MINTO – Town council authorized staff to accept a tender from Roberts Farm Equipment for a new tractor to be used for winter maintenance in urban areas.
At the May 7 meeting, council approved a staff recommendation from roads and drainage manager Mike McIsaac to accept the company’s tender price of $262,000, plus options worth $27,900, for a New Holland T7.230 model tractor.
The bid price, before options, was the lowest of two submitted. The town also received a tender from Minto AG to provide a 2017 Deutz Fahr (non-demo) tractor for $279,800, but the tender did not provide a price for options including plow and blower attachments.
On Feb. 5, staff presented an updated equipment replacement program that included the use of tractor units equipped with winter maintenance attachments to be primarily used in the urban centers.
Council accepted the plan and provided direction to proceed with the tender process for one of the units.
McIsaac’s report states the unit is the same as one used by the Municipality of Meaford “and is a proven asset to the municipality.”
CAO Chris Harrow noted the unit “could really enhance our ability to move snow in the urban areas” and would replace a plow truck which would primarily sit idle during the summer.
