1 TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Ryan Smoot, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Lina Hernandez, Senior Management Analyst
MEETING DATE: June 6, 2023
SUBJECT: Consideration of an Expenditure for the Purchase of a Zero-Emission Vehicle for Parking Enforcement Use
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve an expenditure not to exceed $50,000 for the purchase of a zero-emission vehicle for parking enforcement use (including light bar installation and related accessories) and authorize the City Manager to execute.
BACKGROUND:
The City Council approved the purchase of a hybrid Toyota Prius-c for the Parking Enforcement Division in 2014. The average lifespan of a Toyota Prius battery is between 8-10 years and the cost to replace it is slightly over $5,000. Recently the battery on the vehicle failed and, given that the Kelley Blue Book value for a 2014 Prius-c is $8,820- $9,959, staff believes it is in the city’s best interest to purchase a new vehicle and at a later time auction the Toyota Prius and deposit the proceeds into the Equipment Replacement fund.
At the writing of this report formal dealer quotes were not available. Based on online price comparisons, electric vehicles such as the Chevrolet Volt and the Nissan Leaf can cost between $37,000 - $40,000. Given the inventory shortage, higher dealer markups and possible long travel distance to acquire the vehicle may present some challenges, however staff will continue soliciting quotes and researching for the best available vehicle that meets the city’s needs and operations within budget. Additional cost for the installation of a light bar and related accessories is not expected to exceed $5,000.
Recent trends and state regulations have supported clean energy solutions and the transition to zero-emission vehicles. In addition to fuel savings, most electric vehicles have lower maintenance costs since they have fewer and simpler components and don’t require fluid changes or tune-ups. An all-electric city vehicle would align with the City’s Item No. 7j
CITY OF LOMITA
CITY COUNCIL REPORT
2 Safety Element, Policy 1.2 Goal to reduce air pollution from mobile sources. The parking enforcement team currently shares a 2018 fully electric Nissan Leaf and needs a second reliable vehicle to continue parking operations, maintain service levels and be ready for the anticipated implementation of street sweeping changes and additional routes.
It is recommended that the City Council approve the expenditure of up to $50,000 and authorize the City Manager to execute the purchase of a new zero-emission vehicle not to exceed that amount. Once the vehicle is acquired, a light bar and back up indicator will be installed before it is put into service.
FISCAL IMPACT
There are sufficient funds in the Equipment Replacement Fund to appropriate $50,000 for the purchase of a parking enforcement vehicle.
OPTIONS
1. Approve staff’s recommendation.
2. Provide alternative direction.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
Reviewed by: Approved by:
_____________________ ______________________
Gary Y. Sugano Ryan Smoot
Assistant City Manager City Manager
Prepared by:
Lina Hernandez
Senior Management Analyst