The Town of Stettler decided to purchase a new tandem truck after examining offers from several
dealerships during their regular meeting Mar. 3.
Councilors decided to investigate purchasing a New West Freightliner M2 112 with a midland box after
looking at the results of a request for proposal presented by CAO Greg Switenky and Director of
Operational Services Melissa Robbins.
“Request for proposal was posted on the Alberta Purchasing Connection,” stated the agenda memo.
“The following submissions were received. All prices exclude GST.”
New West Freightliner offered two models, a Freightliner M2 112 with Renn box for $166,690.81 and a
Freightliner M2 112 with Midland box for $169,460.73.
Western Star Trucks offered one model, a Western Star 4700SB with Midland box for $200,000.
Great West Kenworth also offered one model, a Kenworth T880 with Bibeau box, for $209,700.
Glover International Trucks offered two models, but staff noted neither truck met the town’s
specifications. Both of the Glover International trucks were just over $180,000.
Robbins said the town was happy with the response, as four valid offers was great. She said the trucks
offered are very similar in details and have similar warranties and trade-in values.
“Various options on extended warranty were offered by all companies with relatively similar terms,”
stated the agenda memo.
“Trade in of the existing 2005 Freightliner was an optional item in the RFP. Western Star and Glover
offered trade in values of $10,000 and $15,000. New West and Great West did not offer a trade in.” It
was noted the town’s old truck has about 9,500 hours on it.
Counc. Scott Pfeiffer questioned the need for a three-year extended warranty. Pfeiffer said to his
knowledge extended warranties are rarely used, and it looked like the dealerships were asking $8,000
for it.
Mayor Sean Nolls said he used to work with trucks like this, and such warranties are excellent protection
from unknowns, stress and downtime.
Robbins noted for work trucks like this, with emission controls, extended warranties are worthwhile. She
noted the town has used them before.
Switenky also noted larger tandem trucks don’t do a lot of highway driving, but rather spend most of their
lives starting and stopping within the town, which is considered hard work. The extended warranty would
help protect the town.
Councilors unanimously agreed to award the tandem RFP to New West Freightliner Inc. for the purchase
of a 2020 Freightliner M2 112 with midland box in the amount of $169,460.73, excluding GST and
purchase the additional 3 year warranty for $7,850.00 funded through the 2020 Capital Budget.
New tandem
The Town of Stettler council decided to adjust a truck purchase on the advice of staff at the regular
meeting of council Mar. 3.
The subject of the regular replacement of a three-quarter ton truck was brought to council by CAO Greg
Switenky and Director of Operational Services Melissa Robbins. They noted, however, that as one truck
replacement approached, an unexpected one reared its head.
“Approved 2020 capital budget is $50,000 to purchase a One Ton Truck,” stated the council agenda
memo.
“After completion of the capital budget, one of the existing 3⁄4 ton trucks engine started knocking.
“Administration re- evaluated the fleet replacement plan and decided to move a 3⁄4 ton truck purchase up
from 2021 and delay the one ton truck purchase until next year to keep the fleet operational.”
Robbins said three local dealerships were approached and asked to submit details for a 3/4 ton 4x4
extended cab truck with eight foot box. She also noted that, as a municipality, the Town of Stettler gets
very good price quotes from dealerships.
According to the agenda memo, Aspen Ford responded with a price of $38,977.92 for a truck that met the
town’s specifications.
Stettler GM responded with a price of $38,781.25 but Robbins noted this did not meet specifications, as
the Stettler GM response was for a supercab.
Stettler Dodge responded with a price of $44,122.00. However, Robbins noted this also did not meet
specifications as Stettler Dodge provided information for a crew cab.
Councilors unanimously approved awarding the 3/4 ton truck tender to Aspen Ford in the amount of
$38,977.92, excluding GST, funded through the 2020 capital budget.
Stu Salkeld, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, East Central Alberta Review
