HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated January 14, 2025ITEM #:11
DATE:01-14-25
DEPT:FLEET
SUBJECT:PURCHASE OF TWO FORD HYBRID POLICE INTERCEPTORS FOR
POLICE PATROL
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
Over the past several years, the City has increased the proportion of hybrid vehicles in the Police
Patrol vehicle fleet. The hybrid Ford Police Interceptors have a marginally increased purchase
price compared to standard gasoline-only version of the vehicle, but consume substantially less
fuel and require less frequent oil changes and brake services. The hybrids, therefore, have a lower
life-cycle cost to operate and better align with the City's climate goals in reducing greenhouse gas
emissions.
Unfortunately, in the past several years, supply chain constraints have resulted in a severe shortage of
the number of these new vehicles being produced, especially hybrid Police Interceptor models.
Recently, the City had to order non-hybrid Police vehicles and extend the operating life of several
vehicles to ensure that there were enough operational vehicles for the department.
Police vehicles operate in challenging conditions and are typically rotated out of service after only a
few years of operation because of the accelerated wear and tear use. Due to the age and condition of the
current Police fleet, staff determined that new vehicles were needed immediately to prevent operational
issues from occurring.
Staff contacted Stiver's Ford, as that dealership has the bid for the State of Iowa contract. Stiver's
confirmed that it has two hybrid units on the lot that would be available for purchase at the State
of Iowa contract price plus additional inventory costs (a total of $94,638 for the two units). These
two units will allow the City to maintain the Police fleet in an acceptable matter until normal bidding
can take place this spring.
Approving this purchase will require a waiver of the City's Purchasing Policies and Procedures
requirement for competitive bids. Funding is available in the patrol vehicle escrow in the amount
of $406,000. This funding is also used for the upfitting of the vehicles with lights, radio and
accessories. With hybrid patrol vehicles becoming available again, staff anticipates returning to a
standard bidding process as per Purchasing policies starting this spring.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Waive the Purchasing Policies and Procedures requirement for competitive bids and award a
contract to Stiver's Ford, of Waukee, IA for two Ford Hybrid Police Interceptors in the amount of
$94,638.
2. Do not approve the purchase.
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CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Approving this contract to obtain two Ford Hybrid Police Interceptors will allow the patrol units
to be delivered in the most immediate manner. Staff anticipates returning to a typical competitive
bidding process this spring to purchase future Police vehicles. The purchase of these two hybrid
vehicles will allow the City to continue its quest to meet the Council's Climate Action Plan goals.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1
as described above.
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