DATE:
March 5, 2024
TO:
Paul Buddenhagen, City Manager
FROM:
Jeff Jennings, Chief of Police
SUBJECT:
Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Emeryville Authorizing The City Manager To Purchase One Ford Explorer Hybrid Patrol Vehicle From Folsom Lake Ford For A Total Amount Not To Exceed $56,662.79, And Purchase Necessary Emergency Patrol Vehicle Equipment For The Vehicle From Lehr At An Estimated Cost Of $21,965.88 Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the above-entitled resolution to purchase one 2023 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor HEV (Hybrid) SUV vehicle under the State of California’s Enforcement Vehicle contract for a total amount not to exceed $56,662.79. In addition to the purchase of the vehicle, there is an additional cost estimated at up to $21,965.88 for the purchase and installation of emergency vehicle equipment for the vehicle. This is a non-scheduled replacement of a patrol vehicle that sustained a complete loss as a result of a traffic collision on December 28, 2023. Funding for this purchase is allocated in the City Vehicle Replacement Fund and will be at least partially offset by insurance.
Background
The City has a Vehicle Replacement Program for the scheduled replacement of city vehicles, including police vehicles. The program has a replacement fund account that departments pay into regularly for the replacement of vehicles. This approach has reduced maintenance costs and improved the reliability of Police Department vehicles. As a result, the department has reliable, safe vehicles to provide police services to our community.
The patrol vehicle being replaced is necessary for the Police Department to continue to provide police services to our community. The vehicle being replaced is a 2023 Ford Explorer HEV (Hybrid) purchased in February 2023. The City’s Vehicle Replacement Program establishes a 5-year lifespan for patrol vehicles. This life span applies unless the long-term cost of repairing an older vehicle is not as fiscally sound as replacing the vehicle. The quote for repairing the 2023 Ford Explorer is $35,559.97. This value exceeds 62% of the cost of a new vehicle and given the extensive damage, there are vehicle safety concerns with trying to repair instead of replacing the vehicle.
Discussion
Patrol vehicles are one of the most critical purchases made by a law enforcement agency. Selection of vehicles is determined based on reliability, safety, and low maintenance needs. The potential for 24-hour operation of most police vehicles in an urban environment puts extraordinary stress upon the vehicles used by patrol officers.
Of the police fleet vehicles available on the market, staff learned that larger storage capacity of the SUV models is best suited to carry all the equipment each officer is required to take each shift. Staff has learned that many California law enforcement agencies have adopted the same philosophy and are opting for the SUV style vehicle to serve police department operations. It is therefore recommended that the City purchase a Ford Explorer HEV (Hybrid) Police Interceptor model vehicle to replace the 2023 vehicle. The choice of a hybrid vehicle is also in line with the City Council’s goal for electrification of the City’s fleet and reducing the City’s carbon footprint. A fully electric, patrol rated vehicle is not in production by any car manufacturer and therefore is not available.
Fiscal Impact
Staff obtained a bid from Folsom Lake Ford, the fleet vehicle dealer who holds the State of California’s Enforcement Vehicle contract, for the purchase of one Ford Explorer Police Interceptor HEV (Hybrid) vehicle, and a bid from Lehr for the purchase and installation of the emergency vehicle equipment needed for the vehicle, as outlined in the Vehicle Replacement Program, Fund 660. The city received 34,559 from our insurer and anticipates being able to use some of the existing equipment from the damaged vehicle (lights, sirens, cage, etc). The additional $44,069 to purchase and outfit the vehicle is available in the vehicle replacement fund. Staff are continuing to advocate with the City’s insurer for the full replacement cost, but there will be a significant delay in acquiring a police vehicle if the purchase is not confirmed immediately after receiving council approval on March 5.
Staff Communication with the Public
Staff has had no communication with the public on this matter.
Conflict of Interest
There is no conflict of interest.
Conclusion
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to purchase one Ford Explorer Police Interceptor HEV Hybrid SUV from Folsom Lake Ford for an amount not to exceed $56,662.79 and authorize the City Manager to purchase necessary emergency vehicle equipment for the vehicle at a not to exceed amount of $21,965.88.
PREPARED BY: Andrew Cassianos, Sergeant
Approved and Forwarded to the
City Council of the City of Emeryville:
Paul Buddenhagen, City Manager
Attachments
Draft Resolution
Price Quotes
Police Fleet Vehicle Replacement
City Council Meeting | March 5, 2024
City of Emeryville
CALIFORNIA
MEMORANDUM