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April 23, 2024
ITEM TITLE
Apparatus/Vehicle Purchase and Appropriation: Waive the Competitive Bidding Requirements, Approve the Purchase of One BME Type 6 Squad Apparatus from South Coast Fire Equipment, and Appropriate Funds for That Purpose
Report Number: 24-0123
Location: No specific geographic location
Department: Fire
G.C. § 84308: Yes
Environmental Notice : The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines. Therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
Recommended Action
Adopt a resolution approving the purchase of one BME Type 6 Squad apparatus from South Coast Fire Equipment and appropriating funds for that purpose. (4/5 Vote Required).
SUMMARY
The Chula Vista Fire Department delivers Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Medical Services to Chula Vista residents, visitors, and employees daily. Emergency response service delivery is provided with several different types of apparatus, including triple combi nation pumped/fire engines, aerial ladder trucks, heavy rescue, brush engines, type 6 squads, and command vehicles.
The Fire Department is requesting authorization to purchase one BME Type 6 Squad apparatus from South Coast Fire Equipment. The squad will be used to replace a unit which was determined a total loss caused by a recent vehicle accident.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Director of Development Services has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines because it will not result in a physical change in the environment.
Therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to CEQA.
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BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
Not applicable.
DISCUSSION
The Fire Department responds to Fire, Rescue and Emergency Medical incidents both w ithin the City and surrounding jurisdictions. A component of the response plan for the eastern side of the City has been the implementation of squads, which has assisted in the Fire Department decreasing response times and time on task for fire units.
The purchase of one BME Type 6 S quad apparatus will allow the Fire Department to maintain the current level of response resources in the eastern side of the City . The existing damaged/totaled squad provided a reserve unit for crews to rotate into and operate from while frontline squads are receiving maintenance or repair. Without this squad apparatus, we lose response capability when a frontline squad is out of service for maintenance or repair. In addition to this capability, this squad was to be placed into frontline service this August to service the west side of the city due to increasing call volumes that have resulted in the overuse of mutual/automatic aid from the National City Fire Department. Not replacing this damaged/totaled squad will delay the ability to place this unit into service to mitigate this aid issue.
The Measure A Public Safety Expenditure plan includes the purchase of additional squad apparatus .
Acknowledging an 18-24 month build time, purchasing an in-stock unit now instead of waiting for a 1.5-to- 2-year build time, will provide for an immediate ability to maintain the current level of response resources and create the depth required in having a reserve vehicle and the capacity to improve service in the near future.
The Fire Department’s actions to date to locate the apparatus and outfitting has been done in an informal manner and the company available to expedite the delivery is South Coast Fire Equipment . Per Chula Vista Municipal Code Section 2.56.070(B)(3), we are requesting that City Council waive the formal bid procedure and accept the informal process undertaken in light of the urgency approve the purchase and maintain the current level of response resources in the City. The Fire Department has received a quote from South Coast Fire Equipment for the purchase of one BME Type 6 Squad for the quoted purchase price of $403,202.40. The Fire Department is recommending a 5% overage to account for any change order needs in the purchasing process, bringing the total to approximately $ 424,200. The purchase will be funded out of the Fire Department’s Measure A Vehicle Replacement Fund. Additionally, the purchase will be offset by the insurance settlement (amount to be determined) received.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site-specific and consequently, the real property holdings of the City Council members do not create a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov't Code § 87100, et seq.).
Staff is not independently aware and has not been informed by any City Council member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision-maker conflict of interest in this matter.
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CURRENT-YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of this resolution will result in the appropriation of $424, 200 of available fund balance to the Capital category of the Measure A Vehicle Replacement Fund. The order will be placed with the vendor South Coast Fire Equipment upon Council approval. Delivery of the apparatus will be within one (1) month of Purchase Order issuance. Payment for the apparatus is due upon delivery (expected fiscal year 2023-24).
Funds received from insurance settlement (amount to be determined) will offset the purchase once received and be deposited to the Measure A Vehicle Replacement Fund.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
The maintenance of the squad apparatus will be included in the budget development process in subsequent fiscal years.
ATTACHMENTS
1. South Coast Fire Equipment Squad Proposal
Staff Contact: Harry Muns, Fire Chief
Chris Manroe, Deputy Fire Chief