☐ Consent Agenda ☐Quasi-Judicial Public Hearing
☒ Regular Business 3:00 pm
☐ Public Hearing Purchase
DEPARTMENT: Landfill
SUBMITTED BY: Cindy Talamantez
PRESENTED BY: Jeff Phipps
TITLE & DESCRIPTION:
title
Replacement of Landfill truck weigh scale
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REQUESTED MOTION:
Approve the contract with Controls and Weighing systems for the purchase of a digital truck scale for replacement of the landfill scale.
SUMMARY:
Replacement of Landfill truck weigh scale
BACKGROUND:
The DeSoto County Landfill relies on a single truck scale to accurately determine the weight of all garbage entering the facility. These measurements are essential for calculating and reporting tonnage, as well as for long-term planning purposes, including estimating the remaining lifespan of the landfill cells.
The existing scale was installed in 1998 and has experienced significant wear over its 27 years of continuous operation. Over the years, the system has been struck by lightning multiple times, resulting in repeated failures of the photocells required for proper calibration and accurate weight readings. The physical condition of the scale has also deteriorated, and although replacement has been identified in the County’s CIP, staff believed it could be postponed and therefore did not allocate funds in the current fiscal year.
Recently, staff observed that when vehicles pull onto the scale, portions of the structure are beginning to buckle. This raises serious concerns regarding the accuracy of weight measurements and presents a safety risk to employees and to vehicles entering the landfill. Because the landfill depends on a single scale, any failure would cause immediate operational disruption.
Due to the cost of the replacement, a formal bid was issued. One company, Controls and Weighing Systems of Tampa, submitted a response. Their representatives physically inspected the site and confirmed that their proposal includes removal of the existing outgoing scale and installation of the new equipment. They have assured us the work can be completed in a single day, minimizing interruption to landfill traffic.
The new scale is estimated to be available within approximately 15 weeks. Installation will be scheduled in coordination with DeSoto County Landfill staff to ensure the least possible operational impact.
FUNDS:
Budget Amount: $102,750 by Amendment
Actual Agenda Item Cost: $102,750
Account Number: 400-42305346400000
Explanation: Budget Amendment to follow