HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.07 RFP 3 City Trucks CITY CLERK
File # 350-20
AGENDA STATEMENT
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: February 4, 2003
SUBJECT: Request for Authorization to Distribute a Request for Proposals for
The Purchase of Three City Tracks
Report Prepared by: Lee S. Thompson, Public ~Vorks Director
ATTACHMENTS: Report on Alternative Fuel Track vs. Gasoline-Powered Track
RECOMMENDATION: Authorize Staff to distribute the Request for Proposals to
~ qualified dealers for the purchase of three City tracks
FINANCIAL STATEMENT: A total of $75,000 has been budgeted for the purchase of three City
Tracks in Fiscal Year 2002-2003 ($50,000 in the Internal Service
Fund and $25,000 in the Engineering Operating Fund). The Internal
Service Fund will fund the replacement of the two existing tracks
this fiscal year. The additional track will be purchased from the
Engineering Operating Fund and will replace the rental track for the
third City Inspector.
DESCRIPTION: For Fiscal Year 2002-2003, the City is currently operating two City-
owned trucks and one rental track for three Public Works inspectors. The two City-owned tracks have
been in service for the past 7 years and are scheduled for replacement. These tracks serve the City's
Public Works Inspectors for private development and Capital Project inspection and transportation for
City-related work.
It is proposed to purchase 4-wheel drive vehicles due to the need to perform inspections on large grading
operations in rough terrain and sometimes muddy conditions. It is also proposed to purchase the extended
cab version of the trucks to accommodate multiple sets of large improvements plans in the cab that need
to be kept out of the weather.
The Request for Proposal (Attachment 1) specifies a Ford 150, Toyota Tundra, or Chevrolet Silverado.
Staff has investigated alternative fuel vehicles and found that Ford is the only manufacturer and only a
few dealers in the East Bay are qualified to sell and service the alternative fuel trucks. Furthermore, Ford
does not currently make an Extended Cab 4X4 model using only compressed natural gas (CNG), but does
make a track that meets the City's needs that uses Bi-Fuel (gasoline/natural gas). The Bi-Fuel track bums
gasoline and natural gas at the same time, and the vehicle must be fueled with both fuels in order to mn
the track. Use o£this fuel for the trucks would require either an on-site fueling station or possibly a
contract with Alameda County.
COPIES TO:
ITEM NO. ~
G:WIISCPROJ\Trucks 2002-03\agst City Trucks.doc / ~,~':' ~.~
Alternative fuel trucks are relatively new to the market with little track record for proven reliability.
The demand for alternative fuel trucks versus conventional trucks is still very low. At this point, more
research and testing have been done on alternative fuel passenger cars than on trucks. The few cities
which have purchased CNG only vehicles have done so to take advantage of the funding incentives and
fuel efficiency. However, these cities do not have Dublin's need for heavy off-road use required in the
unpaved areas of eastern Dublin.
Due to the fueling problems, as well as the difference in price (estimated to be 27% more for Bi-Fuel than
for regular trucks), and the cost of specialized ongoing maintenance, Staff does not feel that purchasing
alternative fuel vehicles is advisable at this time. In keeping with the City's effort to purchase equipment
that is environmentally friendly, Staff will continue to evaluate performance and maintenance history for
this type of truck for future purchases.
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize Staff to distribute the Request for Proposals to qualified
dealers for the purchase of three City trucks.
Alternative Fuel Truck vs. Regular Truck
Alternative Fuel Truck
There are three kinds of trucks (options) currently available in the market. At the present
time only FORD manufacture these trucks, but other manufactures are presently working
on the alternative fuel vehicles for sale in the near future.
Option 1: Electric Ranger
Highlights:
- ZEV Certified (Zero Emission Vehicle)
- Regular Cab
- Two Wheel Drive (4x2)
This is a great vehicle for lightweight use
Option 2: F-Series Light Duty Dedicated Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV)
Highlights:
- SULEV Certified (Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle)
- Regular Cab
- Two Wheel Drive (4x2)
This is a good vehicle for regular on-street use with limited power demanding jobs.
Option 3: F-Series Light Duty Bi-Fuel NGV (compared Natural Gas and Gasoline)
Highlights:
- ULEV Certified (Ultra Low Emission Vehicle)
- Regular and Super Cab
- Four Wheel Drive (4x4)
This is a great vehicle for our needs, which fulfill our requirements. The disadvantages
to this kind of truck are the purchase price and the cost for setting up a fuel tank on site.
It is estimated that the cost of installing a compress Natural Gas Station is $70,000 to
$80,000. The alternative would be to enter into a contract with Alameda County for
re-fueling at the County's Maintenance Yard in Eastern Dublin.
Regular Fuel Truck
This option opens up several models and manufactures to choose from. Consumers
Report and other independent reviews have recommended Ford 150, Toyota Tundra and
Chevrolet Silverado for the use the City is intending.
Highlights:
Regular and Super Cab
Four Wheel Drive (4x4)
Alternative Fuel Trucks Vs. Regular Trucks
Alternative Fuel Trucks
Manufacture Model BodyStyle Power Drive Wheels Driving Range Fuel Type CARB
HP (Mile) Certified
Ford Electric Ranger Regular Cab 90 2 Wheel Drive 75 Electricity ZEV
Ford F-Series CNG Regular Cab 230 2 Wheel Drive 350 Natural Gas SULEV
Ford F-Series Bi-Fuel Super Cab 260 4 Wheel Drive 370 Natural Gas/Gasoline ULEV
Regular Trucks
Manufacture Model Body Style Power Drive Wheels Driving Range Fuel Type CARB
HP (Mile) Certified
Ford F-150 Super Cab 260 4 Wheel Drive 14 mpg Gasoline Certified
Chevrolet Silverado Super Cab 270 4 Wheel Drive 15 mpg Gasoline Certified
Toyota Tundra Super Cab 245 4 Wheel Drive 15 mpg Gasoline Certified
CARB- California Air Resources Board
ZEV- Zero Emission Vehicles
ULEV- Ultra Low Emission Vehicles
SULEV- Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicles