By SUSAN RUMBLE

Special to The Press

Upon the recommendation of the Director of Facilities and Operations Arthur Oakes, the Parkland School Board recently approved the purchase of three pieces of equipment for use at the Operations Center under construction along Stadium Drive.

These include a Toyota electric reach truck (forklift) at a cost of $56,699; an electric pallet truck at $5,499; and a compact electric pallet truck at $2,899.

“These are included in the furniture, fixtures and equipment budget for the Operations Center,” explained Oakes.

“Due to the lead time of the equipment, we are requesting to issue the purchase order now,”

The provider will be ToyotaLift Northeast LLC.

In another matter, the board approved a proposal from Barry Isett and Associates for professional engineering services for groundwater monitoring at the high school at a cost of $6,400 for one year.

The task is a requirement of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit.

The board moved on to approve a quote from Perry Weather for an outdoor warning system and weather station at an annual service fee of $4,050 for seven years and an additional one time $350 charge.

“This is designated for outside activities and the constant monitoring is beneficial for safety,” Oakes said.

Responding to another suggestion from Oakes, the board approved a proposal from Cintas for weekly traffic mat replacement at the high school.

Oakes said this is a pilot program to address concerns of slips, trips and falls and will ensure fresh mats are in place.

He said it may expand to middle schools in the future.