Item #06
Date: March 17, 2026
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Jeramy Chapdelaine, Public Works Director/Chief Building Official Subject: Award of Informal Bid - Purchase of Sewer Utility Truck Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the City Council 1) Award the informal bid for the purchase of one (1) 4x4 fleet utility truck with utility body to Dow Lewis Motors, Inc., in the amount of $69,391.90; and 2) Authorize the City Manager to execute all documents necessary to complete the purchase.
Background:
The Public Works Department issued a Notice Inviting Informal Bids for the purchase of one (1) new 4x4 fleet utility truck with service body to support operations of the Public Works Sewer Division.
The procurement was conducted pursuant to Marysville Municipal Code Section 2.76.113 - Informal Bid Purchases and the City’s adopted Purchasing Policy.
The vehicle will be utilized by Public Works field staff performing sewer system maintenance and infrastructure repairs throughout the City.
Minimum specifications included:
• New ¾-ton 4x4 pickup truck
• Single cab configuration
• Automatic transmission
• Utility/service body with lockable compartments
• Trailer hitch and wiring package
• LED scene lighting
• Compliance with applicable federal and California vehicle safety and emissions regulations Bids were due March 6, 2026 at 2:00 PM.
Discussion & Analysis:
The City received two (2) bids from qualified vehicle dealers. Staff reviewed both submissions for responsiveness to the bid specifications and completeness of pricing.
Item #06
Bid Summary
Rank Bidder Amount
1 Dow Lewis Motors, Inc. $69,391.90
2 Fairfield Ford $70,100.75
During review of the bids, staff noted that the original bid submitted by Dow Lewis Motors, Inc. included registration, title, and license fees typically charged for privately registered vehicles.
Municipal vehicles owned and operated by the City of Marysville are registered as government-exempt vehicles. Therefore registration, title, and license fees are not applicable and will not be charged to the City.
Dow Lewis Motors, Inc. subsequently submitted a supplemental bid form clarifying the registration, title, and license fee line items to reflect the City’s government-exempt registration status.
While Fairfield Ford included a nominal $8.75 registration/title/license fee in its bid, even when this amount is considered in the bid comparison, Dow Lewis Motors, Inc. remains the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
Staff reserves the right to determine bid responsiveness and evaluate bids based on the City’s operational requirements and procurement policies. Minor clerical discrepancies and non-applicable fee items were reviewed and clarified during staff evaluation and did not affect the determination of the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
The proposed vehicle from Dow Lewis Motors is a GMC 2500 4x4 utility truck equipped with a municipal service body suitable for Public Works field operations. The vendor confirmed delivery within the required timeframe and that the bid price includes all required equipment and delivery costs.
Awarding the contract to Dow Lewis Motors, Inc. is consistent with Marysville Municipal Code §2.76.113, which requires award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
Environmental Impact:
The purchase of a replacement fleet vehicle is not considered a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5) as it constitutes administrative and operational activities of government that do not result in a direct or indirect physical change in the environment.
Legal Review:
The City Attorney’s office has reviewed and approved as to form.
Alignment with City Council Goal(s):
This action supports the City Council Strategic Plan goals related to maintaining reliable infrastructure, ensuring efficient delivery of municipal services, and responsibly managing City financial resources. Replacement of aging fleet equipment enables Public Works staff to effectively maintain the City’s sewer infrastructure and respond to operational needs.
Item #06
Fiscal Analysis:
The total purchase cost is $69,391.90.
Available funds exist within account 50-500-5230 to purchase the vehicle.
Attachment(s):
1. Notice Inviting Informal Bids - Fleet Utility Truck
2. Bid Form - Fairfield Ford
3. Bid Form - Dow Lewis Motors, Inc.
4. Supplemental Bid Form - Dow Lewis Motors, Inc.