Agenda Item Wording:
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Purchase of John Deere 5130ML tractor and attachments - Approve the purchase of one John Deere 5130ML Cab Low-Profile Utility Tractor with hydraulic disc and flail mower attachments from Lawrence Tractor Co. in the amount of $163,688.94 and approve a transfer of funds within the Wastewater Fund.
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Agenda Date: 09/08/2026
Prepared by:
Ben Litwack, Public Works Manager, 559-713-4671, ben.litwack@visalia.gov
Nick Bartsch, Public Wors Director, 559-713-4052, nick.bartsch@visalia.gov
Department Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the purchase of one John Deere 5130ML Cab Low-Profile Utility Tractor with a T.G. Schmeiser hydraulic disc and a Rears Manufacturing flail mower in the amount of $163,688.94 and approve a transfer of funds within the Wastewater Fund.
Summary:
Approval of this item will allow the Public Works Department to purchase a new tractor and attachments to support weed abatement and grounds maintenance operations at the Visalia Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) and the City's groundwater recharge basins.
The tractor will be equipped with a hydraulic disc and flail mower, providing staff with the equipment necessary to maintain basin interiors, berms, perimeter areas, and other City-owned treatment and recharge facilities. The purchase will increase the City's in-house maintenance capabilities, improve operational efficiency, and allow staff to respond more effectively to changing vegetation and facility maintenance needs.
The total purchase price, including sales tax, is $163,688.94. Capital Improvement Project EQ0314 currently includes $150,400 for the purchase. Staff is requesting a transfer of $13,288.94 from EQ0301 to EQ0314 within the Wastewater Fund (431) to provide the additional funding necessary to complete the purchase.
Background Discussion:
The City owns and operates the Visalia Water Reclamation Facility and multiple groundwater recharge basins that require ongoing vegetation management and weed abatement. Maintenance activities include mowing and discing basin interiors, berms, perimeter areas, and other undeveloped portions of City-owned wastewater treatment and groundwater recharge properties.
Providing staff with a dedicated tractor and appropriate attachments will improve the City's ability to perform these activities efficiently and based on operational needs. The equipment will allow staff to respond to changing vegetation conditions, fire prevention needs, facility access requirements, and routine maintenance schedules at both wastewater and groundwater recharge facilities.
Capital Improvement Project EQ0314 was established for the purchase of a tractor and associated attachments for these operations. The project was programmed as a multi-funded purchase totaling $150,400, with $75,200 from the Wastewater Fund (431) and $75,200 from the Water Recharge Fund (224).
Staff obtained a quote for a John Deere 5130ML Cab Low-Profile Utility Tractor and related equipment. The proposed equipment package includes:
John Deere 5130ML Cab Low-Profile Utility Tractor - $115,531.03
T.G. Schmeiser PTH-20-26 Hydraulic Disc - $21,449.40
Rears Manufacturing 600-Series Flail Mower - $13,878.50
The equipment subtotal is $150,865.93. Sales tax at 8.5% is $12,823.01, resulting in a total purchase price of $163,688.94.
The John Deere tractor is being purchased utilizing Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contract No. 082923-DAC for agricultural tractors with related attachments, accessories, and supplies. Sourcewell competitively solicited the contract through RFP No. 082923 and awarded the contract to Deere & Company. Sourcewell cooperative purchasing contracts are available for use by eligible municipal and other public agencies. This type of procurement method is approved in the City Purchasing Policy.
Under the applicable Sourcewell price schedule, John Deere 5000 Series M and ML tractors receive a 22% discount from manufacturer list price. The proposed 5130ML tractor reflects this contract discount.
The T.G. Schmeiser hydraulic disc and Rears Manufacturing flail mower are compatible third-party attachments being supplied through Lawrence Tractor Co., Inc. and are identified as open-market items on the equipment quote. These attachments were selected to provide the capabilities necessary for the City's intended weed abatement and vegetation management operations.
The 5130ML is a low-profile utility tractor suitable for the varied terrain and operating conditions found at the WRF and groundwater recharge facilities. The combination of a flail mower and hydraulic disc will allow staff to address both routine mowing and more intensive vegetation and soil management activities.
Approval of the purchase will provide Public Works staff with dedicated equipment capable of supporting both wastewater and groundwater recharge operations and improve the City's ability to perform routine vegetation management and facility maintenance activities in a timely manner.
Fiscal Impact including annual maintenance and operating costs: The total cost for the tractor, attachments, and sales tax is $163,688.94. Funding for this purchase is budgeted in Capital Improvement Project EQ0314, which consists of $75,200 from the Wastewater Fund (431) and $75,200 from the Water Recharge Fund (224) for a total of $150,400. To cover the total purchase price, an additional $13,288.94 will need to be transferred within the Wastewater Fund from EQ0301 to EQ0314.
Future operating costs will consist primarily of routine fuel, preventative maintenance, and equipment repairs and will be incorporated into the applicable operating budgets.
Prior Council Action: N/A
Alternatives: The City Council could elect not to approve the purchase. Staff would continue to rely more heavily on contracted services and existing equipment for vegetation management and weed abatement activities at the WRF and groundwater recharge basins.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to authorize the purchase one John Deere 5130ML Cab Low-Profile Utility Tractor with a T.G. Schmeiser hydraulic disc and a Rears Manufacturing flail mower in the amount of $163,688.94 and approve a transfer of funds as outlined in the report.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 09/08/2026
Attachments:
John Deere 5130M Quote
Contract 082923
Contract 082923 Price Information
RFP 082923
Vehicle Purchase Authorization
Strategic Goal: Indicates which City Strategic Goal(s) this item supports. Check all that apply.
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