The 16' Wide Area Mowers that these new mowers are replacing were purchased in 2001.  These mowers are used 8 hours a day, 4 to 5 days a week from May 1 through approximately the end of October.  They are two of the Parks Divisions's large 16' mowers and are required to mow 20 to 30 acres per day. As a result, it is imperative to have machines that are reliable in order to stay on schedule with mowing. This past summer, breakdowns caused un-mowed ball fields and parks and complaints from the public.  Several new parks have been added to the Park system in the past few years which has added to to the number of acres that these mowers need to mow each day. The 16' mowers are the foundation of Parks turf care program and are critical to its success.

Specifications for two new 16' Wide Area Mowers were developed, and sealed bids were requested in the Billings Times on February 28 and March 7, 2013, and posted on the City's website. One bid was opened on March 12, 2013 and Midland Implement Inc. bid $79,649.00 each for a total of $159,298.00 for both units . They meet the bid specifications and requirements. Delivery of the two mowers is expected to be within 60 days of bid award. Midland Implement bid a trade in allowance of $1,000.00 each for Units 1642 and 1643.  If the trade in allowance were accepted, the net cost would be $157,298.00 for both mowers.

City Council may:

1. Approve the Midland Implement Inc. bid for both 16' Wide Area Mowers and accept the trade in allowance or;
2. Approve the Midland Implement Inc. bid for both 16' Wide Area Mowers, reject the trade in allowance for both mowers and authorize staff to sell Units 1642 and 1643 following the Surplus Property Disposal Policy No. VII.10. or;
3. Reject all bids and provide guidance to staff on the desired next steps.

The two 16' Wide Area Mowers were scheduled to be replaced and are being purchased through the Capital Equipment Replacement Fund. Funds in the amount of $84,148.00 for each mower or a total of $168,296.00 for both mowers have been accrued in the Capital Equipment Replacement Fund.

Staff recommends that the City Council approve the bid from Midland Implement of $159,298.00 for the purchase of two new 16' Wide Area Mowers, reject the trade in allowance of $2,000.00 for both mowers and authorize staff to sell Units 1642 and 1643 following the guidelines set forth in Policy VII.10. Surplus Property Disposal.