Attachment 1
-1-
CITY OF MOUNTAIN VIEW
RESOLUTION NO.
SERIES 2025
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOUNTAIN VIEW
TO ADOPT A GREENHOUSE GAS-FREE FLEET AND LANDSCAPING EQUIPMENT
PURCHASING POLICY
WHEREAS, on April 29, 2025, the Council Sustainability Committee provided direction to City staff to bring to the City Council for adoption a Greenhouse Gas-Free Fleet and Landscaping Equipment Purchasing Policy (Exhibit A); and
WHEREAS, a Greenhouse Gas -Free Fleet and Landscaping Equipment Purchasing Policy would prioritize the purchase of electric on-road and off-road vehicles as a first option instead of fossil fuel vehicles; and
WHEREAS, the Policy would also prioritize the purchase of electric landscaping equipment as a first option instead of fossil fuel equipment; and
WHEREAS, certain exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis if electric vehicles and equipment do not meet the City’s operational requirements; and
WHEREAS, when exceptions are made, the City will consider alternative approaches to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in its vehicle and equipment purchases; and
WHEREAS, a Greenhouse Gas-Free Fleet and Landscaping Equipment Purchasing Policy can advance the City’s goal to decarbonize its operations and promote public health by improving local air quality; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: by the City Council of the City of Mountain View that the recitals set forth above are true and correct and are hereby incorporated by this reference as if fully set forth in their entirety; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED: adopt a R esolution of the City Council of the City of Mountain View to Adopt a Greenhouse Gas-Free Fleet and Landscaping Equipment Purchasing Policy; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED: that this Resolution shall be effective upon the date of its adoption.
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DL/1/RESO/621-06-10-25r
Exhibit: A. Greenhouse Gas-Free Fleet and Landscaping Equipment Purchasing Policy
CITY COUNCIL POLICY
SUBJECT: GREENHOUSE GAS -FREE FLEET AND LANDSCAPING EQUIPMENT
PURCHASING
NO.: ___
PURPOSE:
Th
e City Council has a goal to decarbonize its operations to address the accelerating effects of climate change. To meet these progressive climate goals, the City, at times, must be able to purchase vehicles and landscaping equipment that use greenhouse gas (GHG)-free fuels that may cost more upfront than their fossil fuel (gasoline, diesel) counterparts. Equally important to note is vehicles and equipment that use GHG -free fuels may produce long -term operational savings through lower fuel and maintenance costs while also improving local air quality for outdoor workers and the general public.
The
purpose of this Policy is to establish the City’s decision -making process for purchasing City fleet on-road and off-road vehicles and landscape equipment. This Policy prioritizes the purchase of GHG-free equipment when considering vehicles and landscaping equipment. The decision- making process outlined in this Policy will allow the City to make advances in electric vehicle and equipment adoption while considering the operational and financial needs of the City.
POL
ICY:
All Cit
y on-road and off -road vehicles and landscaping equipment purchases shall comply with the applicable policy requirements according to equipment type. This Policy is intended to ensure that City equipment purchases will meet safety, performance, and sustainability requirements.
1. For o
n-road and off-road vehicles, an electric-first approach shall be used. An electric-first approach prioritizes purchase of electric vehicles as a first option instead of fossil fuel vehicles whenever electric options:
a. Are c
ommercially available;
b. Meet
or exceed the City’s operational needs;
c. Are f
inancially reasonable after considering long-term fuel and maintenance costs or savings, City funds, and other financial factors;
Exhibit A
CITY COUNCIL POLICY
SUBJECT:
GREENHOUSE GAS -FREE FLEET AND LANDSCAPING EQUIPMENT
PURCHASING
NO.: ___
d. Have access to adequate electric vehicle charging infrastructure within 12 to 18 months of vehicle order date; and
e. Have reasonable accommodations to charge the equipment within 12 to 18 months of vehicle order date.
EXCEPTIONS: Exceptions may be made if electric options fail to meet the criteria above. When exceptions are made, the City will consider all alternative approaches prior to purchasing a fossil fuel vehicle. Alternative approaches may include:
(1) Deferring vehicle replacement;
(2) Retaining surplus fossil fuel vehicles during EV pilots or purchasing reasonable excess electric vehicles to test prior to replacing fossil fuel vehicles;
(3) Using a hybrid vehicle;
(4) Leasing a fossil fuel vehicle in lieu of purchasing a fossil fuel vehicle; or
(5) Using another type of GHG-free fuel.
Safety, GHG-reduction potential, and operational efficiency will be considered when weighing the alternative approaches.
If a department is seeking an exception for EV purchase for light -duty vehicles , the department will submit a memorandum identifying the electric vehicles evaluated, reasons for an exception, and alternatives explored under the exception. The memorandum will undergo a review process and be brought to the Capital Outlay Committee with a final decision made in consultation with the lead- submitting department and the Sustainability Division.
Exceptions for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles based on a lack of vehicle availability do not need a supporting memorandum. Rather, staff will indicate in the capital outlay process that there is not a suitable vehicle.
CITY COUNCIL POLICY
SUBJECT:
GREENHOUSE GAS -FREE FLEET AND LANDSCAPING EQUIPMENT
PURCHASING
NO.: ___
Updates on exceptions granted will be shared with the Council Sustainability Committee (CSC) or City Council as appropriate on an annual basis.
2. For landscaping equipment, an electric-first approach shall be used: The City shall purchase electric landscaping equipment as a first option, instead of fossil fuel equipment, whenever electric options:
a. Are commercially available;
b. Meet or exceed the City’s operational needs;
c. Are financially reasonable after considering long-term fuel and maintenance costs or savings, City funds, and other financial factors;
d. Have access to adequate charging infrastructure within six (6 ) to twelve (12) months of equipment order date; and
e. Have reasonable accommodations to charge the equipment within six ( 6) to twelve (12) months of equipment order date.
Exceptions may be made if electric options fail to meet any of the criteria above.
When exceptions are made, the City will consider alternative approaches prior to purchasing fossil fuel-powered equipment. Alternative approaches may include:
(1) Deferring equipment purchase;
(2) Using hybrid equipment; and
(3) Using another type of GHG-free fuel source.
Safety, GHG-reduction potential, and operational efficiency will be considered when weighing the alternative approaches.
If a department is seeking an exception, the department will provide information regarding the electric equipment evaluated, reasons for an exception, and alternatives explored under the exception in periodic updates to the Chief Sustainability and Resiliency Officer or designee. Updates on exceptions granted will be shared with the CSC or City Council as appropriate on an annual basis.
CITY COUNCIL POLICY
SUBJECT:
GREENHOUSE GAS -FREE FLEET AND LANDSCAPING EQUIPMENT
PURCHASING
NO.: ___
DEFINITIONS:
City’s operational needs: This includes requirements for safety, efficiency, design, and performance to effectively complete tasks.
Commercially available: Equipment is readily available for purchase and can be on-site within six (6) to twelve (12) months.
Greenhouse gas (GHG)-free fuels: Fuels from low carbon sources, such as electricity.
Fossil fuels: Includes gasoline, diesel, and other oils.
Financially reasonable: The total cost of ownership of the equipment, which includes upfront costs/savings, and operational costs/savings, and are feasible for the City.
Off-road vehicles: This includes equipment such as tractors, bulldozers, and other construction and maintenance equipment.
Landscaping equipment: This includes any ride-on mowers as well as handheld equipment, such as leaf blowers, trimmers, and edgers.
Effective Date: ______________, Resolution No. _____
CNLPOL
621-0x-CPxx (Draft)