Submitted by: Allison Swift
Submitting Department: Police Department
Agenda Section: Action
Item Title:
title
Purchase of 12 Police Vehicles
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Suggested Action:
recommendation
I move that Mayor and Council authorize the Police Department to purchase of six (6) additional vehicles from Apple Ford augmenting the six (6) authorized in FY22 by motion # HCC-305-FY22, for a total of twelve (12) vehicles and authorize an expenditure not to exceed $518,759.00 of American Rescue Plan Act Funds. The Treasurer is authorized to make the required modification to the budget to facilitate this purchase.
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Summary Background:
The Hyattsville Police Department periodically must replace vehicles due to wear and tear they receive over many years of use. There are several vehicles that are more than 7 years old and are requiring more frequent and expensive maintenance. The twelve (12) new vehicles will replace high-mileage, high-maintenance vehicles. Six of these vehicles were authorized for purchase in FY22, but have been delayed due to supply chain issues.
Additional Information:
At the beginning of 2020, the police department completed an assessment of the fleet. Staff determined that, at that time, seven vehicles needed to come out of service due to the frequency of reoccurring mechanical issues and excessive mileage. Additionally, another four vehicles would need to come out of service the following year, in 2021.
Unfortunately, due to the COVID crisis, on March 8, 2020, Maryland’s Governor mandated all non-essential businesses closed until July 1, 2020. The dealership explained that the Covid pandemic was causing shipment delays and that getting the vehicles would take 10 to twelve months.
The City Administrator and Treasurer allocated for the purchase of twelve new police vehicles(six each FY) in FY 22& 23, and signed an Intent to Purchase with Apple Ford in Columbia, MD, since they held the state contract and they would not get another shipment for over 18 to 24 mos. We were informed last month that the vehicles were ready. The vehicles are now ready to be delivered.
To ensure the continuity of services and the safety of our officers, staff is asking that we honor our purchase commitment for the twelve vehicles previously ordered and order electric vehicles when available. If the city does not move forward with this purchase, we will be unable to safely operate some of our existing vehicles or accommodate new officers.
The city has issued the Purchase Order for the vehicles to Apple Ford. If we do not take ownership of the vehicles previously ordered, we will have to wait until 2025 to receive hybrid and possibly electric vehicles (TBD)and have them upfitted and placed in service.
Moving forward, staff plans to order all-electric vehicles when practicable and available.
Next Steps:
Issue purchase order and proceed with the purchase of vehicles.
Fiscal Impact:
Not to exceed $518,759.00
City Administrator Comments:
Recommend approval.
Community Engagement:
N/A
Strategic Goals:
Goal 3 - Promote a Safe and Vibrant Community
Legal Review Required?
N/A