Memorandum 18-019 Vactor Truck Purchase

MEMORANDUM 18-019

To:      Katie Koester, City Manager

Through:           Carey Meyer, PW Director

From:                   Dan Gardner, PW Superintendent

Date:                    January 26, 2018

Subject:              Purchase of Vacuum Truck

Within the 2018 budget, funding for a new vacuum truck was approved in the amount of $400,000.  The original capitol request was for $450,000 which was based on preliminary figures from suppliers that ranged from $395,000 to $425,000.  The estimate was increased due to the fact that there were many unknowns related to options and features. 

Since late September, 2017, we have been working with various manufacturers to come up with the best unit to meet the city’s needs.  It has been a challenge to obtain real estimates, let alone quotes, due to the holiday season late in the year, and the price changes that took place at the close of 2017.

Three quotes were received this week that were based on the same size debris body and options listing.  Some manufacturers have slightly different options/features, but all were given, and met the same option listing.  Quotes were provided under NJPA (National Joint Powers Alliance), a municipal national contracting agency that meets state and local laws and bid requirements.  Each quote has the unit delivered to Homer and provides for in-house training for approximately one week by the manufacturer.

The quotes came in as follows:

Super Products – Camel 1200                               $357,240            ($362,970 with Ejector Plate Body)
Vactor 2100                                                                      $379,917
Sewer Equipment of America 900 ECO            $388,017

Public Works is most familiar with the Vactor units since this is what we have owned for 25 years.  But, after doing considerable research on the Super Products Camel models (the low bidder), and speaking with two Alaska municipalities and a private contractor that own Camel’s, we are confident in the performance abilities and durability of the Super Products vacuum truck.

Recommendation – Approve the purchase of the Super Products Camel 1200 for a price of $362,970.