Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout110723-06.3 ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF REPORT 6.3 TO: Mayor and Town Council November 7, 2023 SUBJECT: Resolution No. 77-2023 appropriating funds and authorizing the purchase of two vehicles to replace two existing vehicles that have reached the end of their useful life in the Police Department’s Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Program. BACKGROUND The Town has two 2014 Ford Focus Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) used for the Abandoned Vehicle Abatement program. The vehicles are driven by non-sworn personnel responsible for abating abandoned vehicles in the Town. When new, the current BEVs had a range of approximately. Over 10 years and 45,000 miles of use, both vehicles now operate on a reduced range of 50-55 miles between charging. One of the current BEVs has required a battery replacement that was covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Since 2020, the Police Department has found it increasingly challenging to purchase new patrol vehicles. Supply chain shortages during the pandemic have required the Police Department to use patrol vehicles well beyond their serviceable life. This is a situation being faced by all police departments nationwide. At times, the Police Department fleet has been reduced from 14 in-service vehicles to as few as six vehicles due to the patrol vehicles needing extensive maintenance. Non-sworn personnel (Police Assistants) assigned to do Vehicle Abatement duties are often required to drive well beyond the range for the current Vehicle Abatement Vehicles, tow light-duty trailers, and carry large and oversized property from the field to various property storage locations. The current vehicles are no longer suited to complete these daily tasks, requiring staff to frequently borrow other fleet vehicles, exacerbating the current fleet shortage. DISCUSSION Ford and Chevrolet, the manufacturers of Danville's current patrol vehicles, have not provided a specification sheet for their current patrol car models. Consequently, the replacement patrol vehicle authorized for purchase in July 2023 remains unavailable for order or production, with no timeline available for when the Town PD AVAP Vehicle Purchase 2 November 7, 2023 can expect to receive replacement vehicles. The two most recent vehicles ordered from Ford required in excess of 18 months for delivery. This ongoing availability issue has made fleet management increasingly challenging. Considering these limitations, the most advantageous approach moving forward will be to purchase vehicles that offer the greatest utility. New non-patrol vehicles (i.e., administration vehicles, such as those used for investigations and vehicle abatement) should be capable of serving as patrol vehicles when necessary. Law enforcement agencies nationwide are increasingly shifting to BEVs. Among the options available the Tesla Model Y is a strong choice, with several police departments having incorporated this BEV option into their patrol fleets. In Northern California, Fremont PD and Folsom PD have done so. The South Pasadena PD is in the process of transitioning its entire Police Patrol fleet to the Tesla Model Y. The long-range version of the Model Y has a range of up to 330 miles with a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds making it suitable for vehicle abatement and various police purposes including patrol duties if needed. Because it is available directly from the manufacturer, purchase of the Tesla Model Y can be made through a streamlined procurement process simplifies the acquisition of the vehicle. The police vehicle upfitter utilized by the Town has previously modified Tesla Model Y vehicles for police use in the Bay Area. The cost to purchase ($55,000) and outfit ($15,000) each Tesla Model Y is $70,000. The total cost to acquire and equip two vehicles for the Vehicle Abatement program is $140,000. PUBLIC CONTACT Posting of the meeting agenda serves as notice to the general public. FISCAL IMPACT The $140,000 cost to purchase and equip two vehicles is available from the Town’s Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Fund. RECOMMENDATION Adopt Resolution No. 77-2023, appropriating funds and authorizing the purchase of two vehicles to replace two existing vehicles that have reached the end of their useful life in the Police Department’s Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Program. Prepared and reviewed by: PD AVAP Vehicle Purchase 3 November 7, 2023 Allan Shields Police Chief Attachments: A - Resolution No. 77-2023 RESOLUTION NO. 77-2023 APPROPRIATING FUNDS AND AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF TWO VEHICLES TO REPLACE TWO EXISTING VEHICLES THAT HAVE REACHED THE END OF THEIR USEFUL LIFE IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT’S ABANDONED VEHICLE ABATEMENT PROGRAM WHEREAS, the Town of Danville utilizes various types of vehicles to meet the service needs of the Town and accomplish the mission of the Police Department with two Battery Electric Vehicles that are over ten years old and have substandard ranges and capabilities; and WHEREAS, the Police Department has had a challenging time purchasing police patrol vehicles over the past three years, leaving the primary police fleet without an adequate number of vehicles; and WHEREAS, the Tesla Model Y is the favored choice for law enforcement agencies nationwide, serving as both the most popular Battery Electric Vehicle for police patrol and a reliable backup option for the primary patrol fleet in case of degradation; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Danville Town Council hereby appropriates $140,000 to purchase two new vehicles for the Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Team using funds from the Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Program fund; and, be it further RESOLVED that the Danville Town Council hereby authorizes the Town Manager to execute a contract to purchase two vehicles for the Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Team. APPROVED by the Danville Town Council at a regular meeting on November 7, 2023, by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSTAINED: ABSENT: ______________________________ MAYOR APPROVED AS TO FORM: ATTEST: _______________________________ ______________________________ CITY ATTORNEY CITY CLERK DocuSign Envelope ID: FE472633-4BB0-4856-9424-3DED6392B932