Royal council looks to upgrade city equipment

Royal city council members agreed to purchase a mower and to submit a bid for a used street sweeper during their meeting on June 9.

Maintenance Superintendent Sherman Nielsen presented pricing for mowers. The options range from $8,000 to $11,000, depending on the particular makes and models.

Nielsen and Lance Kruse tested one unit but would also like to try out a Bobcat mower. According to discussion, a Bobcat is more expensive; however, the dealer will offer a municipal discount that reduces the final price. Another advantage of the Bobcat is its four-year, 2,000-hour warranty.

“It would be nice to see what that Bobcat is like,” Mayor Josh Toft acknowledged.

Nielsen said another option is to buy a Ferris mower identical to the city’s current one.

He asked the council for a commitment to purchase a mower, but to not make a decision until he checks out all options.

“I want to tell dealers that the city is serious about buying a mower. That will make it easier to talk to someone,” he said.

The council agreed Nielsen should check out the larger Gravely model, a Ferris mower and the Bobcat.

“I don’t care if we get something that’s $8,000 or $11,000, as long as you’re happy with it,” said Council Member Jeff Van Westen.

• Approve bid for street sweeper

Council members discussed whether to submit a bid for a 1997 Elgin Pelican Series P street sweeper offered for sale by the City of Elkader. Information on Elkader’s Facebook page stated the sweeper has new tires and its operating systems are in good shape.

“It sounds like it is a well-cared for and well-maintained unit,” Nielsen noted. “It’s a nice size little machine for us.”

Elkader’s terms included a minimum bid of $3,500. According to discussion, Council Member Laef Lundbeck had researched the potential value of the sweeper and felt it would be worth $5,000 to $6,000.

Council members settled on a bid amount of $5,785.78. City Clerk Barb Fletcher said she would fax Royal’s bid to the City of Elkader prior to the June 11 deadline. The Elkader city council intended to accept the highest bid at its meeting on June 14.

• Drainage assessment, street repairs

Fletcher reviewed anticipated fund balances at the end of the fiscal year and recommended that $21,000 be applied toward drainage assessments owed by the city.

The amount paid depends on whether the city was the successful bidder for the street sweeper. The council authorized Fletcher to pay up to $21,000 in drainage assessments by the end of the month.

Nielsen suggested that repairs be made in the alley between Church and Long streets, and to an area next to Hagedorn Excavating.

In other business, the council approved applications for cigarette permit renewals from Fredericks Market and Haggy’s Inc.

All of the trees obtained through the Trees Forever grant were planted last month.

In regard to a water meter emergency that recently occurred, the council agreed to pay Nielsen for his time, with the customer reimbursing him for parts he provided.