A proposal to purchase an emergency generator generated a lot of discussion at Monday’s meeting of the Niles City Council.

At issue was the acceptance of a quote of $69,220 from Wolverine Power Systems of Zeeland for the purchase of an emergency standby generator for City Hall.

Jeff Dunlap, the city’s utilities manager, recommended buying a Generac model rather than a comparable Caterpillar model because the Caterpillar was about $20,000 more expensive.

Dunlap said after spending many months researching the best purchase, Generac came out on top because of its lower price and similar quality.

Councilman Scott Clark disagreed, saying the Caterpillar was a much better product. He recommended that the council spend the extra money.

“I don’t think you can beat a Caterpillar. I, myself, think that is the way to go,” Clark said. “If you want reliable back-up power I would think you would want the best.”

When it came to a vote, the council voted 5 to 2 to purchase the Generac model with Clark and Councilman David Mann opposing. Councilman Rob Durm was absent.

According to the information provided to the council, recent power outages have reinforced the need for emergency standby power to City Hall due to the critical infrastructure that was affected.

Councilman Dan VandenHeede estimates that the backup generator would be used 100 hours a year, since the city does not lose

power often.

Also Monday:

• The council set a public hearing for 5:55 p.m. Aug. 28 to receive comments on the proposed 2015 city budget.

• The council approved a request to hold the annual Crop Walk on Riverfront Park Trial from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21.

• The council approved a request from the local Optimists Club to hold the annual Great Pumpkin Race on Saturday, Oct. 25 on Second and Pokagon streets.

• The council approved the purchase of two trailer-mounted diesel generators for use by the utilities department for $85,200 from Michigan CAT of Grand Rapids.

• The council approved the purchase of a wheel loader with attachments for $189,198 from Michigan CAT of Novi. It will be used at the service center and other facilities.