COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – A majority of Coldwater City Council members showed their displeasure with only one quote being presented by the Department of Municipal Services on Monday night as they voted down a D.M.S. request to buy a truck-mounted leaf collection system.
D.M.S. Director Bob Granger said in his memo to the Council that the new equipment was needed after the City had significant issues during the annual leaf collection process last fall as there were numerous equipment breakdowns, inclement weather, a late leaf drop and intermittent staffing shortages.
Granger said the staff recommended the purchase of this leaf collection system at a price of over $324,000 so that it would be available to collect leaves this fall rather than the D.M.S. buying two budgeted replacement vehicles.
Jim Knaack was among the Council members who wanted to see more than one bid.
City Manager Keith Baker said it can be brought back before the Council.
A motion by Travis Machan to purchase the machine was voted down 6-2. Machan and John Petzko cast the only yes votes.
The quote was obtained from MTech which has locations in Grand Rapids and Livonia.
Wth? Doesn’t the mayor have a buddy on the inside of this deal?