Explanation
Background: The Fleet Management Division has been asked to participate in a Propane Golf Equipment Research Program during the 2015 mowing season with R & R Products (R&R Products, Inc. Tucson, AZ), the leading manufacturer of propane mowing equipment and the Propane Education Research Council (PERC). The city started purchasing and using propane mowers in 2013 and currently has 21 active mowers at Recreation and Parks locations throughout Columbus. Propane is a clean-burning fossil fuel that results in producing significantly lower amounts of some harmful emissions and the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide.
The research program scope consists of R & R providing, at no cost to the city, the exclusive use of four (4) pieces of new golf course mowing equipment. This equipment is to be used at the Airport Golf Course during the research testing. PERC is providing the funding to R&R for the equipment to be furnished to the city. PERC will manage all promotional activities for this research program. During the research testing period the city will record equipment data and track propane fuel consumption. The city will furnish propane fuel through a contract set up by Fleet Management with a propane fuel provider for the equipment during this research program. There are no other costs to the city for participating in this program. In exchange for the city participating in the research program, at the end of the program, the city has the option to purchase the equipment at a depreciated 55% discount rate. If the city chooses to proceed with the purchase of the mowing equipment another ordinance will be necessary to authorize the expenditure of funds and to waive the competitive bidding provisions of the Columbus City Codes.
The city is one of eight golf courses nationwide (Airport being the only municipal golf course) participating in the research program. Other participants are: Stone Mountain Golf Club (Marriott) Stone Mountain, GA., Fernandina ...
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