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North Bay City Council has approved a $1-million contract with a local company for the purchase of three tandem snow plow trucks.
According to the associated staff report, with three of the City of North Bay's oldest trucks having exceeded their established fleet life cycle, they are due for replacement.
"Maintaining aged plow trucks is not cost-effective and increased downtime can be expected due to parts availability and frequent repairs on aged equipment," reads the rationale from staff in recommending the award of the contract to 930098 Ontario Limited o/a Freightliner North Bay.
Coun. Chris Mayne, who heads Council's infrastructure and operations committee said he was "pleased to see this coming forward and that, again, based on a competitive process we are able to support a local supplier."
The City's Roads Department uses large plow and sander trucks for clearing roadways to meet minimum maintenance standards and they are also used year-round for road maintenance, material hauling and other duties.
"The dependability of these trucks is critical to providing winter maintenance service and supporting capital projects," according to the report.
The fleet replacement plan ensures dependable trucks are operational, thereby reducing maintenance costs.
"Costs to maintain aged plow trucks continue to climb annually and ensuring a rotation of new vehicles and equipment significantly reduces overall maintenance, repairs and downtime," according to the City.
Two proposals were evaluated and considered mandatory technical requirements related to the vehicle’s performance and features, build, durability, extra options, warranty, service, support, and price. "The proposal from 930098 Ontario Limited o/a Freightliner North Bay scored highest and provides the best overall value to the City. Their bid is considered fair and reasonable."
