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Last updated on Thursday, May 17, 2012
(MITCHELL) - The city of Mitchell accepted bids to purchase a new heavy duty truck for the water and sewer department at the Board of Public Works and Safety meeting.
Krystal Shetler of the Times-Mail reports that the board reviewed three bids, two from John Jones Auto Group for a Dodge Ram and a Chevrolet Silverado and a bid submitted by Bedford Ford on an F-550 diesel truck for $55,312.32.The board accepted the bid from Bedford Ford.
The truck will haul the city's jet machine, perform plowing duties and be a multi-function vehicle for the city.
Forty percent of its cost will be paid from the city's water funds, and 60 percent of it will come from the sewer department funds. Both departments are self-supporting from user fees. The truck that water and sewer superintendent Tyler Duncan uses now will be given to the street department.
In other business:
* Street Commissioner Larry Harris explained that three air conditioners are charged with cooling the community building, which is rented out for banquets, receptions and other special occasions.
One unit was replaced about five years ago. The remaining two units are on their last legs, Harris reported, and need to be replaced immediately. The air compressor on one unit is locked up, and the other unit is leaking profusely.
Harris obtained estimates from Edwards Heating and Cooling and Bailey's Heating and Cooling, both Mitchell heating and air conditioning contractors. He took two bids from each contractor for the purchase and installation of two 15-seer units and two 13-seer units. Harris noted the 15-seer units are more efficient, but more expensive.
Edwards, using a Trane system, said it would install the 15-seer units for $13,177.74 or the 13-seer units for $10,890.74.
Bailey's, opting for Tempstar, would install the 15-seer units for $13,178 and the 13-seer units for $10,875.
The prices were close between the contractors. However, Harris noted, Edwards would complete the installation before graduation weekend, May 25-28, which is when the city has the community building rented out every single day.
George James, city clerk-treasurer, said the community building is reserved for Saturday and every weekend after that through the month of June.
The money, James said, would come out of the city's Rainy Day Fund, but an additional appropriation may have to be OK'd by the city council at a later date to cover the cost.
Board members Everett Ferrel and Terry Slone said they would like to investigate the efficiency and price of the models before making a decision. They decided to have a special meeting at 4 p.m. Thursday to make the final decision, which will give them 48 hours to research options.
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