The Dublin City Council approved a new ambulance and TimeClock system and discussed sidewalk repair and committee meeting protocols during the regular meeting Monday night.
EMS director John Tadlock presented the council with three bids the city had received for the construction of a new ambulance following a vote last month to pursue procuring a vehicle. In the September meeting, it was reported that it took around two years to receive a completed ambulance after ordering with manufacturers having forgiving cancellation policies since the turnaround is so long and the demand is so high.
Tadlock recommended a bid by Frazer, which was about $35,000 lower than the next lowest bid. He said the manufacturer makes a “good, quality product” and offers 120 days to cancel a contract once a delivery date is scheduled.
The only caveat is that the chassis costs $58,600 and the manufacturer is considering making buyers front that cost once they receive it.
“Even if we get in that situation and don’t buy the ambulance, we will have no problem selling the chassis,” said City Manager Bobby Mendez.
Council members present unanimously accept the Frazer bid. (Lee Jones was absent.)
Council members also approved the purchase of TimeClock Plus, a digital time system, which will allow accurate and convenient clock-in/clock-out for city employees. Mendez said the city had tried a digital time clock before and it didn’t work out. He said the service’s transition to cloudbased service has made it easier and much cheaper though.
The cost for the service is around $8 per employee per month, but the city will face fees in interfacing with their current contract with Tyler Tech. Mendez said there is a $3,223 fee to set it up for the first year with an annual interfacing fee of $580 after that.
Mendez said the department heads he has spoken to are all on board and that it will bring more convenience and accountability in keeping track of hours.
The council approved using excess revenue for the purchase until the system can be added to next year’s budget.
Mendez also reported that TxDOT is determining what permits and approvals are needed in the repair of a portion of the 100 block of E. Blackjack. Dublin EDC has pledged support in assisting with the work, but there have been delays in communications with TxDOT for approval of the repair.
Mendez also reported that as the railroad depot committee meetings start in earnest, all meetings have to be posted to the public just like in the requirements for council and council committee meetings.
It was also reported that the public works had contracted with Cintas uniform rental service with available funds. The service keeps uniforms laundered and replaces items when needed.