Resolution to Conditionally accept a Bid and Submit a Grant Request for Replacement of the Airport Snow Removal Unit 91.

Adoption of the attached resolution.

Bids were solicited to replace Unit 91 with a Loader and Plow. The engineering estimate for the project was $432,000.00 and the low bid was 1.6% above the estimate. Trade-in of existing equipment was not included in the bid amount, and it will be negotiated directly with the low bidder, RDO John Deere, to reduce the local share.

• RDO John Deer $439,061.77

Staff recommend conditional selection of the lowest responsible bidder, RDO John Deere, pending FAA Buy America approval and receipt of funding.

Staff also recommend the City Manager submit a grant request which is anticipated this summer or fall 2026.

This project will return to Council for grant execution and project award.

• FAA AIP No. 3-27-0055-041-2026
• State Project No. A0701-129
• City Project 11263

Background:
Unit 91 is an Oshkosh truck with a plow which has provided airport snow and ice removal for 3,800 hours since it was purchased in 1991.  The Capital Improvement Project for 2026 programs $450,000 for the replacement of Unit 91.
 
Airport Staff and Central Garage Superintendent support replacing the truck with a front-end loader providing more versatility and agility, meeting the same demands of snow and ice removal.  Turning the truck at the runway end requires multiple movements versus one with the front-end loader.

The Mid-Size Wheel Loader and industrial snowplow with hydraulic wings and angle will ensure airport surfaces are cleared faster and reduce the quantity of salt and abrasive materials needed.

Snow Removal Equipment is eligible for 95% federal and 2.5% state funding share of eligible expenses. 

The FAA has received the grant funding request approved by Council on September 22, 2025, and anticipates grant number 3-27-0055-041-2026.