City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 FROM: FIRE DEPARTMENT WARDS: ALL
SUBJECT: DONATION OF SURPLUS FIRE EQUIPMENT TO RIVERSIDE SISTER CITY ENSENADA, MEXICO ISSUE:
Donation of surplus fire equipment to Riverside Sister City Ensenada, Mexico.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council authorize the donation of surplus fire equipment to the City of Ensenada Fire Department.
BACKGROUND:
Ensenada, a port city of 460,000 in Baja, Mexico, became Riverside's third Sister City on March 9, 1976. It is an important fishing and commercial hub, home to four universities, produces 90 percent of Mexico's wines, and is one of Mexico's most important tourist destinations.
Ensenada's relationship with Riverside is characterized by arts and cultural exchanges as well as public safety exchanges. Riverside frequently donates decommissioned fire and police equipment to the police and fire departments of Ensenada.
DISCUSSION:
The Riverside Fire Department has identified a number of surplus fire vehicles and equipment that have recently been removed from service following the retirement of various apparatus. Although these vehicles and equipment have exceeded their intended service life for the City of Riverside, they remain functional and can provide significant value to the Ensenada Fire Department, our designated Sister City in Mexico.
The City of Ensenada has expressed a critical need for fire vehicles and equipment to support its emergency response operations. Donating these surplus assets aligns with the City of Riverside’s commitment to fostering strong international partnerships and promoting public safety beyond our borders. The Ensenada Fire Department will be responsible for coordinating and funding all transportation and logistical arrangements necessary to transfer the vehicles and equipment to Mexico.
Pursuant to City Council Resolution No. 24101, which governs the disposal of surplus City property, Council approval is required to authorize the donation of equipment or vehicles of value. Approval of this action will allow the City to responsibly repurpose surplus resources while strengthening the important Sister City relationship with Ensenada.
See Attachment A for a full list of equipment to be donated. Vehicles to be donated include:
Body Type
Asset Number
Make / Model
Year
MILES
VIN
Type 3 Brush Engine
E292
International 4900
1995
37,908
1HTSDADR2SH644487
Rescue Squad
E326
Ford F450
2004
133,916
1FDXW46P13EB91178
Rescue Squad
E350
Ford F550
2006
133,771
1FDAW56P27EA01812
Utility
Vehicle
C843
Ford F150
2002
117,694
1FTRX17L12NB19089
Utility
Vehicle
C954
Chevrolet Tahoe
2005
185,016
1GNEK13V55R232309
Command Vehicle
C1040
Chevrolet Suburban
2007
144,401
3GNGC26K77G136309
Body Type
Asset Number
Original Purchase Price
Lifetime Maintenance Cost
Estimated Value*
Type 3 Brush Engine
E292
$143,526.00
$200,456.35
$4,500 - $6,000
Rescue Squad
E326
$102,187.57
$224,977.34
$4,000 - $6,000
Rescue Squad
E350
$112,317.98
$222,894.80
$5,000 - $7,000
Utility
Vehicle
C843
$23,310.04
$30,551.17
$5,000 - $7,000
Utility
Vehicle
C954
$32,846.51
$41,153.73
$6,000 - $8,000
Command Vehicle
C1040
$75,743.38
$81,398.49
$9,000 - $10,000
* Based on similar equipment recently sold on GovDeals.com Purchasing Resolution No. 24101, Section 1202, Transfer, states that, “Before disposing of surplus Goods, including unclaimed property delivered to the Manager by the Police Department, the Manager shall first canvass all other Using Agencies to assure that the surplus Goods cannot be used by another Using Agency. If another Using Agency expresses a desire to use the Goods or hold them for potential future use, the Manager shall assist in transferring the Goods to that Using Agency.” The Purchasing Manager concurs that the donation of property as submitted is in compliance with Purchasing Resolution No. 24101, Section 1202.
The General Services Director concurs with this report.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total fiscal impact related to the estimated values of the donated equipment is approximately $38,750, based on valuations of similar equipment on Govdeals.com website.
Prepared by: Brian Guzzetta, Deputy Fire Chief
Approved by: Steve McKinster, Fire Chief
Certified as to
availability of funds: Kristie Thomas, Finance Director/ Assistant Chief Financial Officer Approved by: Mike Futrell, City Manager Approved as to form: Rebecca McKee-Reimbold, Interim City Attorney Attachment A – Equipment Inventory
Donation of Surplus Equipment ● Page 2