February 6, 2024
Library and Community Services
DATE: February 6, 2024
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
LaShonda White, Deputy City Manager of Community
Services
Kate Eppler, Deputy Director of Community Services -
Library
Subject:
Appropriate $400,000 in Environmental and Community
Investment Agreement Funds to Support the Purchase of
an Electric Bookmobile
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The total estimated cost related to the electric bookmobile project is $682,638. The purchase of the
bookmobile is $624,638, and the cost of installing
appropriate charging capacity in the bookmobile garage
is estimated at $58,000. The project is funded in part by a $250,000 grant from the California State Library
(10545055 400705 24G09), and $70,000 from the Library
Impact Fees (21741055 400705 24G09). Staff is
requesting an appropriation of up to $400,000 from the
ECIA Transportation Fund to cover the remaining cost of this project ($362,638 to cover the balance of the
estimated project cost and $37,362 as contingency -
11785051 400201 2A109).
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
June 7, 2022
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
In accordance with the City’s zero emissions goals, the Library plans to leverage a grant from the California State Library to purchase an all-electric bookmobile to provide mobile library service in Richmond. The total cost of the new vehicle, as well as charging capacity to support the vehicle, will require supplemental funding from the
AGENDA
REPORT
February 6, 2024
Environmental and Community Investment Agreement
(ECIA).
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
ADOPT a resolution to appropriate $400,000 in
Environmental and Community Investment Agreement
Funds from the transportation category for construction of an electric bookmobile and installation of associated
charging equipment – Community Services Department
(Kate Eppler 510-620-5452/LaShonda White 510-620-
6828).
DISCUSSION:
On June 7, 2022, the City approved a resolution to accept and appropriate a $250,000 grant from the California State Library for purchase of a new bookmobile for Richmond Public Library (Resolution 74-22). The Library’s existing bookmobile, which has been in service since 1993, no longer meets state emissions standards and is inoperable. The project is additionally funded by $70,000 in grant matching funds from Library impact fees. Library staff would like to purchase an all-electric bookmobile.
The City of Richmond, through its Climate Action Plan and various council actions, has indicated its support for lowering greenhouse gas emissions and green innovation. The all-electric bookmobile will support these goals by enabling mobile library services with zero tailpipe emissions and providing a model for the various uses of electric vehicles.
The electric bookmobile will have a range of 150-miles on a full charge and an 8- year/150,000 mile warranty.
Working with a consultant from Specialty Vehicle Services, the Library developed specifications for an electric bookmobile. Through an approved procurement process, the Library, in collaboration with Public Works Fleet Division, will select a vendor that is best suited to deliver the bookmobile that will effectively serve Library and community needs. The plan is to select a vendor by early March 2024, and bring a contract to Council for approval in April 2024. The estimated completion time for the bookmobile is 24 months; with a plan to deliver the vehicle by March 31, 2026. The estimated cost of the electric bookmobile is $624,638.
The bookmobile garage is currently located at 330 25th Street and is in need of improvements to allow for appropriate charging of the electric bookmobile. A dedicated charging station for the vehicle will require installation of a 30KW charger and a transformer to provide the necessary voltage. The estimated cost to install necessary charging equipment is estimated at $58,000. Library staff has worked closely with Public Works on this project and will continue to do so. Costs for these upgrades are included in this ECIA funding request.
February 6, 2024
The total estimated cost for the entire project is $682,638 ($624,638 for the bookmobile and $58,000 for charging equipment). A total of $320,000 is available through the State Library grant and library impact fees, which leaves a significant gap for the purchase of the vehicle. If approved, the requested appropriation of $400,000 from the Environmental and Community Investment Agreement (ECIA) will cover the project cap and allow for a project contingency as the costs provided are estimates. There is sufficient funding available in the transportation category of ECIA fund to cover this request, and any unspent funds will remain with the ECIA fund.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 –Resolution to Appropriate $400,000 in ECIA Funds to Support Purchase of an Electric Bookmobile
Attachment 2 – Original Grant Agreement
Attachment 3 – Amended Grant Agreement (time only)