Sheridan City Council Study Session - February 23, 2026

This study session covered six items: the sale of two police pursuit vehicles, purchase of a combination VAC truck, purchase of a street sweeper, adoption of the 2026 Transportation Master Plan, a cooperative agreement for joint planning area updates, and general discussion. No formal votes were taken; actions are scheduled for future council meetings.

Discussion of Sale of Two Police Pursuit Vehicles

• Fleet coordinator Heather Kaplinski presented a proposal to sell a 2016 Dodge Charger (96,000+ miles) and a 2015 Chevy Tahoe (72,000+ miles) to Chicago Motors Inc. for a total of $18,014 ($5,507 and $12,570 respectively). The sale follows a sealed bid process advertised on February 7, 11, and 17, with bids opened on February 18. Two Illinois dealers bid; Chicago Motors was selected.
• The vehicles are no longer safe to operate due to severe electrical and suspension issues; they have not been in regular service for some time. The sale allows the city to avoid stripping the vehicles of equipment (except radios and radars), and the buyer is responsible for transport. Staff noted that similar vehicles at auction brought significantly less ($4,500–$6,350 for Tahoes; $1,300–$5,200 for Chargers in 2024–2025).
• Council members asked about the condition of the vehicles, the reuse of equipment, and future disposal of fire trucks. The proceeds will go into the general fund; a planned equipment fund will start in FY27. No vote was taken.

Discussion of Purchase of One Combination VAC Truck

• Fleet coordinator Kaplinski presented a proposal to purchase a 2026 combination VAC truck from Joe Johnson Equipment for $578,065, funded from the FY26 budget amendment approved on January 5, 2026. The truck replaces a 2015 Freightliner VACON (over 11 years old, 4,000 hours, 20,000 miles) that has been out of service with engine and joystick issues, costing $35,000 in repairs over the last 16 months. Two quotes were obtained; the Vactor option (with 8% Sourcewell discount) was lower than the VACON bid and offers better specs and free training for operators and mechanics for the life of the truck. Delivery is expected in 6–7 months.
• Council asked about training differences and the fate of the old truck (will be surplused at auction). No vote was taken.

Discussion of Purchase of One Street Sweeper

• Fleet coordinator Kaplinski presented a proposal to purchase a 2026 Ravo R5 street sweeper from Enviro Clean Equipment for $352,225.97, funded from the FY26 budget amendment approved January 5, 2026. The sweeper replaces a 2017 Elgin regenerative air sweeper (over 9 years old, 4,100 hours, 29,000 miles) needing $30,000 in major repairs. Three quotes were obtained; the Ravo was the lowest and offers benefits including no CDL requirement, better maneuverability, and availability within 2–3 weeks. Staff noted the city’s current sweeper fleet includes a leased 2024 Schwartz (lease ends August 2028) and a 2019 Ravo; future replacements will be staggered. No vote was taken.

Discussion of Resolution 05-26 Adopting the Sheridan Transportation Master Plan 2026

• City engineer Thomas Morneau presented the final draft of the Transportation Master Plan, which was previously reviewed in study session. Key updates include: added acknowledgments, the resolution page, improved language on right-of-way acquisition, updated appendices (C and D) to include public comments and clarify project selection, and updated project maps. The plan contains 54 projects; the steering committee reviewed public input (18 written comments received after draft publication) but public comment did not change project prioritization or add/remove projects. Projects such as Bluebird Lane extension and Airport Road projects generated opposition but were retained per steering committee judgment. The plan will go to the Planning Commission later that evening and return for council action next week.
• Council member Patzik noted Fifth and Sheridan Avenue intersection as a potential addition. No vote was taken.

Discussion of Cooperative Agreement for Long-Range Planning for the Sheridan Joint Planning Area

• City planner Christy Schulter presented a cooperative agreement between Sheridan County and the City of Sheridan to update the joint planning area. The agreement is nearly identical to the 2017 version, with the city as lead agency responsible for two-thirds of the cost and the county one-third. The county has already approved it. Next steps include issuing a request for qualifications to select a consultant, with potential to also update the city’s and county’s future land use plans under a single consultant to save costs and avoid public confusion. Funding will be requested in the FY27 budget. No vote was taken.

General Discussion and Future Agenda Items

• City administrator Stu McRae noted no items from administration. Council member asked about the status of the employee survey conducted several months ago. McRae responded that a committee led by utilities director Dan Roberts will present an update at the all-hands meeting on March 17, 2026. No other items were raised. Meeting adjourned.