IM approves purchase of second new plow truck
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IRON MOUNTAIN -- U.P. Truck Center of Quinnesec has again been selected to provide a new 4×4 plow truck for Iron Mountain's fleet after the lowest bid from a Wisconsin dealer failed to meet specifications.
The city council Monday approved the purchase of a 2028 Western Star 47x equipped by Phoenix Body Works at a total cost of $325,359, which includes a five-year warranty.
The new truck will replace one of two 1996 4×4 trucks that anchor city's snow removal operations. Truck Country of Kaukauna, Wis., submitted a bid of $311,374, but its 2028 Freightliner fell short of the specification for frame thickness.
Anticipating decades of use for the new truck, City Manager Jordan Stanchina remarked, "If the frame is (ever) shot, you're in trouble."
The other 1996 model will be replaced by a truck scheduled to arrive in early 2027 -- also from U.P. Truck Center and equipped by Stratford, Wis.-based Phoenix. Ordered in February, that Western Star 47x carries a cost of $302,316.
JX Truck Center of Marquette submitted a bid for a 2028 Peterbilt truck with a larger engine at a cost about $40,000 higher than the Western Star. After reviewing the bids, public works staff recommended staying with the Quinnesec dealer.
The engine for the truck being purchased is an L9 Cummins 380 horsepower diesel, which the city designated because of its proven track record. The L9 engine carries a $4,000 emissions penalty, but is expected to be less problematic than compliant engines.
The first truck on order comes with a rear wing and no spreader. The second will eliminate the rear wing but comes with a new stainless steel salter-sander box.
In other action Monday, the council:
-- Learned that all 21 deer at City Park are free of tuberculosis, which will allow for their transfer to DeYoung Family Zoo in Menominee County after a second round of negative TB tests. That testing can take place no sooner than February.
-- Will expect to roll out a curbside recycling program in April or May. A grant secured through the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy will provide $299,000 toward the purchase of curbside carts for both Iron Mountain and Kingsford.
-- Gave permission for a private septic installation at a Spectrum service building at 125 Park Ave. The building is 400 feet from the nearest sewer main and the topography would likely require installation of a lift station to connect to the city system, Stanchina explained.
-- Will cooperate with Steve Branz as he seeks a survey to potentially request an easement through city property to provide access to a parcel off Lehman Avenue. Once the survey is completed, the city assessor will provide a valuation.
-- Reported that, as of Friday, 26 deer had been harvested within city limits under a managed archery hunt.
-- Adopted a resolution to allow North Elementary PTO to apply for a charitable gaming license to conduct a raffle.
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Jim Anderson can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85226, or janderson@ironmountaindailynews.com.