TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to approve, on an as-needed basis, agreements for the short-term receipt of demonstration or evaluation test vehicles and equipment, especially new and innovative alternative fueled and advanced technology vehicles, whose value shall not exceed $95,000. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The automotive and truck industry is rapidly developing new and innovative alternative fueled and advanced technology vehicles and equipment for use by the general public and fleet markets. As a Top Green Municipal Fleet, the City of Long Beach, Fleet Services Bureau (FSB) is continuously researching and looking to test these vehicles and equipment for future implementation into the City’s fleet. In order to take advantage of demonstration opportunities available and evaluate vehicles and equipment from manufacturers, we request the City Manager be authorized to approve the agreements necessary to obtain the test vehicles and equipment for short-term demonstrations. These test vehicles are typically in high demand and only available on a quick turnaround basis. The City may be required to insure the vehicles and equipment that we use. In the past, the market value of the demonstration equipment has ranged from $10,000 through $450,000. All demonstration requests for any vehicle and equipment exceeding a value of $95,000 shall be submitted to City Council for separate review and approval.
For several years, vehicle manufacturers such as Honda, Mitsubishi and Ford have offered prototype alternative fueled and advance technology vehicles to the FSB. The City would benefit in learning the capabilities and limitations of proposed vehicle and equipment models that are becoming available, and provide feedback to the manufacturer regarding how the test vehicles or equipment can better accommodate municipal operational needs.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson on August 30, 2011 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on August 29, 2011.
SUSTAINABILITY
The use of alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles is one way for the City of Long Beach to reduce its carbon footprint. Alternative fuels release fewer oxides of nitrogen and particulate matter; and electric vehicles do not emit any greenhouse gases. Testing of these vehicles will help determine whether we can use them for regular operations as part of the City’s overall efforts to meet the goals of Assembly Bill 32.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this matter is requested on September 20, 2011 to authorize the City Manager to enter into agreements with vehicle manufacturers for the purpose of field-testing alternative fueled and advanced technology vehicles and equipment to ensure that no potential demonstration opportunities are missed.
FISCAL IMPACT
Vehicle manufacturers typically will be responsible for maintenance and repairs to the vehicle during the test period. The user department incurs fuel costs. The estimated term of the vehicle evaluation period is one to three months. There is no impact to the General Fund or local jobs as part of this testing process.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
MICHAEL P. CONWAY
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER