COUNTY OF STETTLER APPROVES OVER $250K FOR NEW TRUCKS
The County of Stettler council approved about a quarter million dollars for a number of new trucks, including a new fire department vehicle. The decisions were made after councillors examined tender results at the March 13 regular meeting of council.
The lengthiest discussion councillors had when examining vehicle tenders was for sport utility vehicle (SUV) for the Stettler Regional Fire Department's new regional manager Ivan Dijkstra, who presented the tender results to councillors himself.
The truck in question is to be purchased by the County of Stettler and Town of Stettler in a 50/50 split. While the tender appeared to be strongly received with six offers, as Dijkstra explained a number of issues popped up.
First, Dijkstra pointed out St. Albert Chrysler Dodge’s offer of a 2024 Dodge Durango for $68,199 didn’t meet the tender specifications of a full-size SUV, so the offer was discarded.
Another offer, this one from Gary Moe Chevrolet Stettler for a 2023 Yukon priced at $95,933, was also discarded as Dijkstra explained at the meeting the actual bid document wasn’t delivered according to the specifications.
Another offer, this one from Stettler Dodge, wasn’t considered as their 2024 Jeep Wagoneer for $87,429 didn’t meet the vehicle specifications and had a delivery time of up to 12 weeks.
A 2023 Tahoe from Shaganappi Motors of Calgary priced at $77,609.25, was already sold by the time the tenders were opened.
That left two vehicles: a 2024 Expedition from Aspen Ford of Stettler for $67,854 with a delivery time of about six months, and a 2023 Tahoe from Competition Chevrolet in Stony Plain for $87,800 with a delivery time of only one week.
During his presentation the regional fire manager stated the six month wait was excessive, plus the vehicle didn’t meet all specifications; this SUV had cloth seats which can be contaminated at an emergency call.
Thus, Dijkstra’s recommendation was the 2023 Tahoe from Competition Chevrolet.
Coun. Justin Stevens interjected by saying if the County of Stettler approved the local offer from Aspen Ford he knew the Town of Stettler was willing to find a truck for Dijkstra to use during the six month wait time; Stevens also pointed out the cloth seats could be upgraded before delivery.
Coun. Les Stulberg stated the town and county have been working hard on getting the regional fire department underway, but in his opinion waiting six months for the fire vehicle wasn’t reasonable.
Reeve Larry Clarke agreed, adding that he feared that after the six months was over the county would then be told the SUV wasn’t available. “Timing to me is critical,” said Clarke.
Councillors unanimously approved a motion that a recommendation be made to the Town of Stettler that both partners purchase the 2023 Tahoe from Competition Chevrolet.
Three quarter ton trucks
Councillors approved the purchase of two 3/4 ton 4X4 trucks after examining the results of a tender presented by Director of Operations Joe McCulloch.
McCulloch stated he was impressed by the wide array of offers the County of Stettler received for these trucks, but noted the original plan of purchasing three vehicles was altered to two vehicles instead.
Offers were received from Aspen Ford of Stettler ($68,940.90 per unit), Metro Ford Sales of TsuuTina ($69,454.25), Cam Clarke Ford of Red Deer ($70,751 per unit), Stettler Dodge ($72,210.60 per unit), Westgate Chev of Edmonton ($76,949 per unit) and Gary Moe Chev of Stettler ($80,129 per unit).
McCulloch’s recommendation was to accept the offer from Aspen Ford of Stettler.
Coun. Paul McKay asked how long delivery would take with McCulloch responding delivery was estimated towards the end of 2024, but because these trucks are replacements the Public Works department can wait for them. In fact, McCulloch suspected the relatively low price of the trucks may have been linked to the county’s willingness to wait for them.
He also noted while price point is the prime factor in considering an offer, he stated other factors such as maintenance and wheel size are also considered.
Councillors unanimously accepted the offer from Aspen Ford of Stettler.
Half ton truck
Councillors accepted an offer from Rocky Mountain Dodge of Rocky Mountain House for a 1/2 ton 4X4 priced at $50,445.25 after McCulloch presented the results of a tender that he noted received strong response: seven offers.
McCulloch, who noted this half ton was a replacement vehicle for utility use, stated it’s better to have a smaller, lighter 1/2 ton for this work than a 3/4 ton. He added that he hasn’t seen prices for a 1/2 ton 4X4 this low in a long time.
Other offers came from Cam Clarke Ford of Red Deer ($63,524.27), Aspen Ford of Stettler ($63,677.25), Wolfe Chev of Edmonton ($67,620), Stettler Dodge ($68,987.10), Gary Moe Chev of Stettler ($71,769) and Cam Clarke Ford ($$72,375).
Stu Salkeld, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, East Central Alberta Review
2024-03-27T20:01:51Z dg43tfdfdgfd