Title
Resolution to Approve the Purchase of Two Four Wheel Drive Heavy Duty One Ton Cab and Chassis Trucks from Signature Ford (Macomb County Bid $66,724.00)
Memorandum
The attached resolution authorizes the purchase of two 2008 Ford F-450 four wheel drive heavy duty cab and chassis trucks for a total amount of $66,724.00 ($33,362.00 each) from Signature Ford, Perry, Michigan.
These vehicles were part of an agenda item from the February 19, 2008, City Council meeting and removed from the resolution (R-08-0087) prior to its approval. There were questions on the maintenance history of these vehicles and the reasons behind the recommendation for replacement. These two vehicles are being recommended for replacement because of their mechanical condition and the fact they don't meet the current operational needs of the Field Operations Unit.
Mechanical Condition
These vehicles are part of the Field Operations Unit and are used in its daily Utility Field operations. Prior to the opening of the Wheeler Service Center, Utility Field vehicles were not maintained by Fleet services. The service history for each vehicle, date and work performed, was available from Field through mid-2007, but does not include actual maintenance costs. The Fleet service work history takes over in mid-2007. Both service histories are attached for your review.
The results of our evaluation and the Fleet mechanic's inspections are as follows:
Truck number 2503 has been in service 8 years with 18,400 miles of operation. Mechanically this truck needs a new dump body and hoist. The need for a new dump body and hoist is not driven by aesthetic needs but by the structural and operational hazards the current body and hoist pose. These repairs come to an estimated cost of $9,050.00.
Truck number 2504 has been in service 8 years with 19,900 miles of operation. Mechanically this truck needs front and rear brakes, wheel bearings, and a complete new dump body. It has the potential to need replacement of a battery and hoist. These repairs come to an estimated cost of $11,200.00.
Operational Issues
Trucks 2503 and 2504 have both experienced problems with acceleration and braking. Often the extra weight of pulling an air compressor makes it difficult for the operators to stop the vehicle in a safe manner. Taking this into consideration, we are upgrading these trucks to 16,000 GVW chassis with a more powerful diesel engine. The engine should eliminate any acceleration issues and the higher GVW rating will solve the braking problems. Once the cab and chassis unit is received, a dump body and snow plow will be added for an estimated cost of $11,000.00 per unit bringing the total cost of each truck to $44,362.00.
The current vehicles are no longer able to perform their current functions. In the event the requested vehicles with higher GVW ratings are not purchased, the shortage of suitable vehicles will result in duplicate deployment of staff and vehicles to perform certain construction maintenance work.
Trucks 2503 and 2504 were originally purchased when our organization was structured very differently. Since the re-organization and job design changes, staff are multi-disciplined and the equipment needs to be multi-disciplined to match the different work tasks within the Unit. When these trucks were purchased they were the highest GVW for this type of vehicle produced by the manufacturer in 2000. Since then the manufacturer has increased the GVW and the newer truck can handle heavier equipment and tools.
The Green Fleet Committee has reviewed and recommended this purchase per the goals and guidelines of the City's Green Fleet Policy to reduce the amount of fuel used and to pay a premium for "greener" vehicles if necessary.
Signature Ford received Human Rights approval on January 29, 2008.
Staff
Prepared by: Matthew J. Kulhanek, Fleet & Facilities Manager
Reviewed by: Sue F. McCormick, Public Services Administrator
Approved by: Roger W. Fraser, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The Fleet and Facilities Unit needs to purchase replacement vehicles for the City's fleet;
Whereas, Competitive bids were received by the State of Michigan, Oakland County, and Macomb County's Cooperative Bid programs;
Whereas, Signature Ford, Perry, MI, is the lowest responsive bidder to Macomb County; and
Whereas, Signature Ford received Human Rights approval on January 29, 2008;
RESOLVED, That City Council approve the purchase order to Signature Ford in the amount of $66,724.00 for the purchase of two 2008 Ford F-450 Four Wheel Drive Cab and Chassis from the 2008 Sanitary Sewer Operating budget ($66,724.00);
RESOLVED, That the vehicles being replaced (nos 2503 and 2504) be sold at the next City vehicle auction; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator is authorized to take the necessary actions to implement this resolution.