Story posted Thursday, November 19, 2009
New Street Sweeper, Yes; New Garbage Truck, No
Rolling Meadows aldermen on Tuesday, Nov. 17, approved the purchase of a new street sweeper, but denied the purchase of a new garbage truck.
The public works department asked for the two new vehicles to replace ones that are reaching the end of their usable life. The existing sweeper, a 2001 Geo Vac, was purchased for $140,145 and has an estimated trade-in value of $20,000. The current refuse truck is a 2002 Sterling chassis with a Leach body bought for $120,000.
Public Works Director Fred Vogt told aldermen he expects the vehicles would need a lot of rehabilitation to keep them on the road. He estimated repair costs of $10,000 to $15,000 for the garbage truck and between $80,000 and $90,000 for the sweeper. "It would be in your best interest to strongly consider these vehicles at this time," he said. "If the council is not comfortable with replacing both vehicles... we would strongly encourage consideration for purchase of the sweeper."
Ald. Barb Lusk (2nd) questioned if the city could outsource the sweeper functions, but Vogt explained it would cost about $65,000 a year to keep the same level of service.
Bob Hartnett, assistant director of public works further described the condition of the sweeper. "The debris body is rusting out. The side brooms: the operation of those is pretty poor," he said. "Underneath the machine there's a large broom assembly and suction head. That is completely falling apart. We're hoping it makes it through this leaf season."
Ald. Jim Larsen (7th) said he and Ald. Larry Buske (3rd) recently inspected the two vehicles. "You're running out of metal to weld," he said, explaining how there was not enough left of the body to make repairs to the sweeper. "I'm in favor of making these purchases."
Lusk pointed out to Vogt he indicated he could make the garbage truck last another year with repairs. She then asked if he could make it last for two years.
"With enough money, we can make anything last," Vogt replied.
Buske also asked Vogt if he has investigated privatizing the garbage collection.
"We've had some very preliminary discussions," Vogt said. Several of the aldermen encouraged him to obtain information and bring numbers to a future meeting.
Aldermen approved the purchase of the sweeper unanimously. They rejected the refuse truck by a vote of 6–1 with Larsen in the minority.
The city will buy the sweeper, an Elgin with a 2009 UD chassis, from Standard Equipment in Chicago at a price of $184,011 with a trade-in allowance of $19,750.
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