SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Authorize purchase orders to Choo Choo Lawn Equipment, Inc and Ruckus Investments, LC d/b/a Quality Mowers and/or Quality Power for as-needed purchase, diagnostics, and repairs services for 2-cycle and battery-operated equipment, in the cumulative annual not-to-exceed amount of $310,000.00, for initial term of May 21, 2026 through May 20, 2027, with two, one-year renewal options pursuant to Invitation to Bid (ITB) 07-26 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Body
SUMMARY:
ITB No. 07-26, 2-Cycle and Battery-Operated Equipment Purchase, Diagnostics, and Repair Services, was issued on January 13, 2026, and originally scheduled to close on February 17, 2026. The due date was extended by addendum to February 25, 2026, to promote competition and provide prospective bidders additional time to prepare and submit responses. Two submissions were received on or before the revised deadline. The Parks & Recreation Department (Department) evaluated both submissions and determined that both Choo Choo Lawn Equipment, Inc. and Ruckus Investments, LC d/b/a Quality Mowers and/or Quality Power meet the City’s requirements and are responsive and responsible bidders.
Award to both vendors is recommended to ensure continuity of supply and flexibility in obtaining equipment, parts, and repair services as needed.
The estimated annual expenditure under this citywide contract is $175,000.00 for Parks & Recreation, $25,000.00 for Public Utilities, $79,000.00 for Public Works, and $31,000.00 for other citywide funding, for a total annual amount not to exceed $310,000.00, with two one-year renewal options. The Department will ensure all contract requirements, including applicable insurance provisions, are met.
Accordingly, staff is requesting authorization to award purchase orders to Choo Choo Lawn Equipment, Inc. and Ruckus Investments, LC d/b/a Quality Mowers and/or Quality Power for as-needed purchase, diagnostics, and repair services for 2-cycle and battery-operated equipment in an annual amount not to exceed $310,000.00, with two one-year renewal options.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding is available in various cost codes of the Parks and Recreation, Public Utilities, and Public Works departments. The operations of Parks and Recreation and certain divisions of Public Works (Urban Forestry, Streets & Sidewalks, Traffic Engineering) are funded by revenues from the General Fund. The operations of Public Utilities (Water and Sewer) and Public Works-Stormwater Division are funded by revenues from their respective Utility Enterprise Funds.
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS:
N/A
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Approval of the purchase order supports several Strategic Plan Objectives, including:
• 1.2: Maintain public infrastructure, mobility systems, natural lands, environmental resources, and historic features through systematic management efforts;
• 1.5: Embrace a culture of innovation that drives continuous improvement and successfully serves all our customers;
• 2.3: Promote Clearwater as a premier destination for entertainment, cultural experiences, tourism, and national sporting events;
• 3.2: Preserve community livability through responsible development standards, proactive code compliance, and targeted revitalization; and
• 4.2: Adopt renewable resource usage and waste reduction practices to ensure a vibrant City for current and future generations.
