From: Shelby S
To: Trish Spencer; Tony Daysog; Malia Vella; Tracy Jensen; City Clerk; Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft Subject: [EXTERNAL] RE tonight"s Item 5C-Ford F250 "equipments" question Date: Tuesday, March 5, 2024 2:49:33 PM
Hi there-
I am reviewing the Staff Report, and I have a question about Item 5C per the discussion:
"National Auto Fleet Group holds Sourcewell agreement 091521-NAF. Sourcewell is a cooperative purchasing agency that solicits and awards contracts through a public competitive procurement process compliant with state statutes. The City is a Sourcewell member and the quoted pricing for the Ford F-250 is based on the Sourcewell contract. Staff recommends the purchase of one Ford F-250 for a total not-to-exceed $77,295.88. T
he F-250 requires upfitting with aftermarket equipment, which will add an additional estimated cost of $73,000 from various standard Fire Department vendors. As each aftermarket vendor is less than $75,000, they are within the City Manager’s signing authority"
First, while it looks like the truck itself is ~10%+ over-priced, I understand that can be expected when you go through a purchasing agent, so that is not the issue i have on this item.
My issue is that a vote on this item would appear to also endorse the extra $75,000 to be spent on equipment, and I think the council should be clear that it is not part of the vote. I see that the Discussion clearly states it is the City Manager's decision, so whatever motion that is approved should be clear as well.
The reason I believe that is important is because $75,000 for after market equipment on this type of vehicle is not just "a little overpriced"---my research showed that it is about $50,000 overpriced, or 300%. Certainly we can do better.
In any case, I hope the City Manager looks closely at the costs, and isnt just signing off on an overly expensive package, lest some might consider it "peddling".
Regards, Shelby Sheehan