HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Replacement of Fire Engine 2 RESOLUTION NO.09-517
RESOLUTION WAIVING PURCHASING POLICIES AND
AUTHORIZING BIDS FOR REPLACEMENT OF FIRE ENGINE 2
FOR THE CITY OF AMES
WHEREAS, the Fire Department utilizes two front-line apparatus (Engines 1 and 2) for structural
firefighting; and,
WHEREAS,under long-standing City practice,fire apparatus are used as front line emergency response
vehicles for 15 years,and after that time, some are chosen to be refurbished and utilized as reserve units; and,
WHEREAS,the 15-year replacement cycle is longer than some other fire departments,but it has proven
to be satisfactory in Ames due to the excellent maintenance program by Fleet Services and Fire Department
personnel; and,
WHEREAS, the City's current CIP shows Engine 2 being replaced on its 151h year of use in fiscal year
2010/11,and the new engine is estimated to cost approximately$550,000; and,
WHEREAS,in preparation for the upcoming budget,staff contacted two fire apparatus vendors to obtain
an updated estimate for replacement of this apparatus, and further inquired as to how the manufacturers were
planning to address the federal government's new 2010 diesel emissions standards,which were adopted to reduce
emissions from diesel engines; and,
WHEREAS,both manufacturers expressed concerns about the fire apparatus and the new diesel emission
standards; and,
WHEREAS, the 2010 standards will cause a substantial increase in costs (estimated at $30,000 per
apparatus),which is to be expected with the greater emissions control,and there is also significant concern regarding
the effect of the new engine modifications on the reliability of emergency response vehicles; and,
WHEREAS,the planned timing to replace Engine 2 falls during a time when brand new emissions control
technology is being brought to market, and since fire apparatus are retained for so many years, it would seem
prudent to avoid purchasing a new technology that could still be problematic; and,
WHEREAS,in addressing this situation,one option is to accelerate the bidding process prior to the end of
calendar year 2009 in order to explore whether an engine can be ordered with the pre-2010 emissions system.
NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Ames,Iowa,that waiver of
the City's purchasing policies is hereby approved,and staff is authorized to seek bids for replacement of Engine 2
with a 2009 apparatus that does not meet the 2010 diesel emissions standards.
ADOPTED THIS 27'day of October,2009.
Diane R. Voss, City Clerk Ann H. Campbell, Mayor
Introduced by: Goodman
Seconded by: Mahayni
Voting aye: Doll,Goodman,Larson,Mahayni,Popken,Rice
Voting nay: None Absent: None
Resolution declared adopted and signed by the Mayor this 27`h day of October,2009.