Council differs on purchase of snow equipment

     There were some differences of opinion among the Monticello City Council when it came to a purchase proposal from Parks and Recreation Director Jacob Oswald and Public Works Director Nick Kahler.

     The current snow blower both departments utilize is 11 years old. Unfortunately, it does not operate well on the toolcat or skid loader.

     “We can’t utilize the electric components,” said Oswald.

     The cost to fabricate the snow blower to make it usable on both pieces of equipment is around $2,000.

     Or, the snow blower could be traded in at a cost of $1,750.

     Oswald also sought a quote for a new snow blower for $6,179.05. This piece of equipment also comes with a blade, which would only aid in the removal of heavier/blowing snow.

     “It would be more effective to push snow back in parking lots, on sidewalks, and trails, particularly when we have this much snow already on the ground,” Oswald offered in his explanation to the council.

     Oswald currently uses a broom attached to either the toolcat or skid loader to assist Public Works in their winter cleanup downtown.

     “It works without (snow) build-up,” he said. “But for deep snow, we turn to the blower.”

     Parks and Rec requested permission from the council to purchase the new blower ($4,632.94 with trade-in) and blade ($1,797.40), for a total cost of $6,420.36.

     “It’ll require the purchase of both (pieces of equipment) to continue to snow removal,” Oswald said.

     Council member Dave Goedken asked why the city would trade in the 11-year-old blower for just $1,700 when it’s not worn out yet.

     “We haven’t used it since Diz (Edwards, a former Public Works director) was here,” Kahler said of just how long it’s been sitting unused.

     Council member Tom Yeoman asked where the funding would come to cover the cost of the purchase. City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen said because Parks and Rec chose to lease the Bobcat rather than purchase it, there is money in their departmental budget.

     “But it’ll be tight,” she commented.

     The council voted 4-2 in favor of the purchase. Council members Goedken and Brenda Hanken were opposed.

     “Do you need to purchase it now or can it wait until the end of winter?” questioned Hanken.

     “This deal won’t get any better,” Oswald said of the cost. “It’s a need.”

     Goedken said the purchase should be held off until Parks and Rec or Public Works explores whether someone could fabricate the blower to work with the toolcat and/or skid loader.

     “We should not be jerry-rigging something,” commented Yeoman. “We’ll regret it later. We need updated equipment.”

     “There is nothing wrong with an 11-year-old blower just because it’s not used much,” said Goedken. “If we’re going to spend $6,000, we need to look into it more and utilize what we have.”