THE CORPORATION OF THE CiTY OF PORT COQUITLAM

MEMORANDUM

TO: V.G. Borch, P. Eng., . September 15th, 1975
City Engineer.

FROM: G.', Ulmer

Re: Recommendation for Sweeper Replacement

After a considerable amount of study and demonstrations I am
recommending the replacement of our Wayne sweeper with a vacuum type
sweeper. I realize that this request is late in the year, however, the
delay is due to acquiring additional information and statistics on the.
vacuum sweeper. I feel at this time I have acquired sufficient information
and have had ‘the opportunity to attend demonstrations in other municipalities
as well as in our own. The Municipality of Burnaby was kind enough to jend
us the use of their machine and operator in our area for one day which gave
uS an opportunity to try a variety of situations. :

At present we have three neighbouring municipalities who have
vacuum Sweepers and the reports from them are very encouraging. I have
also received reports at our G.R.C.D.A. meeting from other municipalities
who are strongly recommending vacuum sweepers versus the conventional type.
. The Municipality of Burnaby have had their sweeper for 1% years and their
- records indicate that maintenance is approximately 60% 1 :r on a vacuum
sweeper, miles per day of sweeping is increased approxi ely 15%, and
the actual pickup is much better because of the vacuum c-eration. This
machine is also adapted with a catch basin cleaner that works satisfactorily
which I also plan to utilize. As you know, in the past we have contracted
out the catch basin cleaning at a cost of approximately $15,000.00 per year.
Although the initial cost of a vacuum sweeper is about 30%
higher the maintenance costs, life expectancy, wider adaptability and a
far superior job of sweeping will do more than compensate the difference.

. ‘In conclusion I would like to provide. you with some figures as
to costs from the time we purchased the Wayne sweeper in March 1971:
Cost of Sweeper March 1971 $ 15,810.00
Cost of Maintenance 13,027.00
Maintenance Labour Costs 3,193.00
Depreciation - 20% per year ; 10,661.00

Total Cost - 43; Year Operation $ 42,691.00

The cost of a new conventional sweeper at the present prices is
approximately $32,000.00 compared to $46,000.00 for a vacuum sweeper. Con-
' sidering the maintenance cost comparison of both machines, adaptability,
. performance, etc. it would not take long to justify the higher initial cost.
I trust this report will help you to. justify the request fer the purchase of

& vacuum sweeper.
Li tear

GWU/vw . G.W. Umer.