The Board of Directors approved three purchases for the city that exceeded $640,000.
At Tuesday's meeting, the board approved a software purchase of $253,175 to update the city's online infrastructure program, which will be used for utility billing, accounting, human resources, internet technology, purchasing, planning, code enforcement and animal services.
Seven vendors submitted proposals, which were ranked on the capabilities of the program and its cost, including the software provider that installed the city's software program 10 years ago, which it still uses today.
"We looked at all computer programs to make sure they could meet our means -- the current system is not meeting our needs," said city finance director Christina Petriches. "They couldn't do some of the things we wanted them to provide."
The city chose to go with Caselle, the second-highest bidder, because it would provide the city with a web presence that will allow residents to easily track payment history, submission of online permit and employment applications, the ability to purchase event tickets and pool passes, provide tax receipts related to alcohol or hotels, an allow people to pay animal services with credit or debit cards.
Money that was not spent from the revised 2014 budget will be used to purchase the new software, Petriches said.
The board also approved the purchase of a rear-load solid waste truck for $218,950 from River City Hydraulics. The truck will have rear-tipper capabilities, which will be used to dump commercial trash bins from industrial complexes and restaurants. A bidding process was not used to purchase the equipment.
The board also approved a new communications system for the Siloam Springs Police Department to replace 14-year-old equipment.
The request was made because the availability of parts for the current system is limited. Currently, parts have to be ordered from online sites, such as E-Bay.
"The current radio equipment in use at the old police department is inadequate to accept the demands required to provide future public safety services to the community," Chief James Wilmeth wrote in a memorandum to directors.
The city received a bid from ZETRON MAX for $175,916, because its communication equipment "meets all specifications ... for future radio demands."
The Siloam Springs Police Department will receive workstation bundles, wireless headsets, microphones, foot switches, speaker cables, radio hardware, radio channeler, power systems, amplifiers, rack mount units, LCD monitors, and other hardware.
The money for the communication system will come from leftover hospital funds.
In other business, the board approved:
• A $437,243 contract with Benton County that will be paid to the city of Siloam Springs in quarterly payments. The Siloam Springs Fire Department provides EMS services to rural and unincorporated areas in Benton County that are within its response area.
• MetLife as the city's life, accidental death and dismemberment and long-term disability provider for $69,851. The previous provider only guaranteed rate to Jan. 31, 2015, so the city sought a bids for a new provider. Thirteen carriers bid. The city selected MetLife based on its competitive pricing and alternative benefits.
• A resolution to amend the city's municipal handbook to amend the city's current death benefit policy to $100,000, plus an additional 150 percent of the employee's salary.
General News on 01/25/2015