HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/21/2002, C9 - FLEET UPGRADE Mcclin D.
council5-21-02
j acEnda izEpoat CM9Nunilorz
C I TY OF SAN L U IS 0 B I S P 0
FROM: Robert F. Neumann,Fire Chief
Prepared By: Viv R. Dilts,Management Assistant&Bill Dugger,Apparatus Mechanic
SUBJECT: FLEET UPGRADE
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Approve upgrade to the fleet by replacing current Fire Department sedans with used Ford Explorers.
DISCUSSION
The 2001-03 Financial Plan includes funding to replace three general-purpose sedans (L»minas)
at a cost of$51,000. After researching vehicles, staff is recommending replacing these general-
purpose sedans with Ford Explorers.
Why purchase Ford Explorers instead of general-purpose sedans as was requested?
1. History - The Fire Chief's current vehicle is a used Ford Explorer. This vehicle has proven
to be extremely reliable. Discussions with rental care agencies also indicate, other than the
tire problems, this is a reliable vehicle.
2. Standardization — Since the Fire Chief's vehicle is a Ford Explorer, to further standardize the
fleet; Ford Explorers are being asked for to replace the aging Luminas. Other vehicles, such
as the Jeep Cherokee, Dodge Durango, and Chevy Tahoe would not allow the Department
fleet to be standardized and are priced higher than the Ford Explorer.
3. Functional — Fire Department has special requirements for a vehicle, which are far different
from other departments. As police vehicles are unique to police agencies, so are fire vehicles
unique to fire agencies. Ford Explorers are more suitable for our needs than general-purpose
vehicles. Ford Explorers have heavier duty suspension and components that make them safer
in Fire Department applications. Toyota RAV4s are inadequate for these needs.
4. Access—Fire Inspectors get in and out of their vehicles several times during the day. Ease of
entrance and exit is a significant issue. Access to the driver's seat should limit stooping, and
the door size should provide generous access width.
5. Clearance—The vehicle should have the ground clearance and durability necessary to access
both construction sites and emergency firegrounds.
C9-1
Council Agenda Report 'Fleet Upgrade
Page 2
6. Spacious — The interior cargo area is necessary for storing and easily accessing a variety of
equipment and tools used by Inspectors and Firefighters, such'as first aid kits, fire extinguishers,
personal protective clothing (helmet, boots, jumpsuit), and arson investigation equipment
(shovels, flashlights, camera box, evidence containers). Adequate cargo area is also necessary
for the installation of radios, computers and other electronic equipment. The vehicle charging
system must also be adequate for electronic equipment. While the Building Inspectors seem
satisfied with the RAV4, this unit is too small for Fire Department purposes. Toyota RAV4s are
inadequate for these needs. In addition, the Chevy Tahoe, Jeep Cherokee and Dodge Durango
were compared. The Chevy Tahoe and Dodge Durango were priced well above the Ford
Explorer and could not be purchased with existing funds. The Jeep, well known for its cramped
interior and rough ride, ranked 11th out of 11 in comparison with other SUVs. When all the
above vehicles were compared with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration safety
ratings, the Ford Explorer exceeded all others and is the best buy for the funds available.
6. Durability — Over the past few years, individual Fire Department employees have been
requested on"special assignments" through the mutual aid process to report to wildland fires
within the state. Generally, these fires are in wilderness areas where a general-purpose
vehicle, such as a sedan, is impractical. Base camps and the roads leading in and out of them
can be located in fairly rough terrain and/or unimproved areas, making sedans impractical.
Why purchase used instead of new?
1. Fiscal Restraints — Simply put, with $51,000 budgeted, there is not enough funding to
purchase three new Ford Explorers, which cost between $24,000 and $34,000 apiece.
However, it is possible to purchase three used vehicles within our price range.
2. Experience — The Fire Chief's Ford Explorer was purchased used and has mechanically
served the Department quite well.
3. Wear and Tear— After a vehicle has been driven over a period of time and received regular
service maintenance, new vehicle problems and concerns have already been addressed.
It should be noted that staff is recommending purchasing 2-wheel drive vehicles. This purchase
will extend the replacement cycle to 10 years and they will be utility vehicles instead of sedans.
FISCAL IMPACT
Currently, staff has a budget of$51,000 for replacement vehicles. Three previously leased 2-
wheel drive Ford Explorers with low mileage and excellent service history can be purchased for
this amount. These vehicles would be purchased in accordance with Finance Management
Manual, Section 405-K(Buying Used General-Purpose Vehicles).
ALTERNATIVES
To meet our needs, staff researched the replacement of the Fire Fleet Lumina's, with 2wd Ford
F-150 Pick-Ups off of the State contract. The total cost of three Pick-Ups far exceeds the monies
allotted in the replacement fund and would leave a deficit of approx. $20,700.00. C9-2
Electronic File Path: G:ADMN/COUNCIL AGENDA REPORTS/CAR-FLEET UPGRADE l•