Board picks middle quote

Transporting mowers to city parks will easier for city workers next summer.
The Portland Park Board voted Tuesday to purchase a new pick-up truck and trailer for the hauling of mowers. The 2011 Ford F-150 truck will be purchased from Moser Motors, Portland, at a cost of $17,424 — a total that was $311.95 higher than the lowest quote.
Fincannon Ford Mercury Inc., Hartford City, submitted the low quote of $17,112.05 for the same truck.
The city also received a quote of $17,557 from Ken Kunkle Chevrolet, Portland, for a 2011 Chevrolet 1500 pick-up.
Jeff Harker, street and park department superintendent, recommended that the board vote to purchase the truck from Moser Motors because it is a local company.
He also said he preferred Moser because it does warranty work on the city’s fleet of Ford trucks, although Moser could have done warranty work on a vehicle purchased from Fincannon Ford.  City clerk-treasurer Randy Geesaman said today that state law says the lowest quote doesn’t have to be chosen if another quote is the most advantageous to the city.
Board members also voted to purchase a 7-foot by 18-foot trailer from Detro Sales, Bainbridge, at a cost of $2,210. Country Classics Marine, Albany, also submitted a quote of $2,900 for a 6.5-foot by 18-foot trailer.
Also Tuesday, board members:
•Heard an update from Portland Mayor Bruce Hosier on Hudson Family Park work.
Hosier said he has been informed that a longer electrical line needs to be run to the pond for the aerators. Also, he said he expects that programming for the amphitheater will be discussed at the park board’s meeting in January.
•Voted to retain the same board officers in 2011.
Neil Medler will be president; Rod Ashman, vice president; and Sharon Bubp, secretary.[[In-content Ad]]