WOODLANDS COUNTY – The Woodlands County Councilors approved the purchase of four large pieces of heavy equipment, totaling more than $2 million, during their March 27 meeting in Whitecourt.
The first was a 2024 Western Star Trucks snowplow sander unit priced at $468,090 excluding GST. Delivery is scheduled for December 2024.
Infrastructure Director Andre Bachand said the township received four bids for the vehicle, only two of which met the county’s specifications, the aforementioned Western Star Trucks unit and one from Viking Cives at $489,858.
Reeve Dave Kusch asked Bachand why two tenders (Diamond Truck Center and Brandt) did not meet specifications.
“The specification was not clear in the tender and what it was [criteria] that they could not be found?” he asked.
Bachand responded that one of the companies had units on their lot that they wanted to sell and that they didn’t meet the county’s specifications in a number of ways. “The other, main item that was out of spec was the sander/plow system control unit. It’s the same unit we have to replace on a truck because it’s getting old, and only one technician works on it. system”.
Backhoe purchase
Councilors also approved the purchase of a wheel loader backhoe from Rocky Mountain Equipment for $213,728, not including tax.
Councilors also approved reallocating $23,728, which had been budgeted for the purchase of the snowplow sander unit but was not needed as it was more than $31,000 for the backhoe unit, which was over budget .
Bachand noted that the township received four bids ranging from the low bid from Rocky Mountain Equipment to one from Superior North America at $281,821. The other bids were $249,948 from Finning Lift Boss and Brandt at $228,000.
He added that when it arrives, the unit will be replaced by a retired unit, which the county will sell through a public auction.
“If he succeeds,” said Bachand. “It breaks down regularly and the cabin is very corroded.”
motor graders
The councilors also awarded the contract for two 140 integral traction motor graders with a seven-year warranty at a combined cost of $1,324,000 for Finning CAT.
Bachand noted that the funds for the purchase would come from the capital equipment reserve and the county would replace that money through contributions from the operating budget over the life of the machines.
Compact loader delay
The council also delayed awarding the tender for a skid steer to a future meeting, asking the administration for additional information.
Bachand added that the township received 14 bids from six different manufacturers, ranging from $91,000 to $131,312.
Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com
