommends several equipment purchases to city council

The City of Monroe Board of Public Works on May 6 approved an invoice from Whitney Tree Service for $10,540 and voted to forward a string of equipment purchases and recommendations to the city council.

Wendy presented the Whitney Tree Service invoice of $10,540 for tree trimming and removals; the board approved the invoice on a roll-call vote.

Utility staff described a recommendation to purchase a 2014 Ford F-550 with plow and salter from the village of Monticello for $47,500 to replace the utility’s aging truck; both water and wastewater departments would split the cost. The utility supervisor said the truck is in good mechanical shape, comes with a V-plow and salter, and would prevent repeated calls to the street department for winter operations. The board approved the recommendation and will send the purchase to city council.

The board also considered a brush grapple for the wheel loader to improve handling of yard waste and storm debris. Quotes ranged from about $35,550 to $37,500; staff recommended the FabricCat option at $35,500 to be paid from stormwater utility funds. The board voted to forward that recommendation to council.

Street and equipment purchases for skid loaders were discussed next. Staff recommended a wheeled skid loader with trade from Sloan Implement for $39,700 and a track skid loader for $39,500 (also from Sloan Implement after trade). Both purchases were approved by the board and will be considered by the council. Staff said funds are available in the capital budget and stormwater accounts and that items over certain dollar thresholds are returned to council for final approval.

Next step: each recommended purchase will be scheduled for city council consideration; the Whitney invoice was approved for payment by the board.