Explanation
Background:
The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department asks permission to utilize State of Ohio, Department of Administrative Services contract as previously authorized by Ordinance 582-87. The State Contract being utilized is Index Number STS515, Schedule Number 800261. This contract is for Toro brand agricultural machinery for harvesting, lawn mowing equipment, and utility vehicles and offers a 21.2% discount off of the manufacturer suggested retail price. The expiration date of this contract is 9/30/17. The dealer providing the equipment, in conjunction with this State contract, is Century Equipment. Their City of Columbus contract compliance number is 34-478146 and they are compliant through 10/01/14. The State Term Schedule Contract is not a bid contract. The items to be purchased are four (4) Toro Groundsmaster 5900 Mowers, as well as seven (7) Universal Sun Shades in the amount of $303,751.00. The sun shades are for use on the four new mowers noted above and three existing mowers from a previous purchase that are already in service. Ordinances 0912-2013 and 2140-2013 previously established auditor’s certificates for the purchase of needed equipment. The balances available on these auditor’s certificates, AC034935 and AC035554, will be used to fund this purchase. This ordinance will allow the Recreation and Parks Department to replace aging equipment, increase productivity, reduce emissions, reduce fuel and oil consumption, and protect City employees from the sun contingent upon its approval.
Through previous experience in using this type of equipment, it is in the City’s best interest to purchase the Toro brand mowers named above. The Toro mowers typically require less maintenance than competitor’s comparable products primarily due to their hydraulic system and engine build. The hydraulic system allows for oil efficiency and reduces the amount of oil needed to operate the mowing fleet. The Biodiesel compatible intercooled engine that these ...
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