CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: MAY 12, 2026 CONSENT CALENDAR
SUBJECT: AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF ONE (1) GAPVAX JET/VAC TRUCK AND (1) TRAFFIC CONTROL TRUCK
FROM: Scott C. Stiles, City Manager
BY: David McAbee, Director of Public Works
SUMMARY:
This action will authorize issuance of a purchase order for the purchase of one (1) 2026 GapVax combination Jet/Vac truck and one (1) 2026 Ford F-350 traffic control truck in an amount not to exceed $1,066,702.48, inclusive of a 10% contingency. These specialized units are essential for maintaining municipal sewer infrastructure and supporting ongoing operations and preventative maintenance activities.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Approve the issuance of a purchase order to Plumbers Depot, Inc., for the purchase of one (1) new 2026 GapVax combination jet/vac truck, in an amount not to exceed $976,210.73, inclusive of a 10% contingency.
2. After delivery of the new vehicle, declare the existing vehicle (Unit 4130E) being replaced as surplus, and authorize its reassignment to the Public Works Department for operational use until such a time that the repairs exceed the value of the vehicle, after which the Department of Public Works shall surplus the equipment directly to auction as authorized by the City Manager or designee.
3. Approve the issuance of a purchase order to Fiesta Ford, Inc., for the purchase of (1) new 2026 Ford F-350 traffic control truck, in the amount of $90,491.75, inclusive of a 10% contingency.
4. After delivery of the new vehicle, declare the existing vehicle (Unit 431) being replaced as surplus, waive the equipment requirements of 7.07.020 (5) of the Palm Springs Municipal Code and approve the surplus equipment to directly to auction as authorized by the City Manager or designee.
5. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all necessary documents.
BUSINESS PRINCIPAL DISCLOSURE:
According to the Public Integrity Disclosure form (Attachment A), Plumbers Depot, Inc.,
City Council Staff Report
May 12,2026 -- Page 2
Authorize the purchase of one (1) GapVax Jet/Vac truck & (1) Traffic Control Truck and Fiesta Ford, Inc., are registered in the state of California.
BACKGROUND:
On June 5, 1996, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 18834 (Attachment B), establishing a new Equipment Replacement Policy. This policy outlined the requirements to replace vehicles depending on the type of vehicle, age, and mileage. A copy of the resolution is included in the attachments to this report. However, in the past economic recession the City Council suspended regular vehicle replacements, allowing replacements only on an emergency basis. This created a backlog of vehicles that have higher mileage and worn conditions requiring replacement. In recent years the City Council has authorized the purchase of new vehicles to replace existing vehicles, and to add vehicles for new positions that require a vehicle, helping to reduce the backlog of replacements/purchases.
The City owns the Palm Springs Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) located at 4375 East Mesquite Avenue. The facility is operated and maintained by Veolia Water West Operating Services, Inc. (Veolia) pursuant to a Contract Agreement A6804 (Attachment C) dated November 4, 2015. Veolia’s operations also include operating and maintaining the City’s wastewater collection system and maintaining the City’s storm water infrastructure.
The GapVax combination Jet/Vac (4130E) is used to service and clean the sanitary sewer system and storm drain infrastructure, ensuring lines are unobstructed and free flowing.
This truck will also be utilized for emergency response situations including sewer backups, line breaks, and obstruction removal.
The existing traffic control truck (431) is used alongside the GapVax and other sewer line inspection equipment to provide advance warning and enhance safety for both residents and field personnel.
STAFF ANALYSIS:
As the age of the City’s existing fleet of vehicles increases, the annual cost to maintain these vehicles also increases. Staff monitor the ongoing operational and maintenance cost of its older vehicles and have identified an inventory of vehicles that should be replaced with new vehicles given the accumulated cost of repairs in comparison to the current value of the vehicle.
In accordance with City of Palm Springs Municipal Code Section 7.03.09, “Special Procurement Methods,” Section 5, “Cooperative Purchasing Programs”, the City Council may authorize the acquisition of supplies or services through a joint powers or other cooperative purchasing program with a public entity or association of public agencies or officials, provided that the vendor selected has been selected through a competitive process and the department finds that the competitive process is similar to that contained City Council Staff Report
May 12,2026 -- Page 3
Authorize the purchase of one (1) GapVax Jet/Vac truck & (1) Traffic Control Truck in Title 7 or adequate to protect the public interest, and that due to economies of scale, the nature of the product, or market conditions, the price of the supplies or services is likely to be less through the cooperative purchase than through the City’s independent purchasing pursuant to Title 7.
Sourcewell is a public agency that conducts competitive solicitations and awards contracts to qualified vendors, allowing participating agencies to benefit from volume pricing and streamlined procurement processes. This cooperative purchasing arrangement provides competitive pricing and efficient procurement to support the operational needs of the Public Works Department through Sourcewell Cooperative Contract #101221-GPV, with authorized dealer Plumbers Depot, Inc., for the purchase of one (1) new 2026 GapVax combination jet/vac truck.
Wastewater:
Wastewater has 2 existing vehicles that are 11 years old and require replacement.
Existing Unit
#
Year Make/Model Mileage
4130E 2015 Mack GapVax 64,626
431 2015 Ford F-350 (traffic control truck) 52,497
The GapVax vehicle is being replaced with the vehicle shown below:
Replacement Make/Model Cost
One (1) 2026 Western Star GapVax Truck $887,464.30
Contingency 10% $88,746.43
Total Estimated Cost $976,210.73
*Vehicle Year, Make and Model may change due to availability.
The Public Works Department solicited quotes for the purchase of a traffic control truck and received the following quotes:
Vendor F-350 Traffic Control Truck
Fiesta Ford $82,265.23
Ken Grody Ford $85,096.00
National Auto Fleet Group $133,199.12
City Council Staff Report
May 12,2026 -- Page 4
Authorize the purchase of one (1) GapVax Jet/Vac truck & (1) Traffic Control Truck The traffic control vehicle is being replaced with the vehicle shown below:
Replacement Make/Model Cost
One (1) 2026 Ford F-350 $82,265.23
Contingency 10% $8,226.52
Total Estimated Cost $90,491.75
*Vehicle Year, Make and Model may change due to availability.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
The requested City Council action is not a “Project” as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Pursuant to Section 15378(a), a “Project” means the whole of an action, which has a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. According to Section 15378(b), a Project does not include: (5) Organizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLANNING:
This item aligns with the following City Council Strategic Plan Broad Goal: Infrastructure and Facilities.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Sufficient funds for these purchases are available in the Wastewater fund, Account 4207500-60020.
REVIEWED BY:
Assistant Director of Public Works: Daniel Martinez
Director of Public Works: David McAbee
City Engineer: Joel Montalvo
Procurement and Contracting Manager: Tabitha Richards
Assistant City Manager: Teresa Gallavan
City Manager: Scott Stiles
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Public Integrity Disclosure
B. Resolution No. 18834
C. Veolia Contract