The Parks Department utilizes three buses in their department to transport children and adults to different functions in and outside the City to include some out of state travel, the buses are over twelve years old and maintenance and repair costs are very expensive and continue to grow, plus reliability is proving to be a challenge especially when out of state. The buses appearances are showing their age and do not represent the look the City strives for.
The three buses will be sold off at auction with the funds going to the vehicle replacement account 503-00-364410 thus helping to offset the purchase cost of the passenger vans. Parks Department currently has a 15 passenger van and would like to add another van to its fleet to be more cost effective in operations and not be required to have a driver with a commercial driver license. All new vehicles come with a 5 year 60,000 mile roadside assistance with the manufacture should the vehicle ever become disabled.
Back in 2015, Criminal Justice had a Dodge minivan that was stolen and vandalized thus becoming a total loss. The department received a used vehicle when the Marina closed down operations and turned in its City vehicles. Back in late January the vehicle was struck on the side by another vehicle causing enough damage to make the vehicle not cost effective to repair and is now tied up in litigation.
Criminal Justice is requesting a smaller 7 passenger van as they frequently transport clients.
Development Services is currently in a hiring process for field personnel and do not have enough vehicles in its current fleet to fulfill the needs. Community Development has $60,000.00 in funding that they will transfer to the 503-1129-519-0-6451 for the purchase of 1 mid-size SUV and 2 compact SUV’s.
Staff requests that City Council approve the purchase of (2) 15 passenger vans, (2) compact SUV’s, (1) mid-size SUV and (1) 7 passenger minivan from Prestige Ford and Coggin Ford in the amount of $155,428.00 by utilizing the Florida Sheriffs Association Contract number FSA17-VEH25.0 specification #38, #35, #27 and #25. After purchase and receipt of the new vehicles, Public Works plans to sell the turn in vehicle on public auction and fund be put into Vehicle replacement account 503-00-364410.