This request is for the purchase of a new need to increase the efficiency of storm drain channel maintenance performed by Public Works Maintenace. Drains maintenance performs a lot of work in maintaining the open ditches that feed the City’s drainage system. These ditches accumulate debris and can be damaged during storm events.  A large tracked excavator was identified as a fiscal year 2020 new need to perform this maintenance in a timely and efficient manner.

This excavator has nearly twice the capacity of existing equipment utilized by maintenance staff. Another advantage of a larger machine is the distance that the arm can reach which will reduce the time spent repositioning for access thus increasing efficiency.

The Link Belt excavator was chosen for this task due to the company’s reputation for producing quality equipment and that the equipment size meets our specification for transporting on existing flat bed trailers within the maintenance fleet.

In sourcing this equipment, if approved, the City would be using the joinder provision allowed under NRS 332.195, and purchasing this vehicle utilizing the Houston Galveston Area Council (HGAC) bid. The HGAC buy program represents a high volume and government pricing for vehicle purchases. Utilizing the “joinder” provision allows the City to precisely define the vehicles needed while foregoing the need to formally bid the item.

The $204,622.51 expenditure will allow Equipment Services to purchase this fleet equipment with an appropriate machine as needed for field work in Drains maintenance.

1. City Council may approve the expenditure as presented by staff.
2. City Council may reject the expenditure and provide direction to the City Manager.

I move to approve an expenditure of $204,622.51 to purchase one Linkbelt 145X4 Spin Ace excavator and related accessories from Bane Machinery, Inc/Shafer Equipment Company.