By Mark Squibb\April 14, 2023
Mount Pearl City Council added some significant pieces to the City’s fleet inventory last week after approving the purchase of nearly a million dollars worth of new vehicles.
One contract was for the supply and delivery of eight half-ton regular cab 4 x 4 pick-up trucks, issued on February 8, 2023.
Sole bidder Cabot Ford Lincoln Sales Limited bid $524,690, HST included, a price which the Corporate Services and Public Works committee recommended that council accept.
Despite the committee’s recommendation, the absence of competing bidders seemed to cause some unease in council chambers.
“I do support the recommendation, but there’s only one bidder, I guess that’s a sign of the times,” reflected councillor Bill Antle. “Why did we only get one?”
Councillor Jim Locke said that, as per the committee meeting, the lack of bidders has to do with supply chain and inventory issues.
Director of Corporate Services Cassie Pittman agreed with that assessment.
“We can’t tell why there was only one tender received, but every indicator we have is that it’s due to supply-and-demand and the ability to actually supply the vehicles in a timely manner,” said Pittman, who added the tender documents dictate that vehicles must be supplied within a set period of time.
Following some brief discussion, council approved the motion unanimously.
Four of the trucks are expected to be delivered by the end of May, while the other four should arrive later in the summer.
Next up was a contract recommendation for a new front loader, equipped with power angle blade and wing. Unlike the previous tender, a lack of bids was not a concern, as five companies bid on the contract.
Corporate Services and Public Works recommended council award the contract to the lowest qualified bidder, Reefer Repair Services, for the amount of $465,150, HST included.
That motion was approved without further discussion.
In addition to the new vehicles (nine all told), council approved the purchase of $144,330 worth of new lawnmowing equipment. Equipment purchased includes two four-wheel drive mowers ($96,840) and one tri-deck finishing mower ($47,480) from NL Kubota Ltd., and Atlantic Trailer and Equipment respectively.
The City received only one bid for the two four-wheel drive mowers and two bids for the tri-deck finishing mower.
The motion passed unanimously and without discussion, other than Mayor Dave Aker’s comment that the City would be ready to “cut a bit of grass this summer.”
