Parks Commissioners gathered Monday to discuss and approve the purchase of two shuttles.
The first discussion surrounded the possible purchase of the Shuttle Bug, which has been used by Parks under contract since November of 2018 (See Nov. 14, 2018 ESI Shuttlebug strikes a deal with Park).
Parks Director Justin Huss stated that there is an “unknown repair” on the shuttle that disappears for a time when the battery is reset. He valued the repair at around $1300 if the issue is the vehicle’s computer.
Commissioner Steven Foster asked what the Kelley Blue Book value of the shuttles is, to which Huss stated he was not sure as finding values of shuttles had been difficult to find and wide in range. Foster said that with the Shuttlebug, the commission had a known entity that they know works for its intended purpose and that it will save money. Huss agreed.
Foster motioned to consider the Shuttlebug negotiated to purchase, as is, with commissioner Ruth Hager seconding.
Chair Bill Featherstone opened the discussion by asking if everyone on the commission was comfortable with Shuttlebug making money on a depreciated asset and whether the price was right at $28,958. Huss responded that they could have bought a shuttle in the past, which invoked some contention from Featherstone.
Featherstone asked if the owners would be willing to accept $28,000 flat and pay for the repairs. Huss reiterated that the cost of the computer in the vehicle to Parks would be under $1,000. Huss clarified that the $1,300 estimate included the cost of manpower to repair the vehicle and that it will be cheaper if it is a different problem, using a grounded wire as an example.
Foster moved to amend his motion to add the original $28,958 figure with Hager seconding. Featherstone stated in the momentary second round of discussion that he does not get a vote, but if he did he would be contrary to the offer presented. The motion put down by Foster carried nonetheless, 5-0.
The second vehicle possibly being purchased by Parks is from Midwest Shuttle, a 2013 Ford Starcraft. Huss stated that tacking on ADA compliant chairs reduced Parks’ options. He stated that since Parks is looking to use this shuttle for more general purpose, the ADA compliance was needed.
“I feel very comfortable,” he said after explaining that the shuttle was non-CDL, which will make it easier to hire a driver and was a lease vehicle for a nursing home that has been maintained and is guaranteed to pass Department of Transportation regulations. Huss said that if Parks approves the purchase, Midwest Shuttle will have the vehicle in Minneapolis, which he saw as a reasonable two day drive for two people to pick up and bring the vehicle back.
Foster questioned what the monthly payments would be and Huss stated $633 for the 2013 Ford Starcraft and $524 for the Shuttle Bug for a total $1157 per month. Parks is paying $2100 per month for the Shuttle Bug as is.
Foster moved to approve the offer of $35,000 for the shuttle being sold by Midwest Shuttle with Hager seconding. Commissioner Dave Hartmann requested an itemized list for two people going to pick up the shuttle. This led to a discussion on whether the cost of retrieval should be included in the purchase price presented to commissioners with Huss stating that it was a Human Resources expense. This led to overlapping conversation of the same topic with Huss stating that they could put an asterisk to find the most cost-efficient way to “ship” the vehicle to the city.
Featherstone asked that Parks combine all of the monthly costs of the vehicles to assess whether or not they were profitable. Huss stated that Parks already performs that action and it wasn’t something that needed a motion.
Hartmann questioned if everyone on the commission was agreeing that they need this. Commissioner Christian Super stated the weekend numbers support the purchase, but the weekday numbers do not. Huss said that Parks has spent $60,000 on shuttles and that the money of a second shuttle in one day will pay for its monthly operation. He urged Parks to approve the purchase saying that they need to stop “hemorrhaging money” on shuttles.
The motion by Foster to approve the purchase of the 2013 Ford Starcraft at $35,000 was forwarded 5-0.
The resolution will not be presented to City Council to approve until the Sept. 9 meeting due to City Attorney Tim Weaver being unable to attend the Aug. 26 council meeting.