Commission Approval for the purchase of a Ven-Trac Slope Mower from Bobby Ford Tractor and Equipment LLC. for the amount of $51,633.74 through Sourcewell Contract #60230155020: 112624-TTC.  Account No.602301 55020 (See Exhibit a for detailed specs of the mower and proposal)
 

Mowing and maintaining the inner-levee system is important to its structural integrity and also a requirement of FEMA to be eligible for funding of repairs caused by future storms.  Mowing frequently plays a large role by not permitting trees and bushes from growing and their root systems causing damage to the earthen structure and makes it easy to spot areas of erosion that may otherwise be hidden by tall grasses.  Currently, we mow the inner levee twice a year using a heavy excavator with a slope mower attached with added operating, fuel, and maintenance expense.  The purchase of this slope mower will greatly improve the care of the levee with more frequent maintenance and greatly reduced costs.

It is the recommendation of the Public Works Department to approve the purchase of this equipment.