May 7, 2024
Library and Community Services
DATE: May 7, 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
Christopher Larsen, Library Services Manager
Subject: Approve a Contract for Construction of an Electric Bookmobile for Richmond Public Library
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Construction costs of $609,418 will be funded by a $250,000 grant from the California State Library
(10545055 400705 24G09), $70,000 from the Library
Impact Fee fund (21741055 400705 24G09), and not to
exceed $400,000 from the Environmental and
Community Investment Act Transportation fund
(11785051 400705 24G09). There is no impact to the
general fund.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
February 6, 2024
June 7, 2022
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
In accordance with the City’s zero emissions goals, the Library has arranged for the construction and purchase of an all-electric bookmobile to provide mobile library
service in Richmond.
AGENDA
REPORT
May 7, 2024
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
APPROVE a contract with Farber Specialty Vehicles in
the amount of $609,418 for construction and delivery of a new all-electric Bookmobile for Richmond Public Library, with a term beginning May 8, 2024, and ending May 8,
2027; and AUTHORIZE the Deputy City Manager of
Community Services - Library to approve contingencies
not to exceed five percent of the total contract –
Community Services Department (LaShonda White 510-
620-6828/Kate Eppler 510-620-5452/Christopher Larsen
510-620-5524).
DISCUSSION:
On June 7, 2022, the City Council 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.
The City of Richmond, through its Climate Action Plan and various City Council actions, has indicated its support for lowering greenhouse gas emissions and green innovation.
An all-electric bookmobile supports these goals by enabling mobile library services with zero tailpipe emissions and providing a model for the various uses of electric vehicles.
On February 6, 2024, City Council approved the appropriation of up to $400,000 in Environmental and Community Investment Act transportation funding to support the purchase of an all-electric bookmobile (Resolution 7-24).
Working with a consultant from Specialty Vehicle Services, the Library developed a set of desired vehicle specifications and issued a Request for Proposals. Five vendors responded and their proposals were evaluated on previous library experience, adherence to the desired vehicle specifications, price, and delivery date. A review panel determined the proposal from Farber Specialty Vehicles, a well-known manufacturer of library outreach vehicles, met most of the library’s needs while also providing timely delivery of the new bookmobile. The new bookmobile will have a range of 150 miles on a full charge, two doors for patron access, and flexible modular shelving. We anticipate delivery on or before March 31, 2026.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Contract
Attachment 2 – Request for Proposals (RFP)
Attachment 3 – RFP Review Scores