By Chris Lewis | Aug. 27, 2020
The City of Mount Pearl is adding to its vehicle fleet as part of a 10 year plan to ensure staff have the equipment needed to maintain city services.
During presentation of the Infrastructure and Public Works committee report last week, Councillor Lucy Stoyles said Cabot Ford Lincoln had won a tender worth $454,103 to supply six pickup trucks and four SUVs.
Councillor Bill Antle noted there have been several major purchases over the past few months for the City’s fleet.
Director Gerry Antle explained that, as per the City plan, Mount Pearl’s fleet is being renewed. Since 2018, the City has been working on a 10-year fleet plan that aims to ensure the City has up-to-date and well-maintained vehicles at its disposal.
The four SUVs are hybrids – something Deputy Mayor Jim Locke was pleased to see.
“I had a look at some of the fleet up there, the last time I was at the depot,” Locke said. “Some of our pickup trucks are beyond their usable life, shall we say. The rocker panels, and just looking at some of the rust on the chassis. I think it’s time, because our vehicles definitely get some good use. Replacing our fleet is part of our 10-year strategy … During our operations, especially winter operations, we don’t want failure of our fleet. That’s what this whole vehicle replacement and management scheme is all about.”
Council also approved a tender to buy two vans for a total of $81,663 including HST.
“Myself and Director Antle had a conversation, and he’s going to get us a report over the past 10-years. I know we have a 10-year outlook, but I’ve asked to see what it is we’ve purchased in the last 10-years and what we’re looking at purchasing in the next seven or eight years moving ahead,” Stoyles said. “We’re not just out here willy-dilly, buying all these vehicles if we don’t need them.”
Locke said the 10-year fleet plan has been put in place mainly to avoid unwelcome surprises from outdated vehicles. Knowing each vehicle has an estimated life expectancy, their plan allows the City to work around possible vehicle-related issues in the future.
Purchase of a tandem dump truck was also approved for $192,895. Two other tandem trucks, with snow blades attached, will also be bought
“All approved in our budget, all a part of our fleet,” Locke said.
