DATE:
October 1, 2024
TO:
Adam Politzer, Interim 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 Two 2024 Westward Industries GO-4 Gas Model Parking Utility Vehicles In The Amount Not To Exceed $101,744.78 From Turf Star Western Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the above-entitled resolution to purchase two Westward Industries gas GO-4 parking enforcement vehicles from Turf Star Western for a total amount not to exceed $101,774.78. This is a non-scheduled fleet replacement of two 2020 Westward Industries EV GO-4 parking enforcement utility vehicles that over the course of the past 3 ½ years of use have cost in excess of $39,000 in repairs and an expected additional cost in excess of $25,000 to complete needed repairs. Funding for this purchase is allocated in the City Vehicle Replacement Fund.
Background
The City has a Vehicle Replacement Program to establish a plan for the scheduled replacement of Police Department vehicles. The program established a replacement fund account to pay for the replacement of vehicles at the end of their useful lives. 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 parking enforcement services to our community. As part of the vehicle replacement program, Police Department vehicles being decommissioned are sent to auction and sold.
The two parking enforcement vehicles being replaced are necessary for the Police Department to continue to provide parking enforcement and vehicle abatement police services to our community. The two parking enforcement vehicles being replaced are 2020 Westward Industries EV GO-4’s (all electric) purchased in November of 2020. The City’s Vehicle Replacement Program establishes a 5-year lifespan for the parking enforcement vehicles. This life span applies unless the long-term cost of repairing a vehicle is not as fiscally sound as replacing the vehicle. Currently the two parking enforcement vehicles are quoted to need in excess of $25,000 for repairs and replacement of electric battery systems.
To date, the Police Department has spent in excess of $39,000 in non-routine maintenance repairs and replacement of parts. These repairs consist mainly of electrical components, drivetrain, and charging repairs.
Discussion
Parking enforcement vehicles are one of the most critical purchases made by a law enforcement agency. Selection of vehicles is determined by reliability, safety, and low maintenance. The potential for extended use of the parking enforcement vehicles in an urban environment puts an extraordinary demand upon the vehicles used by our parking enforcement staff.
Of the parking enforcement fleet vehicles available on the market, staff learned the compact size, lightweight, fuel efficient, and highly maneuverable Westward Industries gas GO-4 is a suitable vehicle for the city environment and for the parking compliance duties as outlined in the parking management plan. The GO-4 is a purpose build vehicle that allows for the operator to exit on the passenger side of the vehicle, facilitating a safer operation of the vehicle while taking up a small footprint within the roadway, minimizing its impact on traffic and protecting the officer from passing traffic. The Westward Industries gas GO-4 parking utility vehicles are currently being used by several municipalities across the Bay Area.
Staff used Sourcewell Competitive Purchasing to ensure the product and system meet the requirements of the Emeryville Municipal Code and Administrative Instruction directive 605 which provide for an exception to typical procurement procedures for piggyback contracts (see EMC section 3-602(c)(2).) Sourcewell's analysts streamline the procurement process by developing RFPs for national, competitive solicitations that meet or exceed local requirements. The process is continually refined to best meet the needs of participating agencies and potential product vendors by piggybacking on a contract for the purchase. By using the competitive bid process conducted by Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Agreement, the City is assured that the best price is obtained.
FISCAL IMPACT
Staff obtained a quote from Turf Star Western under the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Agreement for the purchase of one Westward Industries gas GO-4 utility vehicles. The quote will be doubled (for two vehicles) to replace the two 2020 Westward Industries EV GO-4 utility vehicles currently experiencing ongoing electrical and mechanical malfunctions.
STAFF COMMUNICATION WITH THE PUBLIC
Staff has had no communication with the public on this matter.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends approval of the Resolution authorizing the purchase of two Westward Industries gas GO-4 utility vehicles from Turf Star Western in the amount not to exceed $101,744.78.
PREPARED BY: Andrew Cassianos, Sergeant of Police
Approved and Forwarded to the
City Council of the City of Emeryville:
Adam Politzer, Interim City Manager
Attachments
Draft Resolution
Exhibit A – Vehicle Purchase Quote
Police Fleet Vehicle Replacement
City Council Meeting | October 1, 2024
City of Emeryville
CALIFORNIA
MEMORANDUM