Posted: 11/17/04
By Aaron Vehling
The Stacy City Council once again entertained the idea last Tuesday night (Nov. 9) of purchasing a new maintenance truck.
Whereas at the previous meeting the issue was tabled, last weekís meeting proved to be the end of line, with the council voting unanimously to approve the purchase of a new maintenance truck.
Councilman John Daher was growing frustrated with the disparity between the amount of work he put into researching a truck and the councilís lack of progress on considering it.
He issued an ultimatum to a council riddled with concern over budget issues and the feasibility of a new vehicle.
ìIf itís something we want to do, letís go for it,î he said. ìIf not, letís drop it.î
Daher revisited the various options for a truck. The basic, customizable cab chassis at Boyer Ford had sold out since he last checked with them, but the dealership did find three such 2005 base units within a 100 mile radius of Minneapolis.
If the city were to purchase a base unit, they would take it to another company to have the maintenance customizations performed.
The other option was to purchase a 2004 ready-made truck that would function in some capacity, but would not have the equipment that maintenance supervisor Tom Archibald would like to see, Daher said.
Councilwoman Kathleen Davidson supported the idea of purchasing a truck that would have all the features they need, versus the 2004 model.
Two members of the council voiced budgetary concerns.
Mayor Michael Carlson said he was uncomfortable with spending money.
ìThere are so many unknowns for next year,î he said.
Councilman John Walz said he would support waiting until the final budget, which could mean that the cab chassis units would no longer be available.
But ultimately Walz agreed with the idea of a truck.
ìIf we finance it, it wonít be that much (money) a month,î he said. ìWe need a truck.î
The new truck, which will cost about $50,000, will allow Archibald to patch roads up more effectively and will function as a commercial-grade plow. In addition, the presence of a new truck will remove the maintenance crewís personal vehicles from the departmentís fleet, Daher said.
In other news, architect Bruce Paulson offered up a proposed plan for the new municipal liquor store.
Part of that proposal involved a discussion regarding splitting up the liquor store and the bar.
The council decided to set up a work session to discuss the issue further.
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