TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute a design-build contract with General Physics Corporation for the design and construction of an Alternative Refueling Station in an estimated amount of $1,000,000, and execute all necessary documents related to the contract. (District 5)
DISCUSSION
In 2001, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) adopted strict rules
designed to reduce pollution from heavy-duty diesel vehicles. Government fleet operators
adding or replacing equipment are now prohibited from purchasing vehicles that operate
using diesel. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) has been chosen by the City to replace diesel
vehicles and it is expected to be the dominant alternative for the next 15 to 20 years. The
City began replacing diesel vehicles with LNG vehicles in 2003 and currently operates
approximately 60 LNG refuse trucks and street sweepers. These vehicles utilize a
temporary LNG refueling station located at the Fleet Services facility on Temple Avenue for
refueling purposes. The City will soon outgrow the temporary station and requires a
permanent station to keep pace with the growing demand for LNG. By 201 1, the City is
projected to have in operation over 100 LNG vehicles consuming an estimated 5,000
gallons of LNG per day. In addition to the City's fleet of natural gas vehicles (NGV), the
City would like to encourage other local agencies and fleet operators to utilize the refueling
station as a means of helping to reduce mobile source emissions in the south coast air
basin.
The proposed project is to construct a LNG refueling station consisting of one 15,000-
gallon above ground LNG bulk storage vessel and one dispenser with two self serve
nozzles. The new station will replace the temporary LNG fueling station. When the existing
leased fueling station was constructed, it was considered a permitted use under the zoning
for the property. The proposed LNG fueling station has also been determined to be a
permitted use, provided the parking spaces that are displaced are replaced elsewhere on
the site. Based on this, and in conformance with'the California Environmental Quality Act,
a Categorical Exemption was issued for this project.
Prior to construction, all plans will require approval from the City's Fire Marshall and will
need to meet all applicable state and local codes. Upon completion, the LNG fueling
station will be operated and maintained by the Department of Public Works.
This matter was reviewed by Senior Deputy City Attorney Donna F. Gwin on June 2,2005,
and Budget Management Officer David Wodynski on June 13, 2005.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this matter is requested on June 21, 2005, to authorize
commencement of this Public Works project. Construction is anticipated to begin in July
2005 and should take approximately six months to complete.
FISCAL IMPACT
The contract award is for an estimated amount of $1,000,000. Sufficient funds of
$1,000,000 are budgeted in the Fleet Services Fund (IS 386) in the Department of Public
Works (PW). The funding sources are AB 2766 grant funds, AQMD grant funds and the
Fleet Services Fund.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
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Respectfully Submitted,
[Respectfully Submitted,]