Finance Committee — 01/19/2022 Page 5
Alderman Gouveia
Thank you. Just one quick question. What is the primary use of what the Caterpillar will be used for and then how many
hours a year are we looking to put on this type of machine?
Shawn Smith, NSD Plant Operations Director
Well it get used pretty much year round - a lot of earth movement, we’re constantly digging holes, we spread a lot of bark
mulch, our athletic fields we spread a lot of infield play. During the wintertime, we get a lot of use out of it not so much to
plow but the aftermath of the storm, we have to move mounds of snow out of the way. It’s used quite a bit. Honestly, I’ve
never added how many hours we use it. | really can’t answer that question and be truthful in my answer.
Alderman Gouveia
Sure. Thank you. Can | have a follow up?
Mayor Donchess
Yes.
Alderman Gouveia
Thank you. One follow up. Is this something that would be better to lease a piece of equipment like this instead of
buying? Is than an option you’ve looked at?
Shawn Smith, NSD Plant Operations Director
| didn’t look at it in this case because it was already in the CERF program for purchase. When we got the new
hauler/backhoe it was actually used so we really got more than our monies worth out of it. It lasted 17 years. We have
two international trucks which back when we purchased them — we didn't purchase them. We went through a lease
purchase agreement. So it has been done before. Did not consider it in this case.
Alderman Gouveia
Thank you.
Mayor Donchess
Anyone else? Alderman Cathey are you seeking to ask a question?
Alderman Cathey
lam. | actually have a procedural question and then a question related specifically to the item that’s being addressed
right now.
You mentioned earlier that there’s a list available that’s already approved, right? So the budget and the Aldermen have
already approved this list of vehicles that we're buying, correct?
Mayor Donchess
Correct.
Alderman Cathey
In an instance like this or an instance similar procedurally, what if we voted no what would happen?
Mayor Donchess
Well that’s a good question. The previous administration argued that the Finance Committee actually has only jurisdiction
over the issue of whether purchasing guidelines were followed and that there’s no discretion to decline to execute — you
know, go forward on the contract except if purchasing guidelines had not been followed. However looking at that myself, |
