DATE:
February 18, 2025
TO:
Mayor and Council Members
FROM:
Rachel Molina, City Manager
BY:
Cassandra Sanchez, Director of Public Works/City Engineer Brian Blackwell, Streets Operations Manager
SUBJECT:
Contract for new truck chassis and Swaploader conversion
RECOMMENDED ACTION
It is recommended that the City Council authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement with PB Loader Corporation for the purchase of a 2025 Freightliner with a Swaploader conversion for a not-to-exceed amount of $273,000 which includes a contingency of $23,362 for unanticipated retrofit modifications.
BACKGROUND
In Fiscal Year (FY) 2022-2023, there was a need for a vehicle to be added to the fleet. After researching a cost-effective option, it was decided to retrofit Truck 1441 into a Swaploader and three (3) bed attachments retrofitted: the dump truck bed, asphalt patch bed, and cinder spreader bed. This Swaploader conversion has been an asset to the fleet by making the truck a multi-use unit and allowing it to swap out beds in a matter of minutes to adapt to any work situation. This Swaploader fits the needs for the work required of the City; with this approach, the City realizes a cost saving from having to purchase three separate vehicles to complete the same tasks. Public Works has since implemented a plan to identify opportunities to use Swaploader commercial trucks to replace aging vehicles, allowing the department to be more adaptable. As the fleet needs to be replaced, the City will also bring new vehicles up to California Air Resource Boards standards.
ISSUES/ANALYSIS
The Streets Maintenance division has three (3) dump trucks, with Truck 1440 currently inoperable due to catastrophic engine failure with an estimated repair cost of $34,410 to replace the motor. Truck 1440 is ready to be removed from the fleet. At 26-year-old with 178,163 City miles, the truck was not built with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). As a result, the City had to install an aftermarket temporary soot filter to meet California Air Resource Boards regulations of 2020. To meet the new state requirements and keep public works outfitted with three working dump trucks, a replacement for truck 1440 is necessary. In addition, to help meet the community's day-to-day needs, the opportunity to use a new truck with a Swaploader conversion would be a beneficial replacement for Truck 1440.
This request is for a sole source exemption where “the commodity or service is required to match or be compatible with other furnishings, material, or equipment presently on hand and is to be purchased from the supplier of such on-hand items.” This will allow PB Loader Corporation to ensure all fabrication/modifications to the truck chassis and truck attachments are completed properly for the Swaploader conversion and will assure compatibility with existing attachments already built by PB Loader Corporation for the City of Hesperia Public Works Division.
CITY GOAL SUPPORTED BY THIS ITEM
Public Safety – Ensure public safety resources adequately protect our community.
FISCAL IMPACT
Sufficient funding has been included in the FY 2024-25 operating budget.
ALTERNATIVES
Provide alternative direction to staff.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
City of Hesperia STAFF REPORT City of Hesperia STAFF REPORT City of Hesperia
STAFF REPORT
City of Hesperia
STAFF REPORT
Staff Report to the Mayor and Council Members
Contract for new truck chassis and swaploader conversion February 18, 2025