The Drains department is responsible for maintaining 144 miles of open ditch. The process of burning and cutting back the weeds and brush that grows along the ditches and bike paths is very time consuming and labor intensive.

We estimate a 25% reduction in the labor time required to maintain these areas in the City. This represents a savings of approximately $15,584 per year or allowing us reallocate approximately 500 hours of labor to other projects.

In determining the type of equipment to purchase for this purpose, I looked at several different options that were considerably more expensive and required the purchase of a tractor that would be dedicated to this purpose. This Tiger boom mower requires one of our existing loaders, with some minor modifications, as the transport mechanism. The mower can be removed and the loader restored to its normal use as needed.

In sourcing the vehicle, if approved, the City would be using the joinder provision allowed under NRS 332.195 and purchasing the vehicle utilizing the Houston-Galveston Area Council (HGAC) contract with Tiger/MME for the same equipment.  Utilizing the “joinder” provision allows the City to precisely define the vehicle needed while foregoing the need to formally bid the item.

1. Council could approve this purchase as outlined by staff.

2. Council could deny this purchase.

3. Council could direct staff to provide alternatives to this purchase.

I move to approve the purchase of one Tiger Boom Mower from Tiger/Municipal Maintenance Equipment in the amount of $73,580.