(PHOTO BY BREANA RELIFORD / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
BUCKET TRUCK … Director of Utilities Derek Schultz discusses the need for approval to purchase a new bucket truck for the city.
By: Breana Reliford
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Bryan Board of Public Affairs held their final meeting of the year on Monday, December 30, 2024, at 11:00am.
The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and was followed by roll call, with board members Karen Ford, Annette Schreiner, Dick Long, Jim Salsbury, Bob Eyre, Director of Utilities Derek Schultz, Mayor Carrie Schlade, and Treasurer John Lehner present.
The minutes were approved from the previous meeting held on December 17, 2024, and there were no public concerns to address.
The board moved on to discuss a resolution to approve the change order and final for the purchase of the 2025 International Terex Digger Derrick, which was approved by all members.
A discussion also took place among members concerning the resolution to authorize the purchase of a 2026 Altec International Bucket Truck and waive the competitive bidding process.
Originally approved in the 2024 budget, the purchase of a 2026 Bucket Truck would replace Truck #2 which was purchased back in 2012. Derek Schultz, Director of Utilities, explained that these types of vehicles should typically be replaced every 10-12 years, making this purchase right on schedule.
The overall estimated cost for the purchase is $367,694 with the 2024 budget having appropriated $400,000 for this purchase.
However, there is about a 2-year build time for the truck itself, estimating the completion around late 2026. Once the truck is ordered, the parts will be shipped to Altec Incorporated for the truck to be assembled.
The new truck would also include a rear camera, so that drivers can more safely operate the vehicle down narrow alleyways and streets with parked cars in close proximity.
The motion to approve the purchase was made by Salsbury and seconded by Schreiner, with all members voting in favor of the purchase.
The board also held an election of the 2025 BPA Officers for Chair and Vice-Chair. Salsbury brought up the point that in the past, there was a rotation strategy in place in order to elect officials for the BPA.
However, because of the unusual situation of having four members up for re-election rather than the normal 3/2 split, his recommendation was for the rule to be rescinded. Long agreed with his rationale.
However, when it came down to the vote, the rule remained in place by a majority 3-2 vote, allowing Annette Schreiner to become the next Chairperson for 2025.
Next came nominations for Vice-Chair. Karen Ford, who served as the 2024 Chairperson, nominated Bob Eyre, who won the vote unanimously with all in agreement.
As part of year-end business, the mayor of the City of Newbury, South Carolina, reached out to thank the electric department for their mutual aid efforts to restore power during Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene.
The semi-monthly disbursements were also approved by all members of the board. With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 11:26am.