Consider Action on the Purchase of a Blower Upgrade to the Public Works GapVax Truck from Lonestar Municipal Equipment and Authorize the City Manager to Execute the Purchase Order in an Amount Not to Exceed $57,363.76.

The purpose of this item is to approve the purchase of an upgraded blower on the Public Works GapVax truck from Lonestar Municipal Equipment (LME).

The GapVax truck is currently utilized for hydro-excavating by the Utility Division in the Public Works and Engineering Services Department. The GapVax truck was purchased in 2017 and is anticipated to be replaced in 2037.

The blower upgrade will allow the Stormwater Division to utilize the GapVax truck to remove large pieces of debris from stormwater inlets without risking an employee in a confined space. This upgrade will also allow for better capabilities when hydro-excavating due to the amount of bedrock in the area.

LME is the sole source vendor in our region for GapVax products, services, and repairs (sole source letter attached). Staff has confirmed with LME that the price on the attached estimate is still valid. The funding for the blower upgrade was approved as a $60,000 decision package during the FY23 budget process. It is funded out of the FY23 Stormwater Division operations and maintenance budget.

Administration recommends approval.